Dover public meetings in 2022

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of three development applications and a zoning text amendment. It approved the annexation and rezoning of three parcels on West Denneys Road, a warehouse on Commerce Way, a retail store at 293 South Saulsbury Road, and a text amendment to the IPM-2 zone. All votes were 9-0.

• Approved annexation and rezoning of three parcels on West Denneys Road to RM-2 (9-0)
• Approved warehouse site plan on Commerce Way with waiver for partial fence elimination (9-0)
• Approved retail store site plan at 293 South Saulsbury Road (9-0)
• Recommended approval of IPM-2 text amendment to City Council (9-0)

City Council Meetings

The City Council held a special meeting and, after an executive session on personnel matters, unanimously approved the interim reclassification of the Emergency Communications Manager position and directed staff to draft an ordinance for a permanent change. They also unanimously reaffirmed the wage scale subject to budgetary constraints, directing the City Manager to bring proper budgetary numbers under the city purchasing policy. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved interim reclassification of Emergency Communications Manager position (unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft ordinance for permanent reclassification (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed wage scale subject to budgetary constraints (unanimous)
• Directed City Manager to bring budgetary numbers per purchasing policy (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council failed to override Mayor Christiansen's veto of a street design waiver for the Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue development, with the motion defeated 4-3 with one abstention. The council also adopted ordinances establishing a tax increment financing (TIF) framework and updating the city clerk and controller/treasurer appointment procedures. The proposed loitering ordinance was sent back to committee for further review after amendments were made.

• Veto override for Raymond Street/Railroad Avenue waiver defeated (4-3, 1 abstention)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-22 establishing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) framework (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-23 updating Controller/Treasurer appointment (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-24 updating City Clerk duties and records management (unanimous)
• Annexed and rezoned 1107 South Bradford Street to C-2A (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2022-11 awarding Bronze Medal to Daniel Harmon (unanimous)
• Sent loitering ordinance #2022-26 back to Safety Committee (7-1)
• Approved Flock Safety vehicle identification cameras (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of Ordinance #2022-26, which adds a loitering section to city code, for first reading at the December 12, 2022, regular council meeting. The 8-2 roll call vote followed discussion of the ordinance's constitutionality and its potential impact on marginalized communities, with letters from the ACLU and NAACP urging rejection. The committee also recommended approval of the 2023 transportation priorities, continued research on utility services for an annexation request, and approved a grant-funded sole source vendor for Flock Safety cameras. The wage study was discussed as an update, with a motion to continue work and bring another report, and a special meeting with the Controller/Treasurer was approved to address communication issues.

• Approved Ordinance #2022-26 (loitering) for first reading (8-2)
• Approved 2023 Transportation Priorities (unanimous)
• Approved continued research on utility services for West Dennys Road annexation (unanimous)
• Deferred Energy Commodity Risk Management policy review to Dec. 13 (unanimous)
• Approved Flock Safety vehicle identification cameras as sole source vendor (unanimous)
• Approved special meeting with Controller/Treasurer to resolve communication issues (unanimous)
• Approved scheduling executive session to discuss 911 supervisor position (unanimous)
• Approved continuing wage study work and bringing another report (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved a $4,674 change order for a fire truck apparatus, bringing the total to $733,000, and adopted Resolution 2022-09 authorizing Robbins Hose Company No. 1 to issue up to $750,000 in bonds. Council also approved two subdivision waivers for Railroad Avenue (increasing dead-end street length and eliminating a sidewalk) with a 6-2 vote and one abstention, and adopted ordinances raising various building, fire, and rental permit fees. Several other ordinances were introduced for first reading, including one on tax increment financing.

• Approved $4,674 change order for fire truck apparatus, total $733,000 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2022-09 authorizing up to $750,000 in bonds for Robbins Hose Co. (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision waivers for Railroad Avenue dead-end length and sidewalk elimination (6-2, 1 abstention)
• Adopted Ordinance 2022-10 amending property maintenance code and fees (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2022-14 amending rental dwelling regulations and fees (unanimous)
• Approved $75,707.76 additional cost for electric Digger Truck #775 (unanimous)
• Accepted Silver Lake Dam 2022 inspection report (unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 Robbins Hose Company fire line officers (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission approved a revised master plan for DuPont Plaza at 747 N. DuPont Highway, a warehouse at 119 Rosemary Road, and recommended annexation and rezoning for 1107 S. Bradford Street. It also granted a one-year extension for the Walker Pavilion site plan. All votes were 8-0 except the DuPont Plaza vote, which was 7-1.

• Approved S-22-12 DuPont Plaza revised master plan (7-1)
• Approved S-22-13 Garrison Homes warehouse with sidewalk waivers (8-0)
• Recommended approval of AX-22-02 annexation and rezoning to C-2A (8-0)
• Approved one-year extension for S-20-12 Walker Pavilion (8-0)
• Approved revised agenda and October 17, 2022 minutes (8-0)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee met on November 15, 2022, but did not take any formal votes or action items due to a lack of quorum. The meeting consisted of presentations from DNREC on the Delaware Climate Active Plan and from the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce on its activities and partnerships. Members discussed potential future topics, including the Downtown Dover Master Plan and business startup tutorials.

• No formal decisions or votes taken due to lack of quorum
• Heard presentation on Delaware Climate Active Plan from DNREC
• Heard update from Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
• Discussed potential agenda items for January 10, 2023 meeting, including Downtown Dover Master Plan

Council Committee of the Whole

The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee recommended approval of two subdivision waivers for Railroad Avenue, allowing an increased dead-end street length and elimination of a sidewalk on one side, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion passed 6-2-1, with Taylor and Boggerty opposed and Sudler abstaining. The committee also accepted the Silver Lake Dam 2022 inspection report, and the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee recommended approval of four ordinances for first reading and an additional $75,707.76 for an electric truck purchase.

• Recommended approval of Railroad Avenue subdivision waivers (6-2-1)
• Accepted Silver Lake Dam 2022 inspection report (unanimous)
• Approved additional $75,707.76 for Digger Truck Vehicle #775 (unanimous)
• Recommended first reading of Ordinance #2022-21 (IPM2 zoning) (unanimous)
• Recommended first reading of Ordinance #2022-22 (Tax Increment Financing) (unanimous)
• Recommended first reading of Ordinance #2022-23 (Controller/Treasurer) (unanimous)
• Recommended first reading of Ordinance #2022-24 (City Clerk) (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council adopted Ordinance #2022-12, rezoning the property at 630 West Division Street from C-3 (Service Commercial Zone) to C-2A (Limited Central Commercial Zone), subject to the Corridor Overlay Zone. The vote was 7-2, with Council President Sudler and Councilman Hare opposed, citing concerns about traffic safety and the unknown future use of the property. The council also adopted the reapportionment of council district boundaries (Ordinance #2022-20) and the FY2022-23 budget amendments (Ordinance #2022-18).

• Adopted Ordinance #2022-12 rezoning 630 West Division Street to C-2A (7-2)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-20 reapportioning council district boundaries (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-18 amending the FY2022-23 budget (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-14 amending rental dwelling regulations (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-10 on unpaid fines (unanimous)
• Referred annexation/rezoning request for three West Denneys Road properties to committees (unanimous)
• Recommended supporting 35 MPH speed reduction on Kenton Road (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding $580,580 contract to Teal Construction for College Road Pump Station Replacement (unanimous)

Home Events

The joint pension and OPEB boards unanimously accepted the quarterly performance reviews for the General Employee Pension Plan, Police Pension Plan, and OPEB Plan for the quarter ending September 30, 2022. The boards also adopted the agenda and minutes from prior meetings, and reviewed market commentary and additional fund information. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from May 5, 2022 joint meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from August 25, 2022 joint meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Q3 2022 performance review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q3 2022 performance review for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q3 2022 performance review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission met and discussed the impending demolition of the fire-damaged building at 233-239 W. Loockerman Street, which had been declared 'Demolition by Neglect' by the Commission in October. The City Solicitor opined that City Council's Dangerous Building order supersedes the Commission's authority, and the demolition bid was approved by Council. The Commission took no formal action on the demolition, acknowledging the process is out of their hands. They also re-elected Eric Czerwinski as Chair and Ms. Horsey as Vice Chair for the next year.

• Re-elected Eric Czerwinski as Chair and Ms. Horsey as Vice Chair for 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved minutes of October 20, 2022 meeting (4-0)
• Acknowledged City Solicitor's opinion that Council's demolition order supersedes Commission action on 233-239 W. Loockerman St.
• Noted demolition bid for 233-239 W. Loockerman St. was approved by City Council

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council awarded the demolition contract for 235-239 West Loockerman Street to Design Contracting, the second-lowest bidder, after the lowest bidder failed to submit a required bid bond. The decision was made unanimously. The council also discussed potential methods to recoup demolition costs, including liens or attaching costs to property taxes.

• Awarded demolition contract for 235-239 West Loockerman Street to Design Contracting (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The council held a special meeting, went into executive session for personnel and legal strategy, and returned to approve two actions. It agreed to compensate the police chief and deputy chief for work at the Firefly 2022 Music Festival, despite noting the mayor and police department exceeded their authority in issuing a related notice. It also accepted all four staff recommendations, amended to include a memo from the City Manager reinforcing proper vehicle usage.

• Approved compensation for Chief and Deputy Chief for Firefly 2022 work (unanimous)
• Accepted all four staff recommendations with amendment for City Manager memo on vehicle usage (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended supporting a speed reduction to 35 mph on Kenton Road between Forrest Avenue and Chestnut Grove Road, as recommended by staff. The committee also recommended approving utility services for a property at 1107 S. Bradford Street and awarding a contract for the College Road Pump Station Replacement. Additionally, they recommended moving Ordinance #2022-14 to first reading.

• Recommended supporting 35 mph speed limit on Kenton Road (unanimous)
• Recommended approving utility services for 1107 S. Bradford Street annexation (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding $580,580 contract to Teal Construction for College Road Pump Station Replacement (unanimous)
• Recommended moving Ordinance #2022-14 (rental dwellings fees) to first reading on Nov. 14 (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council adopted three ordinances on final reading: Ordinance #2022-08 amending manufactured home placement, inspection, and licensing rules; Ordinance #2022-15 expanding nuisance definitions and penalties; and Ordinance #2022-17 updating water service fees and penalties. The council also approved a budget amendment ordinance (#2022-18) on first reading, recommended creating a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, and accepted a staff recommendation to declare a property at 207 North West Street dangerous.

• Adopted Ordinance #2022-08 amending manufactured home rules (unanimous, Rocha absent)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-15 expanding nuisance definitions and penalties (unanimous, Rocha absent)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-17 updating water service fees and penalties (unanimous, Rocha absent)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-18 budget amendments (unanimous, Rocha absent)
• Recommended identifying a TIF district and drafting an ordinance (unanimous, Rocha absent)
• Accepted staff recommendation to declare 207 North West Street dangerous (unanimous, Rocha absent)
• Deferred first reading of Ordinance #2022-10 to November 14 (unanimous, Rocha absent)

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission voted 2-1 to declare the fire-damaged building at 233-239 W. Loockerman Street (and 149 S. New Street) as demolition by neglect. A separate motion to approve the Architectural Review Certification for demolition failed 0-3. The commission then voted 3-0 to refer the property back to city planning staff for evaluation of possible reconstruction with prospective investors before any demolition proceeds.

• Declared 233-239 W. Loockerman St. as demolition by neglect (2-1)
• Denied Architectural Review Certification for demolition (0-3)
• Referred property for evaluation of possible reconstruction with investors (3-0)
• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved May 19, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved August 18, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission approved a minor subdivision plan for NCALL at 217, 225, 235 North Kirkwood Street, creating four residential lots and expanding the adjacent Mary and Kirkwood Streets Park. The commission also voted to recommend approval to City Council for a rezoning at 630 W. Division Street from C-3 to C-2A, despite public concerns about potential impacts on nearby businesses. Both votes were unanimous 8-0 with one member absent.

• Approved SB-22-05 NCALL minor subdivision at 217, 225, 235 N. Kirkwood St. (8-0)
• Recommended approval of Z-22-03 rezoning at 630 W. Division St. to C-2A (8-0)
• Approved agenda as submitted (8-0)
• Approved September 19, 2022 meeting minutes (8-0)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee met on October 11, 2022, and heard presentations from Capital School District Superintendent Dr. Vilicia Cade and Kent County Tourism President Pete Bradley. The committee discussed the health of minority businesses in Dover, including concerns about contracting opportunities, quality-of-life issues affecting businesses, and the need for more inclusive procurement. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and discussion-focused.

• Adopted meeting agenda unanimously
• Adopted October 12, 2021 minutes unanimously
• Adopted September 13, 2022 minutes unanimously

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of the FY2023 budget amendment (Ordinance #2022-18) and recommended identifying a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Downtown Master Plan, referring it to staff to draft an ordinance. Both motions passed unanimously. No final decisions were made; these are recommendations to the full Council.

• Recommended approval of FY2023 budget amendment (Ordinance #2022-18) (unanimous)
• Recommended identifying a TIF district and referring to staff to draft ordinance (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved a rezoning request for a 25-acre portion of the Calvary Baptist Church property at 2285 Forrest Avenue, changing it from R-10 (One-Family Residence) to RM-2 (Medium Density Residence) with the Corridor Overlay Zone. The vote was 6-2, adopting Ordinance #2022-11. The council also adopted two ordinances increasing fines for weed and solid waste violations, and approved several other items including a $1.5 million grant-funded camera expansion and a grant-funded crime analyst position.

• Approved rezoning of 25 acres at 2285 Forrest Avenue to RM-2 (6-2)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-09 increasing weed violation fines (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-13 increasing solid waste violation fines (unanimous)
• Approved $1.5M grant-funded camera expansion (unanimous)
• Approved grant-funded GVI crime analyst position (7-1)
• Approved asbestos abatement contract at 235-239 West Loockerman Street (unanimous)
• Tabled rental dwelling ordinance #2022-14 (unanimous)
• Deferred discussion of special event overtime to executive session (unanimous)

Election Board

The Election Board unanimously approved staff's recommendation to accept the reapportionment of Council district boundaries based on 2020 Census data. The plan creates four equal-population districts per the City Charter, as the previous 1988 Consent Decree's 'black only' population percentages could not be met with current census data. Two public hearings will be scheduled, and the city will need to petition the U.S. District Court to alter the Consent Decree's requirements.

• Approved reapportionment of Council district boundaries based on 2020 Census Data (unanimous)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting at 11:32 a.m. (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended drafting a new loitering ordinance and approved several items for first reading at the October 10 regular meeting, including ordinances on nuisances, cross-connection control, manufactured homes, property maintenance, and rental dwellings (the latter was tabled). The committee also approved a $1.5 million grant-funded camera expansion and a grant-funded GVI crime analyst position (7-1). No final votes were taken; all actions are recommendations to the full Council.

• Referred loitering ordinance drafting to staff (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance #2022-15 (nuisances) for first reading (unanimous)
• Approved Electric Service Handbook revisions (unanimous)
• Approved consent items: ground penetrating radar, drinking water SRF applications, water tank equipment relocation (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance #2022-17 (cross-connection control) for first reading (unanimous)
• Approved $1.5M grant-funded camera expansion (unanimous)
• Approved grant-funded GVI crime analyst position (7-1)
• Tabled Ordinance #2022-14 (rental dwellings) (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved several items, including referring the drafting of a loitering ordinance to staff, accepting a $1.5 million grant-funded camera expansion, and approving a grant-funded GVI crime analyst position (7-1). The council also approved first readings for multiple ordinances, including those related to nuisances, cross-connection control, manufactured homes, property maintenance, and rental dwellings (the latter was tabled). The meeting was largely procedural, with no substantive policy changes enacted beyond these approvals.

• Approved referral to staff to draft loitering ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved $1.5M grant-funded camera expansion (unanimous)
• Approved grant-funded GVI crime analyst position (7-1)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-15 (nuisances) for Oct 10
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-17 (cross-connection control) for Oct 10
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-08 (manufactured homes) for Oct 10
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-10 (property maintenance) for Oct 10
• Tabled Ordinance #2022-14 (rental dwellings) for later review

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission denied a conditional use application to convert an existing building at 1241 College Park Drive into office/retail and nine apartments, citing incompatibility with the business park zone. The commission also approved a minor subdivision at 838 Forest Street and recommended approval of a rezoning for 25 acres at 2285 Forrest Avenue. A rezoning application for 630 W Division Street was postponed due to incomplete public notices.

• Denied conditional use C-22-03 for office/retail and apartments at 1241 College Park Drive (7-2)
• Approved minor subdivision SB-22-04 at 838 Forest Street (9-0)
• Recommended approval of rezoning Z-22-02 for 25 acres at 2285 Forrest Avenue to RM-2 (9-0)
• Postponed rezoning Z-22-03 at 630 W Division Street due to incomplete public notices
• Approved agenda (9-0)
• Approved minutes of August 15, 2022 (9-0)
• Accepted staff report on design professionals for Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee (9-0)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee met on September 13, 2022, but did not take any votes or make formal decisions. The meeting was informational, featuring presentations from Delaware State University on its downtown campus expansion, City Wide Facility Solutions, Kent Economic Partnership, and Parents Day Off. Discussions covered DSU's progress and community plans, Garrison Oak property sales, and a proposed therapeutic facility for children with special needs.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at the meeting
• DSU presented year two plans for downtown campus expansion
• City Wide Facility Solutions presented its business model and services
• Kent Economic Partnership discussed industrial development and Garrison Oak property sales
• Parents Day Off presented a proposed therapeutic facility for children with special needs

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole met on September 13, 2022, and recommended approval of two ordinances for first reading at the September 26 regular meeting: Ordinance #2022-09 (amending Chapter 114 on vegetation fines) and Ordinance #2022-13 (amending Appendix F on fees and fines). The committee also recommended adopting a resolution to apply for a Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural and informational.

• Recommended approval of Ordinance #2022-09 for first reading (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance #2022-13 for first reading (unanimous)
• Recommended adopting Resolution 2022-07 for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved a $2.795 million contract for the North State Street water main replacement, along with several other purchases and appointments. The council also referred a rezoning request for 2285 Forrest Avenue to the Planning Commission and set a public hearing. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $2.795M water main replacement contract to A-Del Construction (unanimous)
• Approved $56,312 easement machine purchase from Atlantic Machinery (unanimous)
• Approved sole vendor pump replacement contract to Xylem Water Solutions (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three Public Works vehicles using surplus funds (unanimous)
• Referred rezoning of 2285 Forrest Avenue to Planning Commission, set public hearing for Oct 10 (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Dana Shelton to MPO Public Advisory Commission (unanimous)
• Reappointed Kishor C. Sheth to Board of Adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved two appointments to Economic Development Committee (unanimous)

Home Events

The joint pension and OPEB boards accepted quarterly performance reviews for all three plans and approved annual asset allocation reviews, including a new portfolio option for the police pension. They also set future meeting dates. No action was taken on the May 5, 2022 minutes, which were deferred to the November 10, 2022 meeting.

• Accepted quarterly performance review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted quarterly performance review for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted quarterly performance review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted annual asset allocation review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Scenario C of optional portfolio allocations for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted annual asset allocation review for OPEB Plan (motion made, seconded; outcome not recorded)
• Approved future meeting dates of November 10, 2022 and February 16, 2023 (unanimous)
• Deferred adoption of May 5, 2022 minutes to November 10, 2022 meeting

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission approved an architectural review certification for a new accessory structure (restroom and storage) at the John Bell House, 43 The Green, with a reduced rear yard setback. The commission also deferred approval of the May 19, 2022 meeting minutes to allow more review time. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included staff reports and updates on various projects.

• Approved HI-22-06 accessory structure at John Bell House (4-0)
• Deferred approval of May 19, 2022 meeting minutes to next meeting (4-0)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting with two public hearings on dangerous building violations. Council unanimously approved ordering the demolition of the property at 235-239 W. Loockerman Street by August 30, 2022, with the City Manager authorized to waive sealed bid requirements to expedite the contract. For the property at 207 N. West Street, Council unanimously voted to table action for 60 days to allow the owner to proceed with renovations.

• Ordered demolition of 235-239 W. Loockerman St. by Aug. 30, 2022, with City Manager authorized to waive sealed bid requirements (unanimous)
• Tabled dangerous building action on 207 N. West St. for 60 days to allow owner to pursue repairs (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission held its annual officer election, re-electing Andrea Maucher as Chair and Robert Hartman as Vice-Chair by unanimous voice vote. The commission also reappointed Kathleen Welsh and Kenneth Roach to the Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee and directed staff to contact current design professionals about continuing service. No new development applications were considered; the only substantive item was an update on a previously approved car wash site plan, which was revised to move its entrance per DelDOT comments.

• Re-elected Andrea Maucher as Chair and Robert Hartman as Vice-Chair (9-0)
• Reappointed Kathleen Welsh and Kenneth Roach to Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee (9-0)
• Directed staff to ask design professionals Dr. RJ Chandler and Sarah Kieffer about continuing on subcommittee (9-0)
• Approved agenda (9-0)
• Approved June 21, 2022 meeting minutes (8-0, chair abstained)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on August 9, 2022, and after a closed executive session on personnel matters, unanimously authorized the City Manager to first offer security for the customer service building to the Dover Police Department as extra duty, and if that fails, to hire an armed private security firm for an emergency 30-day period. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for personnel matters (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to offer security of customer service building to Dover Police Department as extra duty, with fallback to armed private security firm for 30 days (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding a $2,795,000 contract to A-Del Construction for the North State Street water main replacement (RFP #22-0035WW). The committee also recommended entering a contract with United Way for Transformational Leadership training, and approved two motions regarding Council-appointed employees: one to have the HR Director advise on a handbook addendum, and another to engage the HR Director to recommend a performance measurement system. No final votes were taken; these are recommendations to the full Council.

• Recommended awarding $2,795,000 water main contract to A-Del Construction (unanimous)
• Recommended contract with United Way for Transformational Leadership training (unanimous)
• Referred Council-appointed employee policy to HR Director for handbook addendum (unanimous)
• Engaged HR Director to recommend performance measurement for Council-appointed employees (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved a $2,942,000 contract to Davis Bowen & Friedel, Inc. for design/build services of the Silver Lake Production Well, despite Councilman Taylor's concerns about minority contractor participation. The council also failed to approve a motion to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation on waivers for Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue, which would have denied a right-of-way reduction but allowed other waivers. The Loockerman Street fire-damaged building was discussed, with a motion to waive the 30-day notice and send the matter directly to council, subject to the City Solicitor's opinion.

• Approved $2,942,000 contract to Davis Bowen & Friedel, Inc. for Silver Lake Production Well design/build (unanimous)
• Failed motion to accept Planning Commission's waiver recommendation for Raymond Street/Railroad Avenue (1-6)
• Approved motion to waive 30-day notice for Loockerman Street building, subject to City Solicitor's opinion (unanimous)
• Approved FY2022 Audit Program (unanimous)
• Approved reappointments to Dover Fourth of July Celebration Committee (unanimous)
• Approved reappointments to Historic District Commission (unanimous)
• Approved reappointment to Public Advisory Committee of Dover/Kent MPO (unanimous)
• Approved reappointment to Silver Lake Commission (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding a $2,942,000 design/build contract for the Silver Lake Production Well to Davis Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (unanimous). It also recommended waiving the 30-day letter of intent for the Loockerman Street fire-damaged building, sending it directly to City Council, contingent on the City Solicitor's opinion. A motion to approve the Raymond Street/Railroad Avenue subdivision waivers failed 1-6.

• Recommended awarding $2,942,000 contract to Davis Bowen & Friedel, Inc. for Silver Lake Production Well (unanimous)
• Recommended waiving 30-day letter of intent for Loockerman Street building, sending to City Council (unanimous)
• Motion to approve Raymond Street/Railroad Avenue waivers failed (1-6)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council adopted Ordinance #2022-07, which sets the annual salary for the mayor at $52,000 and for council members at $18,000 (with the council president receiving $23,000) for FY2023. The council also approved a revised police promotion process, to be implemented no later than FY24, and approved a $16,500 engineering design support contract for stormwater storage. A contract for the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project design was awarded to AECOM as a sole vendor, despite one council member's objection over the lack of competitive bidding.

• Adopted Ordinance #2022-07 setting mayor's salary at $52,000 and council members' at $18,000 (unanimous, Neil abstaining)
• Approved revised police promotion process, to be implemented by FY24 (unanimous)
• Approved $16,500 for engineering design support for stormwater storage (unanimous)
• Awarded contract #22-0036EL for GOTBP Substation Switchgear to Siemens (unanimous)
• Approved $91,931 budget amendment to 2019 CDBG Action Plan (unanimous)
• Approved School Resource Officer requests, contingent on funding (unanimous)
• Approved AECOM as sole vendor for Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project design (6-1)
• Accepted donation of 7,176 sq ft at 235 North Kirkwood Street from NCALL (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approving a sole-source engineering contract with AECOM for the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project design, passing 6-1 with Council President Sudler dissenting over lack of open bidding. The committee also recommended accepting a 7,176-square-foot land donation from NCALL, approving $16,500 for stormwater storage design support, awarding an electrical contract to Siemens, and approving a $91,931 budget amendment. A school resource officer request was approved contingent on funding, and a police promotion process change was recommended for FY24.

• Recommended AECOM sole-source contract for drainage design (6-1)
• Recommended accepting NCALL donation of 7,176 sq ft at 235 N. Kirkwood St. (unanimous)
• Recommended $16,500 for stormwater storage design support (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding contract #22-0036EL to Siemens (unanimous)
• Recommended $91,931 CDBG budget amendment for FY2019 (unanimous)
• Recommended SRO requests contingent on funding (unanimous)
• Recommended police promotion process change for FY24 (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved a wage equity study for all city employees and awarded a $22,500 contract for a Water Street stormwater feasibility study. Council also gave first reading to an ordinance adjusting mayor and council compensation, contingent on state legislation. A subdivision waiver request was deferred to the July 26 committee meeting.

• Approved wage equity study for all city employees (unanimous)
• Awarded $22,500 stormwater feasibility study contract to Century Engineering (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2022-07 on council compensation, contingent on HB 456 (7-0, 2 abstentions)
• Deferred Raymond Street/Railroad Avenue waiver request to July 26 committee meeting (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda and prior meeting minutes (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole deferred a subdivision waiver request for Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue to July 26, 2022, due to the applicant's emergency. It recommended approving a $22,500 stormwater feasibility study contract with Century Engineering, a wage equity study for all city employees, and an ordinance for council compensation contingent on HB 456. The committee also discussed school safety updates and council priorities.

• Deferred Raymond Street/Railroad Avenue subdivision waiver to July 26, 2022 (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding $22,500 Water Street Stormwater Feasibility Study contract to Century Engineering (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of wage equity study for all city employees (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance #2022-07 on council compensation, retroactive July 1, 2022, contingent on HB 456 (7-0, 2 abstentions)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council unanimously authorized the City Manager to negotiate compensation for emergency dispatchers with the DOE union and AFSCME, and adopted the FY2023 budget ordinance. The council also approved the Active Recreation Area Plan for the Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road and the NAES O&M contract for Van Sant Operations. All votes were unanimous except for a budget amendment that passed 7-0 with one abstention and one absence.

• Authorized City Manager to negotiate dispatcher compensation with DOE union (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate dispatcher supervisor pay with AFSCME (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-06, the FY2023 budget (unanimous, Arndt absent)
• Amended budget line 55 to set council salaries at $18,000 and council president at $23,000 (7-0, Neil abstained, Arndt absent)
• Approved Active Recreation Area Plan for Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road (unanimous)
• Approved NAES O&M agreement for Van Sant Operations (unanimous)
• Approved Planning Commission appointments for John H. Baldwin Sr. and Kenneth Roach (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 13 and June 22 meetings (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Athletic League (PAL) board met on June 22, 2022, and approved a motion allowing PAL to spend up to $2,500 per approved event. The board also received updates on upcoming events, including a football combine, a fire safety day, and two youth academies. No other substantive decisions were made; the next meeting will focus on strategic planning.

• Approved spending up to $2,500 per approved PAL event (unanimous)
• Scheduled next PAL meeting for August or September to discuss strategic planning

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on June 22, 2022, and unanimously approved two actions stemming from an executive session. They accepted the staff recommendation and disposition of funds for a personnel matter, and approved the sale of vacant lots in Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park for $4.8 million. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Approved staff recommendation and disposition of funds for personnel package (unanimous)
• Approved sale of vacant lots in Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park for $4.8M (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission approved the site development plan for a new five-story Kent County Family Courthouse at South Governors Avenue and West Water Street, including a 425-space parking garage, tree mitigation, and waivers for loading space size, parking space width, rear setback, and fencing. It also approved a 45-vehicle parking lot at 446 South Governors Avenue and a 216-unit apartment complex at Leipsic Road with a parking reduction waiver and partial cash-in-lieu for recreation. All votes were 7-0.

• Approved S-22-06 New Courthouse at South Governors Ave & West Water St, including site plan, architectural review, tree mitigation, and waivers (7-0)
• Approved S-22-07 Parking Lot at 446 South Governors Ave (7-0)
• Approved S-22-09 Dover Apartments at Leipsic Road, including parking waiver and partial cash-in-lieu for recreation (7-0)
• Approved agenda and April 18, 2022 minutes (7-0)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended authorizing the City Manager to enter negotiations with the Dover Organization of Employees (DOE) union to increase compensation for emergency dispatchers and other DOE positions within six months, and with AFSCME for the Dispatch Supervisor position. The committee also recommended approval of the Active Recreation Area Plan for the Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road and the NAES O&M Agreement for Van Sant Operations. No final votes were taken; these are recommendations to the full Council.

• Recommended authorizing City Manager to negotiate DOE compensation for dispatchers and other positions (unanimous)
• Recommended authorizing City Manager to negotiate AFSCME compensation/classification for Dispatch Supervisor (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Active Recreation Area Plan for Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of NAES O&M Agreement for Van Sant Operations (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a public hearing and adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 electric, water, and wastewater rates and tariffs, including a power cost adjustment of $0.03 per kWh (a 30% increase on kilowatt-hour consumption). The council also approved the purchase of a new ladder truck for the fire department, deferred a decision on increasing police staffing, and adopted a budget amendment ordinance. All votes were unanimous.

• Adopted electric, water, and wastewater rates and tariffs for FY2023, including a $0.03/kWh power cost adjustment (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a ladder truck to replace Ladder 2 for $1,948,312 (unanimous)
• Deferred decision on increasing police staffing to 111 officers (cost $511,149.48 annually) to budget hearings (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-05 (budget amendment) on final reading (unanimous)
• Approved appointments to Election Board and Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 23, 2022, and June 2, 2022, meetings (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The June 2, 2022 Council Workshop was a discussion-only session with no formal votes or decisions. Council and staff reviewed recruitment and retention metrics, heard departmental updates on technology, facilities, and utilities, and discussed employee morale and recognition. No ordinances, resolutions, or contracts were approved, denied, or tabled.

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council adopted the FY2022-2023 budget, including a 30% temporary increase to the electric utility rate, a 2-cent property tax increase (reduced from the proposed 5 cents), and an $8 million transfer from the electric fund to the general fund. The council also approved hiring two additional police officers, with a third authorized if funding becomes available. A motion to remove council remuneration increases from the budget failed, as did motions to hire five officers funded by a business improvement district tax.

• Adopted FY2023 budget with 30% electric rate increase, 2-cent tax increase, $8M electric fund transfer (9-0)
• Approved hiring two additional police officers, with a third authorized if funding becomes available (9-0)
• Rejected motion to remove council remuneration increases from budget (1-8)
• Rejected motion to hire five officers funded by a business improvement district tax (1-8)
• Rejected motion to hire three officers funded by surplus and carryover adjustment (1-8)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a two-day special budget review and adopted the FY 2022-2023 budget with a 30% temporary electric rate increase, a 2-cent property tax increase (reduced from a proposed 5 cents), and an $8 million transfer from the electric fund to the general fund. The council also approved hiring two additional police officers, with a third authorized if funding becomes available. A motion to remove council remuneration increases failed, as did motions to hire five officers funded by a business improvement district tax.

• Adopted FY2023 budget with 30% electric rate increase, 2-cent tax increase, $8M electric fund transfer (9-0)
• Approved hiring 2 additional police officers, with a 3rd authorized if funding available (9-0)
• Rejected motion to remove council remuneration increases from budget (1-8)
• Rejected motion to hire 5 officers funded by BID tax (1-8)
• Rejected motion to hire 3 officers funded by surplus and carryover reduction (1-8)
• Rejected motion to add council remuneration increases over 3 years (1-8)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole met on May 24, 2022, and recommended approval of a $1,948,312 purchase to replace Ladder 2 fire truck. A proposal to increase police staffing from 106 to 111 officers at an annual cost of $511,149.48 was deferred to the budget hearings on May 31 and June 1, 2022. The meeting also included ethics training and a report on a downtown police substation, which was discussed but not decided.

• Approved recommendation to purchase Ladder 2 replacement for $1,948,312 (unanimous)
• Deferred police staffing increase to 111 officers (cost $511,149.48 annually) to budget hearings (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved a FY2022 budget amendment (Ordinance #2022-05), awarded a three-year curbside recycling contract to Waste Industries of Delaware, LLC DBA GFL Environmental, and adopted resolutions approving the 2022 CDBG Action Plan and the ARPA standard income loss exclusion. The council also renewed the energy management contract with The Energy Authority and referred a tax exemption review for disabled property owners and senior citizens to staff for recommendations within six months.

• Approved FY2022 budget amendment (Ordinance #2022-05) unanimously
• Awarded 3-year curbside recycling contract to Waste Industries of Delaware, LLC DBA GFL Environmental unanimously
• Renewed energy management contract with The Energy Authority for July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023 unanimously
• Adopted Resolution 2022-05 approving 2022 CDBG Action Plan ($346,104 entitlement) unanimously
• Adopted Resolution 2022-06 approving ARPA standard income loss exclusion unanimously
• Referred tax exemption review for disabled/senior property owners to staff for recommendations within 6 months unanimously
• Approved appointments to Library Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, City Chaplain, and various boards unanimously
• Set public hearing for Electric Fund Budget for June 13, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. unanimously

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission approved an Architectural Review Certification for a six-space parking lot at 527-529 South State Street, with landscape screening and no curbs, as recommended by staff. The commission also held a consultation on a roof replacement for the Delaware Public Archives, indicating acceptance of any of three proposed materials (architectural shingles, synthetic slate, or standing seam metal) for the sloped portions, with a membrane for the flat roof. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural and informational.

• Approved Architectural Review Certification for Permit #22-661 for six parking spaces with landscape screening at 527-529 S. State St. (3-0)
• Consulted on roof project at Delaware Public Archives; commission indicated acceptance of architectural shingles, synthetic slate, or standing seam metal for sloped roof, with membrane for flat roof (no formal vote)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of a $1.1M budget amendment (Ordinance #2022-05), a three-year curbside recycling contract with Waste Industries of Delaware, LLC DBA GFL Environmental, and amendments to the purchasing and training/travel policies. It also referred a review of the tax exemption for disabled property owners and senior citizens to staff for recommendations within six months. All votes were unanimous.

• Recommended approval of Ordinance #2022-05 budget amendment (unanimous roll call)
• Recommended awarding curbside recycling contract to Waste Industries of Delaware, LLC DBA GFL Environmental (unanimous roll call)
• Recommended acceptance of amended Purchasing Policy (unanimous)
• Recommended adoption of amended Training, Conference, and Travel Policy (unanimous)
• Referred tax exemption review for disabled/senior citizens to staff for recommendations in six months (unanimous)
• Recommended renewal of contract with The Energy Authority for energy management services (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The special meeting was held solely to hear opening statements from Council President candidates Fred Neil and William Sudler, followed by Q&A. No vote was taken; the agenda was adopted unanimously and the meeting adjourned without any substantive decisions.

• Adopted agenda by unanimous consent
• Heard Council President candidate statements from Neil and Sudler
• No vote or other action taken on Council President selection

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council re-elected Roy Sudler Jr. as Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2022/2023 via secret ballot, and adopted Ordinance #2022-03 amending the City Planner position. The council also approved the consent agenda, several proclamations, appointments, and a resolution authorizing banking signatures. A request for a police substation cost analysis was referred to staff.

• Re-elected Roy Sudler Jr. as Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2022/2023 (secret ballot)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-03 amending Chapter 82, Section 82-2 (City Planner) (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2022-04 authorizing banking signatures (unanimous)
• Approved annual staff and board appointments (unanimous)
• Referred police substation and mobile substation cost analysis to staff (8-3)
• Tabled motion to refer mental health resources cost analysis to staff (6-5)
• Postponed waiver request for Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue improvements (unanimous)

General Employee Pension Plan Board

The joint pension and OPEB boards met and unanimously accepted the quarterly performance reviews for the General Employee Pension Plan, Police Pension Plan, and OPEB Plan for the quarter ending March 31, 2022, as presented by Milliman, Inc. The agenda and prior meeting minutes were also adopted unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted February 17, 2022 joint meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Q1 2022 performance review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q1 2022 performance review for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q1 2022 performance review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole voted 8-3 to refer a cost analysis of a downtown police substation and a mobile substation with increased police presence to staff. A subsequent motion to also refer a cost analysis of mental health resources and services was tabled 6-5. The committee also postponed the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee agenda to May 10, referred a truck route ordinance back to staff, and postponed a street waiver request.

• Referred police substation and mobile substation cost analysis to staff (8-3)
• Tabled motion to refer mental health resources cost analysis to staff (6-5)
• Postponed Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee agenda to May 10 (unanimous)
• Referred Proposed Ordinance #2022-04 on truck routes to staff (unanimous)
• Postponed Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue waiver request (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved several routine items, including $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to sub-grantees, a one-year extension of the ambulance service contract with St. Francis Hospital, and the purchase of SCADA software from Survalent. The council also recommended amending Ordinance #2022-03 to change how the City Planner is selected and supervised, with final action scheduled for May 9, 2022. No substantive decisions were made beyond these approvals.

• Approved $300,000 in CDBG funds to sub-grantees (unanimous)
• Extended ambulance service contract with St. Francis for one year (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of SCADA Master software from Survalent (unanimous)
• Approved SB & Company, LLC for audit services at $49,703 (unanimous)
• Recommended amending Ordinance #2022-03 for City Planner selection (unanimous)
• Approved categorizing Williams Park and Division/Kirkwood Streets Park as Safe Haven Parks (unanimous)
• Accepted Silver Lake Commission annual report (unanimous)
• Approved River Walk progress recommendations (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission approved the Architectural Review Certification for the new Kent County Family Court at South Governors Avenue and West Water Street, including a 25-foot rear yard setback and a 6-foot fence. The vote was 3-0 with one abstention due to a conflict of interest. The project includes a five-story courthouse and a five-story parking garage.

• Approved Architectural Review Certification for HI-22-03 (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved 25-foot rear yard setback (alternative bulk standard)
• Approved 6-foot fence in rear of courthouse
• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved minutes of March 24, 2022 (4-0)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission approved the McKee Road Apartments site plan for 384 units at 1385 McKee Road, with conditions including a 50-space parking set-aside and a formal request to DelDOT for a traffic signal before construction. The commission also approved a minor subdivision at 600 Bay Road and continued review of the Caliber Car Wash, approving it with a 5-2 vote contingent on DelDOT approval. The meeting included public hearings and discussion on traffic, parking, and recreation concerns.

• Approved S-21-11 McKee Road Apartments (384 units) with conditions: 50-space parking set-aside and DelDOT traffic light request (5-2)
• Approved S-22-01 Caliber Car Wash at 280 Cowgill Street, contingent on DelDOT approval, including sidewalk waiver (5-2)
• Approved SB-22-03 Lands of Bayroadcap minor subdivision at 600 Bay Road (7-0)
• Approved agenda and March 21, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended amending Ordinance #2022-03 so the City Planner is selected by the City Council and employed at its pleasure, but directly responsible to the City Manager. The committee also recommended approval of the McKee Road Apartments active recreation plan with a cash-in-lieu payment of just over $15,000, and approved several other items including a SCADA software purchase, CDBG fund awards, and an ambulance contract extension. All votes were unanimous.

• Amended Ordinance #2022-03: City Planner selected by City Council, employed at its pleasure, directly responsible to City Manager (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of McKee Road Apartments active recreation plan with cash-in-lieu payment over $15,000 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of SCADA Master software from Survalent (unanimous)
• Approved $300,000 in CDBG funds to sub-grantees (unanimous)
• Authorized one-year extension of ambulance service contract with St. Francis at $100,000/year (unanimous)
• Approved SB & Company, LLC for audit services contract not to exceed $49,703 (unanimous)
• Recommended categorizing Williams Park and Division and Kirkwood Streets Park as Safe Haven Parks (unanimous)
• Authorized old Public Works Yard as potential River Walk Park area (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council unanimously approved Ordinance #2022-02, rezoning six state-owned properties on South Governors Avenue and West Water Street to add the Historic District Zone, clearing the way for a new Family Court building. The council also accepted the 2021 Police Department Annual Report and the February 2022 Controller/Treasurer report, and recognized the Dover High School Unified Basketball Team and National Lineman Appreciation Day.

• Approved rezoning of six properties on South Governors Avenue and West Water Street to add Historic District Zone (unanimous)
• Accepted 2021 Police Department Annual Report (unanimous)
• Accepted February 2022 Controller/Treasurer Report (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda as amended to remove Item #13 (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 28, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Council Committee of the Whole Report (unanimous)
• Accepted monthly reports for February 2022 (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole met for a training session on parliamentary procedure led by Dr. Reba R. Hollingsworth. No formal decisions were made; the only actions were adopting the agenda and adjourning.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:21 p.m.

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-02, requesting the General Assembly to amend the City of Dover Charter. The amendments include changes to council president succession, city manager residency, and council pay tied to non-bargaining employee raises. The council also approved a $399,040 contract for a new sewer cleaner and authorized the sale of two excess properties on Slaughter Street.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2022-02 requesting General Assembly to amend City Charter (unanimous, Neil abstained)
• Approved $399,040 contract to THC Enterprises for a new sewer cleaner (unanimous)
• Authorized sale of excess properties at 710 and 715 Slaughter Street (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 9 on council president succession (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 12 tying future council pay raises to non-bargaining employees (8-2)
• Approved amendment to Section 33 requiring city manager to be Kent County resident (unanimous)
• Denied amendment to Section 53 to lower police chief removal vote to majority (1-9)
• Approved appointment of Douglas M. Doyle to Board of Assessment Appeals (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission voted 3-0 (with one abstention due to conflict of interest) to recommend approval of a rezoning application to expand the Historic District Zone to include six parcels and an alley owned by the State of Delaware for the new Kent County Family Courthouse. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action on April 11, 2022. The commission also approved the agenda and the minutes of the January 20, 2022 meeting, both unanimously.

• Approved agenda as amended (4-0)
• Approved minutes of January 20, 2022 meeting (4-0)
• Recommended approval of rezoning HI-22-02/Z-22-01 to expand Historic District boundary for courthouse site (3-0, 1 abstention)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding the switchgear building contract for the Garrison Oak Technology and Business Park substation to Philadelphia Electric instead of Siemens, as staff recommended. The committee also recommended approval of an amendment to the Council Community Enhancement Fund Expenditures policy and approved ARPA funding allocations for nonprofit housing and community service projects. All decisions were unanimous and will go to the full council for final action.

• Recommended awarding switchgear building contract to Philadelphia Electric (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of amendment to Council Community Enhancement Fund Expenditures policy (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of ARPA funding allocations for nonprofit housing and community service projects (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on March 21, 2022, and recessed into executive session to discuss potential litigation. After the session, the council voted unanimously to accept the staff recommendations related to that litigation. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Adopted the meeting agenda unanimously
• Recessed into executive session for strategy on potential litigation (unanimous)
• Accepted staff recommendations on potential litigation (unanimous roll call; Neil, Rocha, Taylor absent)
• Adjourned the meeting unanimously

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning application to expand the Historic District boundary to include six parcels and an alley for the new Kent County Family Courthouse. The commission also approved site development plans for a Frito Lay warehouse, a new El Azteca restaurant, and street improvements on Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue. All votes were unanimous 8-0 with one member absent.

• Recommended approval of rezoning Z-22-01 for Kent County Family Court site (8-0)
• Approved site plan S-22-02 for Frito Lay Exchange Center warehouse (8-0)
• Approved site plan S-22-03 for El Azteca Restaurant at 801 North State Street (8-0)
• Approved site plan S-22-04 for Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue improvements (8-0)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended several amendments to the City of Dover Charter, including changes to council president succession, council pay tied to non-bargaining employee raises, and a residency requirement for the city manager. A proposal to lower the vote threshold for removing the police chief from two-thirds to a majority failed. The committee also recommended awarding a $399,040 contract for a new vacuum truck and approved the sale process for two excess properties on Slaughter Street.

• Recommended awarding $399,040 vac truck contract to THC Enterprises (unanimous)
• Recommended declaring 710 and 715 Slaughter Street excess and authorizing sale (unanimous)
• Recommended charter amendment for council president succession and pro tempore election (unanimous)
• Recommended charter amendment tying future council pay raises to non-bargaining employees (7-2, Sudler absent)
• Recommended charter amendment requiring city manager to be Kent County resident within 180 days (unanimous)
• Failed to lower police chief removal vote threshold to majority (1-9)
• Denied amendment to change city solicitor appointment vote threshold (unanimous)
• Sent charter amendments to full Council for consideration (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council unanimously approved the annexation of 166 Mifflin Road into the city and rezoned it from Kent County RS-1 to city R-8 (One-Family Residence) with a Source Water Protection Overlay Zone. The council also approved a $151,672 contract for a trailer-mounted generator, accepted the draft annual financial report, and set property assessment appeal dates for May 2022. All votes were unanimous, with Councilman Sudler absent.

• Adopted Annexation Resolution No. 2022-01 for 166 Mifflin Road (unanimous, Sudler absent)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-01 rezoning 166 Mifflin Road to R-8 and SWPOZ (unanimous, Sudler absent)
• Approved $151,672 contract to Fidelity Engineering for trailer-mounted generator (unanimous, Sudler absent)
• Accepted Draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (unanimous, Sudler absent)
• Approved appointment of John Sadlowski to Ethics Commission (unanimous, Sudler absent)
• Set 2022 Property Assessment Appeals for May 23-27 and May 31-June 3 (unanimous, Sudler absent)
• Accepted monthly reports and quarterly CIP report (unanimous, Sudler absent)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole met on March 1, 2022, and recommended that the City Manager and staff meet with state legislators to amend Senate Bill 83 regarding Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). The committee also recommended awarding a contract for a trailer-mounted generator to Fidelity Engineering, LLC for $151,672, and accepted the Draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. All decisions were unanimous.

• Recommended amending Senate Bill 83 for full PILOT funding (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding trailer-mounted generator contract to Fidelity Engineering, LLC for $151,672 (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of Draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council unanimously accepted the 2021 annual reports from the Fire Department and Planning and Inspections Department. The council also advanced a rezoning request for properties on South Governors Avenue by referring it to the Planning Commission and Historic District Commission, with a public hearing set for April 11, 2022. The meeting was largely informational, with no other substantive decisions made.

• Accepted 2021 Dover Fire Department Annual Report (unanimous)
• Accepted 2021 Planning and Inspections Annual Report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Feb 10, 2022 special meeting and Jan 10, 2022 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted James Iannucci as Third Assistant Fire Chief, Robbins Hose Company, term to Dec 13, 2022 (unanimous)
• Referred rezoning of properties at 411-447 S. Governors Ave to Planning Commission (Mar 21) and Historic District Commission (Mar 24), set public hearing for Apr 11 (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting and recessed into executive session to discuss potential litigation. After the session, Council approved a resolution regarding 20 employees and directed management to investigate funding options, with a final decision on funding deferred to a later date. The meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for legal strategy (unanimous)
• Approved resolution on 20 employees and directed further investigation on funding (unanimous roll call; Anderson, Boggerty, Rocha, Taylor absent)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission tabled the Caliber Car Wash site plan at 280 Cowgill Street until DelDOT provides traffic recommendations, approved a minor subdivision at 508 Acorn Lane, and recommended approval of the annexation and rezoning of 166 Mifflin Road. The commission also approved the revised agenda and January 18, 2022 minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Tabled Caliber Car Wash site plan at 280 Cowgill Street until DelDOT traffic recommendations (6-0)
• Approved minor subdivision SB-22-02 at 508 Acorn Lane into three lots (6-0)
• Recommended approval of annexation and rezoning AX-22-01 at 166 Mifflin Road to R-8 with SWPOZ (6-0)
• Approved revised agenda (6-0)
• Approved January 18, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)

Home Events

The joint pension boards approved diversifying the Police Pension Plan and General Employee Pension Plan portfolios by moving 5% into infrastructure, and selected Frontier as the investment manager for both plans. The OPEB Board tabled its infrastructure decision for six months. The boards also accepted quarterly performance reviews for all three plans and elected Kristina Deakins as OPEB Board chair.

• Approved diversifying Police Pension Plan portfolio with 5% infrastructure allocation (unanimous)
• Approved diversifying General Employee Pension Plan portfolio with 5% infrastructure allocation (unanimous)
• Selected Frontier as investment manager for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Selected Frontier as investment manager for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Tabled OPEB Board infrastructure investment decision for six months (unanimous)
• Accepted quarterly performance reviews for all three plans (unanimous)
• Elected Kristina Deakins as OPEB Board Chair (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda and prior meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved the annexation of 166 Mifflin Road, awarded a $268,452 contract for a street sweeper, and approved a COVID-19 booster vaccine incentive of four hours of administrative leave for staff. The Council also accepted the Downtown Dover Partnership's 2021 annual report and referred proposed charter amendments back to staff for further review.

• Approved annexation of 166 Mifflin Road (unanimous)
• Awarded $268,452 street sweeper contract to THC Enterprises (unanimous)
• Approved 4 hours admin leave for COVID booster (unanimous)
• Referred charter amendments back to staff (unanimous)
• Accepted Downtown Dover Partnership 2021 annual report (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda and monthly reports (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council held a special meeting and entered executive session to discuss personnel matters. After the session, they unanimously appointed Dave S. Hugg III as permanent City Manager at a salary of $150,000 per year, effective immediately. They also dissolved the City Manager Search Committee and voted to keep Dawn Melson-Williams as Interim Director of Planning and Community Development with a temporary 10% salary increase until the position is filled.

• Appointed Dave S. Hugg III as City Manager at $150,000/year (unanimous)
• Dissolved the City Manager Search Committee (unanimous)
• Kept Dawn Melson-Williams as Interim Director of Planning and Community Development (unanimous)
• Temporarily increased Dawn Melson-Williams' salary by 10% until position filled (unanimous)

Police Athletic League (PAL) Committee

The Dover Police Athletic League (PAL) board approved spending up to $2,500 for the 2022 Football Combine, with the motion carried unanimously. The board also discussed event insurance costs, planning a major annual fundraiser, and future strategic goals, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved up to $2,500 for 2022 Football Combine (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The minutes record only the adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting at 8:00 p.m. on January 25, 2022. No substantive decisions, motions, or discussions are included in the provided text.

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved a $149,000 contract with Duffield Associates for an update to the city's Wastewater System Master Plan. The council also accepted the Quarterly Revenue Report as of December 31, 2021, and appointed Joan E. Denney to the Planning Commission. The meeting included a presentation on code enforcement common violations and a proclamation declaring February 2022 as Black History Month.

• Approved $149,000 contract to Duffield Associates for Wastewater System Master Plan update (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Revenue Report as of December 31, 2021 (unanimous)
• Appointed Joan E. Denney to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Special Council Meeting of January 10, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Regular Council Meeting of January 10, 2022 (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission approved an architectural review certification for a fence permit at 502-506 S. State Street, allowing a black aluminum picket fence up to 6 feet high, as amended from the requested 8 feet. The decision was unanimous (4-0). The commission also approved the agenda and the minutes from the November 18, 2021 meeting, both unanimously.

• Approved agenda as amended (4-0)
• Approved minutes of November 18, 2021 meeting (4-0)
• Approved Architectural Review Certification for Fence Permit #21-1556 at 502-506 S. State Street, amended to max 6-foot height (4-0)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission approved a minor subdivision for the Delmarva Corrugated facility at 1601 POW/MIA Parkway, splitting the property into two lots. It also approved a conditional use site plan for a daycare center at 725 Walker Road, with conditions regarding the play area. Both approvals were unanimous.

• Approved minor subdivision SB-22-01 for Four M Investments VII, LLC at 1601 POW/MIA Parkway (8-0)
• Approved conditional use C-22-01 for Kind Kids Early Learning Center at 725 Walker Road, with condition that play area is always provided and safe (8-0)
• Adopted resolution honoring Kelli Leiter Lord's service on the Planning Commission (voice vote)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on January 10, 2022, and after a closed executive session, unanimously voted to retain Milliman Inc. to audit the City of Dover's Pension Plan. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other substantive decisions made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for legal and personnel matters (unanimous)
• Retained Milliman Inc. to audit the City of Dover's Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved several routine items and contracts, including a $57,480 contract for Silver Lake Dam repairs and authorization to retain Barnes & Thornburg as counsel for American Rescue Plan Act funds. The council also accepted a tribute for former councilman William Harrison Daisey, Sr., and referred an annexation/rezoning request for 166 Mifflin Road to committee and a public hearing.

• Approved $57,480 contract to Mar-Allen Concrete Products for Silver Lake Dam repairs (unanimous)
• Authorized retaining Barnes & Thornburg as ARPA counsel (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Dover Behavioral Health Systems for medical professional positions (unanimous)
• Adopted tribute #2022-01 honoring William Harrison Daisey, Sr. (unanimous)
• Referred annexation/rezoning of 166 Mifflin Road to Utility Committee, Planning Commission, and public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved confirmation of Police Pension Election for Retired Sergeant Steve Rogers (unanimous)
• Accepted monthly reports for November 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 13, 2021 meetings (unanimous)