Dover public meetings in 2020

Council Committee of the Whole

All Council and Council Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for the week of December 28, 2020, have been canceled so that city officials and employees can spend the holidays with their families. The agenda contains no business items, only the cancellation notice and holiday wishes.

• All Council and Council Committee of the Whole meetings canceled for the week of December 28, 2020

City Council Meetings

All City Council and Council Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for the week of December 28, 2020, have been canceled so that the Mayor, Council, and employees can spend the holidays with their families. No business items are scheduled for this meeting period.

• Cancellation of all Council and Committee of the Whole meetings for the week of December 28, 2020

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two conditional use applications: a child day care at 113 North West Street and a 54-unit apartment complex at 1080/1106 Bay Road. The meeting also includes routine items like minutes approval, updates on the 2019 Comprehensive Plan, and scheduling for 2021.

• C-20-04: Conditional use for Kid Clouds Child Day Care, up to 12 children, at 113 North West Street (RG-1 zone)
• C-20-05: Conditional use for Bay Pointe Apartments, two buildings totaling 54 units, at 1080 and 1106 Bay Road (C-4 zone)
• Waiver request for arterial street buffer and rear emergency access at Bay Pointe
• Cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction for Bay Pointe
• Update on implementation of 2019 Comprehensive Plan

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for December 17, 2020, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2021.

• Meeting canceled

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for December 16, 2020. The next meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2021. This notice is procedural only, with no items to be discussed.

• Meeting cancelled for December 16, 2020
• Next meeting scheduled for January 20, 2021 at 9:00 AM

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will consider three actionable items: purchasing two aerial bucket trucks for $420,000, deciding whether to launch an emergency COVID-19 relief electric fund, and accepting a cash-in-lieu payment for active recreation area at Bay Pointe Apartments. The meeting is held remotely via WebEx, and public comments are welcome.

• Purchase of two Altec TA50 aerial bucket trucks for $420,000 total ($209,936 and $210,064) to replace Trucks #772 and #759
• Emergency COVID-19 Relief Economic Retention Electric Fund (deferred from Nov 10) - staff recommends finalizing application materials and starting allocations Jan 12, 2021
• Bay Pointe Apartments (1080 and 1106 Bay Road) - staff recommends accepting $30,084 cash-in-lieu for 6,679 SF deficit of required 10,000 SF active recreation area
• Quarterly review of Police Training Budget (July-September) as informational item

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of an Emergency COVID-19 Relief Economic Retention Electric Fund, directing staff to finalize application materials and start allocations on January 12, 2021. The committee also recommended acceptance of a cash-in-lieu donation for active recreation at Bay Pointe Apartments. The purchase of Sourcewell trucks was deferred to a later date.

• Recommended approval of COVID-19 utility relief fund (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of $30,084 cash-in-lieu for recreation deficit (unanimous)
• Deferred Sourcewell truck purchase to future meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Dover Economic Development Committee is meeting remotely to receive updates from the Downtown Dover Partnership on small business resources, from Kent County Realtors on the real estate market, and from City Planning on city initiatives. Public comments are welcome on agenda items.

• Update on small businesses and resources by Tina Bradbury of Downtown Dover Partnership
• Real estate market update by Monica LeBlanc of Kent County Realtors
• City update by Dave Hugg of Dover Planning

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold public hearings and final votes on two rezoning ordinances, consider awarding contracts for a water master plan update and police department chiller replacement, and discuss a new annexation/rezoning request. The meeting also includes routine consent items, monthly reports, and an executive session.

• Rezoning of 35 and 39 North New Street from RG-3 to RG-1 (NCALL)
• Rezoning of 630 West Division Street from C-3 to IO (Silver Linings Holding Corp.)
• Contract award to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for Water Master Plan update ($143,501)
• Contract award to Service Unlimited for police chiller/cooling tower/pumps replacement ($362,952)
• First reading of ordinance to rezone 228 Mifflin Road from RS-1 to R8

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Merchant Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss routine business, including approving November minutes, hearing public comments, and sharing merchant news. They will review outcomes from Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday, discuss the Merchant Window Contest, and gather feedback on December's First Friday to plan future events. Updates on community policing and parking solutions are also on the agenda.

• Review of Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday outcomes
• Merchant Window Contest discussion
• December First Friday feedback and future planning
• Community policing update
• Parking solutions update

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will hold a virtual applicant meeting to review and comment on two applications ahead of the Planning Commission's December 21 meeting. The items are a conditional use for a child day care and a conditional use site plan for a 54-unit apartment complex. Public comment is not accepted at this meeting; it will be taken at the Planning Commission meeting.

• C-20-04: Conditional use for Kid Clouds Child Day Care at 113 North West Street, serving up to 12 children, zoned RG-1
• C-20-05: Bay Pointe Apartments at 1080 and 1106 Bay Road, two buildings with 54 total units, zoned C-4
• Waiver request for arterial street buffer reduction at Bay Pointe Apartments
• Cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction for Bay Pointe Apartments
• Lot consolidation of three parcels totaling 3.302 acres for Bay Pointe Apartments

City Council Meetings

This is a special meeting of the Dover City Council, held remotely, with the primary purpose of entering executive session to discuss the City Manager search. The council may take action resulting from that discussion. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Executive session to discuss personnel for City Manager search
• Potential action following executive session

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee will virtually review two conditional use applications: a day care at 113 North West Street and a 54-unit apartment complex at 1080/1106 Bay Road. The committee provides technical review before Planning Commission decisions.

• C-20-04: Conditional use for Kid Clouds Child Day Care, up to 12 children, at 113 North West Street (RG-1 zone)
• C-20-05: Conditional use for Bay Pointe Apartments, two buildings totaling 54 units, at 1080 and 1106 Bay Road (C-4 zone)
• Lot consolidation of three parcels for Bay Pointe Apartments
• Waiver request: reduction of arterial street buffer for Bay Pointe
• Cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction for Bay Pointe

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors will meet via Zoom to approve minutes, receive a police report from the Community Policing Unit, and discuss an executive session with three unspecified items. The board will also hear committee reports, including a Main Street assessment with a guest from the Division of Small Business, and receive updates from the city. The agenda is largely routine, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Police report by Sgt. Peer, Community Policing Unit
• Executive session with three items
• Main Street assessment with guest Patty Cannon, Main Street State Coordinator
• Parking committee report
• City updates from Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Planning

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will consider two contract awards: one for updating the city's Water Master Plan and another for replacing the police department's chiller, cooling tower, and pumps. The committee will also discuss an emergency COVID-19 relief economic retention electric fund. Public comments are welcome.

• Award contract to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for Water Master Plan update, $143,501
• Award contract to Service Unlimited for police department chiller/cooling tower/pumps replacement, $362,952
• Discussion of Emergency COVID-19 Relief Economic Retention Electric Fund

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding a $143,501 contract to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for updating the City of Dover Water Master Plan, and approved a $362,952 contract to Service Unlimited for police department chiller and cooling tower replacement. A proposed COVID-19 relief electric fund was deferred to the December 15 committee meeting.

• Recommended awarding $143,501 contract to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for Water Master Plan update (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding $362,952 contract to Service Unlimited for police chiller/cooling tower/pumps replacement (unanimous)
• Deferred COVID-19 relief electric fund discussion to December 15, 2020 (unanimous)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will hold an electronic meeting to consider two appeals of property maintenance citations and fines. The board will hear appeals for properties at 725 Carol Street and 8 South New Street. The agenda includes only these two appeal items and adjournment.

• Appeal of citation and fines for 725 Carol Street (Joshua Fontello) under 2009 IPMC Section 304.2 (protective treatment)
• Appeal of citation and fines for 8 South New Street (James Sloven) under Chapter 114 (weeds) and 2009 IPMC

The board unanimously voted to forgive all fines for 725 Carol Street due to lack of communication, and for 8 South New Street, it upheld a $100 fine and suspended a second $100 fine until January 1, 2021, contingent on the owner providing proof of work. The board also adopted the agenda and adjourned.

• Forgave fines for 725 Carol Street (unanimous)
• Upheld $100 fine for 8 South New Street (unanimous)
• Suspended $100 fine for 8 South New Street until Jan 1, 2021, contingent on proof of work (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)

Home Events

The City Manager Selection Committee is continuing its recessed meeting from November 20, 2020, to conduct a city manager interview. The committee will recess into executive session to discuss the candidate's qualifications and related documents, as permitted by Delaware law. No public decisions are scheduled; the meeting is expected to adjourn after the closed session.

• Continuation of recessed meeting from November 20, 2020
• Executive session to interview city manager candidate
• Remote meeting via WebEx with public call-in information

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will meet remotely to review committee reports and several contract awards. Key items include decisions on SCADA equipment technology, pump station engineering, and a computer wiring upgrade for the police station.

• Contract award to Freemire & Associates, Inc. for SCADA equipment upgrade ($197,118)
• Contract award to Remington & Vernick Engineers for College Road Pump Station Upgrade ($17,523)
• Change order for Water Treatment Plant Process Improvement Project construction support ($39,000)
• Contract award to Assurance Media, LLC. for Police Station Computer Wiring Upgrade ($122,654.22)

Home Events

The City Manager Selection Committee is meeting remotely to conduct interviews for the city manager position. The interviews will be held in executive session, which is closed to the public, to discuss candidates' qualifications and personnel files. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items on the agenda.

• Executive session for city manager interviews
• Remote meeting via WebEx with public call-in information

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission will hold a virtual meeting to review new permit applications and elect its 2021 Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The body will also discuss the implementation of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan and updates to the Certified Local Government grant program. Additionally, the commission will adopt minutes from previous meetings and present a summary of 2020 architectural review certificates.

• Election of Chairman & Vice-Chairman
• Review of Permits Referred to Commission
• Update on Wireless Communications Facilities Ordinance #2020-13
• Update to Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone
• Information on FFY2020 CLG Grant Application

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment's regular meeting scheduled for November 18, 2020, is cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2020, at 9:00 AM.

• Meeting cancelled for November 18, 2020
• Next meeting scheduled for December 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM

DDP Parking Committee

The DDP Parking Committee is meeting to discuss parking permits for January 1, 2021, and to receive updates on the outcome of the DDP Dover parking solutions RFI. The committee will also launch the development phase of the parking solutions project with Colonial Parking Inc. Public comments are scheduled.

• Parking permits for Jan. 1, 2021
• Update on DDP Dover parking solutions RFI outcome
• Launch of parking solutions project development phase with Colonial Parking Inc.

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee is meeting to handle routine business: approving October minutes, receiving updates on the Façade Grants program and the Birds mural plaque, and discussing the holiday window contest. Public comments will be taken. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or new proposals listed.

• Approval of October meeting minutes
• Façade Grants program update
• Birds mural plaque update
• Holiday window contest discussion
• Public comments period

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings and make recommendations to City Council on two rezoning applications, a site development plan, and a text amendment establishing short-term rental regulations. The meeting will be held virtually via WebEx due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Written comments are accepted by mail or email.

• Rezoning Z-20-02: NCALL parcels at 35 and 39 N. New Street from RG-3 to RG-1 (Ordinance #2020-15)
• Rezoning Z-20-03: Silver Linings Holding Corp. parcel at 630 W. Division Street from C-3 to IO (Ordinance #2020-16)
• Site plan S-20-12: Walker Pavilion at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard – new 24,657 SF office building
• Text amendment MI-20-04: Short Term Rental Use regulations, licensing, fees (Ordinance #2020-05)
• Approval of minutes from October 19, 2020

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet remotely to adopt minutes and receive quarterly performance reviews from Milliman, Inc. for the quarter ending September 30, 2020. The staff recommends acceptance of the reports. Public comments are welcome.

• Adoption of minutes from August 11, 2020 joint meeting and September 10, 2020 special meeting
• Quarterly performance review of General Employee Pension Plan (Q3 2020)
• Quarterly performance review of Police Pension Plan (Q3 2020)
• Quarterly performance review of OPEB Plan (Q3 2020)

The joint pension and OPEB boards met and adopted the agenda and prior meeting minutes. They accepted the quarterly performance review for the General Employee Pension Plan and the OPEB Plan, but deferred acceptance for the Police Pension Plan due to lack of quorum. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted agenda by unanimous consent
• Adopted August 11, 2020 joint meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Adopted September 10, 2020 special General Employee Pension Plan Board minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Q3 2020 performance review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Deferred acceptance of Q3 2020 performance review for Police Pension Plan (no quorum)
• Accepted Q3 2020 performance review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Development Partnership Merchants Committee is meeting to discuss routine business including public comments, October minutes, and merchant updates. They will also cover the December Merchant Window Contest, feedback on November First Friday, community policing concerns, parking solutions progress, and plans for Shop Small Saturday.

• Merchant Window Contest in December organized by DDP Design Committee
• November First Friday feedback
• Community policing concerns and update
• Parking solutions progress
• Shop Small Saturday plans

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council adopted Ordinance #2020-13, establishing uniform standards for wireless communications facilities, and Ordinance #2020-14, approving project carry-forward budget balances and amendments. The council also approved a $177,900 budget amendment for the Community Policing Unit and authorized a contract with BerryDunn for ERP project management. All votes were unanimous with Councilmember Cole absent.

• Adopted Ordinance #2020-13, zoning text amendments for wireless communications facilities (unanimous, Cole absent)
• Adopted Ordinance #2020-14, project carry-forward budget balances and proposed budget amendments (unanimous, Cole absent)
• Approved $177,900 budget amendment for Community Policing Unit (unanimous, Cole absent)
• Authorized contract with BerryDunn for ERP project management (unanimous, Cole absent)
• Approved Revised 2020 Prioritization of State Capital Transportation Program projects (unanimous, Cole absent)
• Approved appointment of Dr. Shanita A. Powell to MPO Public Advisory Committee (unanimous, Cole absent)
• Accepted monthly reports and Quarterly Capital Investment Plan (unanimous, Cole absent)

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover DDP Merchants Committee approved the September minutes unanimously. They decided to eliminate the People's Choice award for the Merchant Window Contest, with the next contest in December organized by the DDP Design Committee. The committee also discussed October First Friday feedback, tourism planning, and community policing updates, including a new grant for additional officers and the resignation of City Manager Donna Mitchell.

• Approved September minutes (unanimous)
• Eliminated People's Choice award for Merchant Window Contest
• Scheduled next Merchant Window Contest for December, organized by DDP Design Committee
• Set next meeting for November 12, 8:30 a.m.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole met on September 29, 2020, and recommended confirming the continuation of the 2019 Prioritization of City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects, as recommended by staff. The committee also recommended approval of proposed Ordinance #2020-12 (amending parking regulations) and proposed Ordinance #2020-05 (amending lodginghouse and rental dwelling regulations), as well as proposed Resolution No. 2020-12 (application for a Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant). All recommendations were made unanimously and will be forwarded to the full City Council for final action.

• Recommended confirming the 2019 CTP project prioritization list (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance #2020-12 amending parking regulations (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance #2020-05 amending lodginghouse and rental dwelling regulations (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Resolution No. 2020-12 for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant application (unanimous)
• Approved agendas for both committee meetings (unanimous)
• Adjourned both committee meetings and the full Committee of the Whole (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council approved Resolution 2020-11, allowing Robbins Hose Company No. 1 to issue up to $757,900 in bonds for a new fire pumper/rescue. The council also gave first reading to a zoning ordinance for wireless communications facilities and a fire department ordinance, and approved a model license agreement for small wireless facilities on city poles. Several proclamations were read, and multiple appointments and reappointments to city boards were approved.

• Approved Resolution 2020-11 authorizing Robbins Hose Co. No. 1 to issue up to $757,900 in bonds for a new fire apparatus (unanimous).
• Approved a Model Master License Agreement for small wireless facilities attached to city-owned poles (unanimous).
• Gave first reading to Ordinance 2020-13, amending zoning for wireless communications facilities; public hearing set for Nov. 9.
• Gave first reading to Ordinance 2020-11, amending fire department rules; final action set for Oct. 12.
• Approved amendments to the City's Purchasing Policy (unanimous).
• Approved restoring the Dover Human Relations Commission's intake form and allowing non-binding mediation (unanimous).
• Approved reappointments to the Dover Human Relations Commission and other city boards (unanimous).
• Deferred a presentation on the Wilmington Hope Commission to the next committee meeting (unanimous).

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission met via Webex and approved the previous meeting's minutes. Kent County Public Works reported that contractor George & Lynch completed sewer line installation from Silver Lake Park to Oak Lane, with reconnection and restoration to follow. The commission discussed park projects, including new lighting, a completed volleyball court, and a University of Delaware beach project agreement. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only action was approving the minutes.

• Approved meeting minutes as presented (motion by Carter, second by Lewis, passed without objection)
• Heard update on sewer main installation and restoration work by George & Lynch
• Discussed potential paving of Lewis Mill Drive, to be reviewed with Public Works director
• Noted completion of volleyball court and new lighting on east side of Silver Lake
• Discussed University of Delaware beach project agreement, with deliverables expected in late fall
• Agreed to hold off on a fall cleanup event, with a possible spring cleanup coordinated with lake drawdown

City Council Meetings

City Council approved the federal COPS grant application for five additional police officer positions, directing that the funding and positions be dedicated to a community policing budget unit. All future items after the budget is approved must be brought back as a budget amendment. Council also approved the Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management with no changes, and accepted the results of the 1st District special election won by Gerald L. Rocha, Sr.

• Approved federal COPS grant for 5 new community policing officer positions (unanimous)
• Approved Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management with no changes (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 Special 1st District election results; Gerald L. Rocha, Sr. won with 364 votes (unanimous)
• Approved awarding Garrison Oak substation design/engineering contract to Aubrey Silvey Enterprises (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2020-10 amending Chapter 34 Elections (unanimous)
• Approved Scott W. Cole's reappointment to Dover Public Library Advisory Commission (unanimous)
• Accepted July 2020 monthly reports and quarterly Capital Investment Plan (unanimous)
• Recommended collecting lodging tax as scheduled without penalties if not paid by September 1st (unanimous)

Election Board

The Election Board reviewed surveillance footage confirming six absentee ballots were dropped off before 8:00 p.m., then voted unanimously to certify and accept the election results. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other substantive decisions.

• Adopted agenda by unanimous consent
• Certified 2020 Special Municipal Election results (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission approved a conditional use for a 12-child daycare at 151 Greenhill Avenue (6-1), accepted revisions to the Tommy Express Car Wash site plan (7-0), and approved the Landing Square office building plan with a 77.9% impervious coverage cap (7-0). The commission also elected Mrs. Maucher as Chair and appointed Mr. Roach to the Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee.

• Approved C-20-03 Love Drives Child Daycare conditional use (6-1)
• Approved S-19-22 Tommy Express Car Wash site plan revisions (7-0)
• Approved C-20-02 Landing Square office building with 77.9% impervious cap (7-0)
• Elected Mrs. Maucher as Planning Commission Chair (7-0)
• Appointed Mr. Roach to Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee (7-0)
• Postponed Vice-Chair election until Mrs. Malone returns (7-0)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission denied the conditional use application for an 80-unit apartment building at Landing Square (600 Bay Road), citing that the apartments were not in harmony with the surrounding zoning. The commission also deferred action on the remaining aspects of the site plan (office building, restaurants, parking) to allow the applicant to revise the proposal. Additionally, the commission approved a maintenance plan for the wetland mitigation area for the new Dover Middle Schools project and deferred officer elections until August.

• Denied conditional use for 80-unit apartment building at 600 Bay Road (7-0)
• Deferred action on remaining site plan elements (office, restaurants, parking) for Landing Square (7-0)
• Approved wetland mitigation maintenance plan for New Dover Middle Schools (6-0, Roach recused)
• Approved resolution honoring Frederick Tolbert (7-0)
• Deferred election of Planning Commission officers until August (7-0)
• Deferred appointment of Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee until August (7-0)
• Approved agenda and minutes of May 18, 2020 sessions (6-0 each)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole referred Staff Substitute #2 for Ordinance #2020-05, which would regulate short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb), back to staff for further revisions. The decision was made after discussion about residency requirements, occupancy limits, and fair housing concerns. The committee also approved a cash-in-lieu recreation donation for an apartment complex, recommended forwarding a letter to the Delaware Congressional Delegation about a wetland pond, and approved renaming New Street Park.

• Referred short-term rental ordinance (SS#2 for Ordinance #2020-05) back to staff (unanimous)
• Approved $98,387.52 cash-in-lieu recreation donation for Landing Square Apartments (unanimous)
• Recommended forwarding letter to Delaware Congressional Delegation about Pat Lynn Drive wetland (unanimous)
• Approved renaming New Street Park to Bishop L.T. Blackshear Park (unanimous)
• Approved revised Library Reopening Plan with soft opening August 3 (unanimous)
• Approved Water Production Division operational plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Summer Park Activities Update (unanimous)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board selected Colonial Parking Inc. as the vendor to manage downtown parking, with the City Solicitor preparing a proposal for council approval. The board also accepted the May 2020 meeting minutes and received updates on the Bradford Street construction project and the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing's purchase of 630 W. Division Street.

• Selected Colonial Parking Inc. as parking management vendor
• Accepted May 2020 meeting minutes (all in favor, no opposed)
• Approved new land-use agreement for Loockerman Way Plaza
• Received approval from City of Dover for tax abatement for Inner-City Cultural League property
• Noted DIMH property under contract for $1.5M with $10,000 deposit

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals approved several appeals, dismissing citations and fines for weed violations at 44 South Governors Avenue and 448 North State Street, and waiving vacant building registration fees for 135 Lotus Street and 40 Ridgely Street. The board also granted a three-month extension for the vacant building fee at 108 West Loockerman Street. All decisions were unanimous.

• Approved appeal of registration fee for 135 Lotus Street contingent on listing delivery (unanimous)
• Dismissed weed citation and fine for 44 South Governors Avenue (unanimous)
• Dismissed weed complaint for 448 North State Street (unanimous)
• Wiped out case and waived vacant building fee for 40 Ridgely Street contingent on signed lease (unanimous)
• Granted 3-month extension for vacant building fee at 108 West Loockerman Street (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding a $205,665 sewer replacement contract to Teal Construction, Inc. and approved a one-year extension of the NAES operations contract. The Motor Vehicle Record Review Policy was referred back to staff after concerns about exemptions for police officers and union negotiations. The FY2021 audit program was accepted with additions.

• Recommended awarding $205,665 sewer replacement contract to Teal Construction, Inc. (unanimous)
• Recommended one-year NAES contract extension through June 30, 2021 (unanimous)
• Referred Motor Vehicle Record Review Policy back to staff (unanimous)
• Accepted FY2021 audit program with additions (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

City Council adopted the 2020/2021 budget ordinance (Ordinance #2020-09) by a 7-2 roll call vote, appropriating $50,736,400 for the general fund. The final budget added $83,300 to the police department budget for training and consultant services. Council also adopted a rolled-back property tax rate of $.4050 per $100 of assessed value for 2020/2021, a 7.95% decrease from the prior rate.

• Adopted FY2020/21 budget ordinance #2020-09, $50.7M general fund (7-2)
• Adopted rolled-back tax rate of $.4050 per $100 assessed value (unanimous)
• Approved special election for 1st District council vacancy on Aug 18, 2020 (Polce not voting, Neil abstaining)
• Approved all Board of Assessment Appeals exemption recommendations (unanimous)
• Approved $83,300 addition to police budget for training (part of budget vote)
• Approved use of headhunter for city manager search (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of Downtown Dover Partnership parking MOU discussion (unanimous)
• Approved Whitman, Requardt & Associates for recreation project design services (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget as presented, which includes water and wastewater rate increases offset by an increased electric PCA credit. The budget also includes no property tax increase, no new full-time positions, and reduced capital transfers due to revenue uncertainty. The stormwater utility recommendation was removed from the agenda for later discussion.

• Adopted FY2021 operating budget as presented (unanimous)
• Removed Stormwater Utility Recommendation from agenda for later discussion
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission recommended approval to City Council for the annexation and rezoning of 78.60 acres at 1385-1389 McKee Road to RG-2 (General Residence) and C-2A (Limited Commercial) zones, with the frontage subject to the Corridor Overlay Zone. The commission also approved updates to the Tommy Express Car Wash site plan, a cash-in-lieu payment for a minor subdivision, and a conditional use permit for warehouses on Rosemary Road. All votes were unanimous (7-0 or 8-0).

• Recommended approval of AX-20-02 annexation and rezoning of 78.60 acres at 1385-1389 McKee Road to RG-2 and C-2A (8-0)
• Approved updates to S-19-22 Tommy Express Car Wash site plan at Carver Road (7-0)
• Approved $4,250 cash-in-lieu payment for active recreation area for SB-20-01 subdivision at 1504-1506 College Road (7-0)
• Recommended approval of AX-20-01 annexation and rezoning of 0.21 acres at 1448 N. Little Creek Road to R-8 (7-0)
• Approved C-20-01 Rosemary Road Warehouses conditional use with waivers for sidewalk, curbing, and tree mitigation (7-0)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission approved the site development master plan for the new Dover Middle Schools at 1 Pat Lynn Drive, with a condition requiring the Capital School District to submit a wetland maintenance plan within 30 days. The commission also recommended approval of the annexation and rezoning of 679 Horsepond Road to C-3 (Service Commercial) with the Airport Environs Overlay Zone, and granted a one-year extension for the Kraft Foods minor subdivision plan. All votes were unanimous (7-0 or 6-0 with recusals/absences).

• Approved S-20-02 New Dover Middle Schools master plan with condition for wetland maintenance plan (6-0, Roach recused)
• Recommended approval of AX-20-03 annexation and rezoning of 679 Horsepond Road to C-3 with AEOZ (7-0)
• Approved SB-19-01 extension for Kraft Foods minor subdivision plan (7-0)
• Deferred action on filling Planning Commission Chair vacancy until July/August meeting (7-0)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held its annual meeting, electing William F. Hare as Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2020/2021. The Council unanimously extended Emergency Ordinance #2020-06 for another 30 days, waiving certain requirements during the COVID-19 state of emergency. It also approved the 2020-2024 CDBG Consolidated Plan and the FY20 Action Plan, and referred a proposed short-term rental ordinance back to staff for further review.

• Elected William F. Hare as Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2020/2021 (unanimous)
• Extended Emergency Ordinance #2020-06 for 30 days to June 13, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved 2020-2024 CDBG Consolidated Plan and FY20 Action Plan (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2020-03 approving CDBG plan and application (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2020-04 authorizing banking signatures (unanimous)
• Referred short-term rental ordinance (Staff Substitute #1) back to staff (unanimous)
• Referred 911 supervisor replacement matter to committee pending legal opinion (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Electric Fund Budget on June 8, 2020 (unanimous)

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan for the new Dover Middle Schools, a 238,000 sq ft facility housing two middle schools with shared facilities, for presentation to the City of Dover Planning Commission on May 18. The plan includes a reduction of over 2 acres of impervious surfaces, compliance with 2019 DNREC regulations, and keeping development out of the 100-foot wetland buffer. The commission also asked the school district to consider a future pedestrian access point on the Senator Way side.

• Approved the new Dover Middle Schools site plan for the May 18 Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Requested the school district consider opening the fence on the Senator Way side for future sidewalk access

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting by video conference to hear from candidates for Council President, Mr. Sudler and Mr. Hare. The Council unanimously approved a voting procedure for the Council President election at the Annual Meeting, as suggested by Mr. Slavin, where the City Solicitor would individually call each Council member to obtain their vote. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was primarily for candidate presentations and discussion.

• Approved agenda as amended to add Discussion of Voting Procedure (unanimous)
• Approved voting procedure for Council President election at Annual Meeting (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole met and made several recommendations. It unanimously recommended awarding the Puncheon Run Pump Station Improvement contract to Kuhn Construction Company for $732,200. It also unanimously recommended accepting a $4,250 cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction donation for properties at 1504 and 1506 College Road. The committee recommended authorizing the purchase of a replacement IBM Power System S914 server, with staff directed to provide answers to cost concerns. A presentation from the Wilmington HOPE Commission was accepted.

• Recommended awarding Puncheon Run Pump Station Improvement contract to Kuhn Construction Company for $732,200 (unanimous)
• Recommended accepting $4,250 Cash-in-Lieu of Recreation Area Construction donation for 1504 and 1506 College Road (unanimous)
• Recommended authorizing purchase of replacement IBM Power System S914 server, with staff to answer cost questions (unanimous)
• Accepted report from Wilmington HOPE Commission (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council voted unanimously to refer Proposed Ordinance #2020-05, which would amend regulations for short-term rentals, back to staff for reconsideration. The decision followed extensive discussion about enforcement concerns, neighborhood impacts, and the need to balance economic benefits with quality-of-life protections. The council also approved several other items, including a resolution for new wells at Dover International Speedway and a contract for a compensation study.

• Referred Ordinance #2020-05 (short-term rentals) back to staff for revisions (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 2020-02 for up to 3 new wells at Dover International Speedway (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate with Segal Waters Consulting for compensation study (unanimous)
• Approved annexation requests for 1448 N. Little Creek Rd. and 1385-1389 McKee Rd. (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 Property Assessment Appeals schedule for May-June (unanimous)
• Accepted monthly reports for January 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Jan. 13 and Feb. 24 meetings (unanimous)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Dover Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals upheld staff findings in an appeal by Joni Monk regarding an annual housing inspection at 1001 White Oak Road, B31. The board voted unanimously to uphold the staff's decision after hearing testimony about the inspection and rental situation. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Upheld staff findings in appeal of annual housing inspection at 1001 White Oak Road, B31 (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended referring Proposed Ordinance #2020-05, which would amend regulations for short-term rentals and strike the Safe Communities provision, back to staff for reconsideration. The committee also recommended approval of several other items, including new wells for the Dover International Speedway, two annexation requests, temporary staffing for ERP projects, and a compensation study contract. All recommendations were made unanimously.

• Referred short-term rental ordinance #2020-05 back to staff (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of up to 3 new wells at Dover International Speedway Lot 18 (unanimous)
• Recommended forwarding annexation for 1448 North Little Creek Road to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Recommended forwarding annexation for 1385-1389 McKee Road to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Recommended authorizing temporary staffing for ERP projects (~$51,000) (unanimous)
• Recommended authorizing agreement with Segal Waters Consulting for compensation study (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission met on February 20, 2020, and unanimously recommended acceptance of its 2019 Annual Report to City Council. The commission tabled proposed revisions to its brochure and mission statement, and voted to continue discussing the intake form at a future meeting after reviewing Philadelphia's version. No final decisions were made on the intake form's design or distribution.

• Recommended acceptance of 2019 Annual Report to City Council (unanimous)
• Tabled proposed revisions to DHRC Brochure - Mission Statement (unanimous)
• Continued intake form discussion to next meeting (unanimous)

Home Events

The joint pension 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 December 31, 2019. The meeting also included adoption of the agenda and minutes from the November 14, 2019 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of November 14, 2019 joint meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Q4 2019 performance review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q4 2019 performance review for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q4 2019 performance review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole approved staff's recommendation for proposed budget amendments totaling $154,209.73 to the 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan, reallocating funds to the women's shelter and homeownership program. The committee also recommended approval of amendments to the Personnel Policy (Discrimination and Harassment Section) and the City of Dover Travel Policy. Proposed Ordinance #2020-04, amending the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals, was referred back to staff for further work and to be brought back in March.

• Approved $154,209.73 in CDBG budget amendments for FY 2019 (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Personnel Policy - Discrimination and Harassment Section (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to City of Dover Travel Policy (unanimous)
• Referred Ordinance #2020-04 (Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals) back to staff for revisions (unanimous)
• Approved extending ADP payroll processing contract through December 31, 2020 (unanimous)
• Recommended directing staff to work with Citelum on a strategic lighting proposal (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Dover Economic Development Committee received updates from Kent Economic Partnership (KEP) Executive Director Linda Parkowski on a deeper economic analysis by Rockport for Dover, Smyrna, and Milford, and a retail gap analysis by consultant Rick Ferrell for all Kent County municipalities. The committee also discussed plans to attend the ICSC conference in Washington, D.C., and reviewed a map of commercial retail hot spots in Dover. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only actions were the unanimous adoption of the agenda and adjournment.

• Adopted the meeting agenda unanimously
• Adjourned the meeting unanimously
• Heard update on Rockport economic analysis deeper dive for Dover, Smyrna, and Milford
• Heard update on retail gap analysis by Rick Ferrell for all Kent County municipalities
• Discussed plans for Dover and Smyrna to attend ICSC conference in Washington, D.C.

City Council Meetings

At a special meeting on February 10, 2020, Dover City Council unanimously approved a motion to assign the deed and its restrictions for the former Dover Public Library building to the State of Delaware. The action followed an executive session where members considered the deed restrictions. The motion was made by Mr. Polce, seconded by Mr. Neil, and carried unanimously.

• Approved assigning the deed and restrictions for the former Dover Public Library to the State of Delaware (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous consent)
• Approved recessing into executive session for legal strategy (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended sunsetting the Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee, with a roll call vote of 6-3, and creating an informal committee to advise the City Manager. They also recommended awarding a $1,037,893.90 street and alley contract to George & Lynch, Inc., and approved switching the priority of two transportation projects. The committee accepted water and wastewater infrastructure for the Leander Lakes Apartment Complex.

• Recommended sunsetting Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee (6-3)
• Recommended awarding FY20 Street & Alley Program contract to George & Lynch, Inc. (unanimous)
• Recommended switching Loockerman Street/Forest Street Intersection and Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension priorities (unanimous)
• Recommended accepting water and wastewater infrastructure for Leander Lakes Apartment Complex (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission unanimously approved revisions to its strategic plan, extending the plan's timeframe to 2020-2023 and updating the document's body accordingly. The commission also deferred discussion of an intake form to its February 20, 2020 meeting and deferred brochure revisions until the strategic plan is approved by City Council.

• Approved revising strategic plan years to 2020-2023 (unanimous)
• Approved revising years in the body of the strategic plan to 2020-2023 (unanimous)
• Approved the revised strategic plan (unanimous)
• Deferred intake form discussion to February 20, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Deferred brochure revisions until strategic plan approved by City Council (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance #2019-21, the 2019 Comprehensive Plan, and submitted it to the Governor for certification. The Council also unanimously approved Mayor Christiansen's appointment of Thomas Johnson as the new Chief of Police. Additionally, the Council approved a one-year library management contract with Library Systems & Services, LLC for up to $200,000, and adopted Ordinance #2019-20 amending the downtown tax abatement program.

• Adopted 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Ordinance #2019-21) unanimously
• Approved Thomas Johnson as Chief of Police (unanimous)
• Authorized library management contract with Library Systems & Services, LLC up to $200,000 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2019-20 amending downtown tax abatement (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2020-01 supporting Wesley College (unanimous, Slavin abstaining)
• Referred Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee discussion to Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda and monthly reports (unanimous)
• Approved Capital Investment Plan quarterly report (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council held a special meeting, recessed into executive session to discuss personnel matters, and unanimously approved City Manager Donna S. Mitchell's retirement. The approval includes counting her prior service from June 1978 through July 1989 (11 years) toward her retirement benefits. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for personnel matters (unanimous)
• Approved City Manager Donna S. Mitchell's retirement (unanimous)
• Approved inclusion of 11 years of prior service (1978-1989) in retirement benefit calculation (unanimous)

Municipal

The commission received an update on the December 19 sewage spill at Silver Lake Park, where a force main failed, discharging sewage into the park but not the lake. The park remains closed while the county investigates the extent of pipe damage and continues soil testing. No formal decisions were made; the commission discussed signage and communication improvements and agreed to coordinate a spring cleanup event.

• Approved September 2019 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Agreed to coordinate spring cleanup event with Parks & Recreation
• Agreed to include request for property owner repair info in lake drawdown notices