Dover public meetings in 2020

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing a resubmission of an expired Conditional Use Site Plan for Cassidy Commons at 101-1001 Cassidy Drive. The application seeks approval to construct six additional manufacturing and warehousing buildings, bringing the total to ten structures on a 10-acre parcel. The meeting will be held virtually, and the applicant is requesting waivers for bicycle parking, curbing, and sidewalk requirements.

• Review of resubmitted Conditional Use Site Plan C-21-01 for Cassidy Commons at 101-1001 Cassidy Drive
• Proposal to construct six additional 9,950 SF manufacturing/warehousing buildings
• Request for waivers including reduction of bicycle parking and partial elimination of curbing and sidewalks
• Property is zoned M (Manufacturing Zone) and subject to Airport Environs Overlay Zone (AEOZ) APZ I and Noise Zones A and B

Council Committee of the Whole

The City of Dover has canceled all Council and Council Committee of the Whole meetings scheduled for the week of December 28, 2020. The cancellation allows the Mayor, Council, and City employees to spend the holidays with their families. No business decisions or discussions are taking place during this period.

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

City Council Meetings

The City of Dover has canceled all scheduled Council and Council Committee of the Whole meetings for the week of December 28, 2020. The cancellation allows the Mayor, Council members, and city employees to spend the holidays with their families. No specific business items were decided or discussed in this notice.

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

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a virtual meeting to review two new conditional use applications. The first is for a large family day care at 113 North West Street, and the second is for a 54-unit apartment development at Bay Road. The commission will also adopt minutes from November 16, 2020, and receive updates on the 2019 Comprehensive Plan implementation.

• Conditional use application for Kid Clouds Child Day Care at 113 North West Street serving up to 12 children
• Conditional use site plan for Bay Pointe Apartments at 1080 and 1106 Bay Road including 54 units across two buildings
• Request for waiver of arterial street buffer and rear emergency access for Bay Pointe Apartments
• Request for cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction for Bay Pointe Apartments
• Adoption of minutes from the November 16, 2020 meeting

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. No other business is listed on this agenda.

• Meeting canceled for December 17, 2020
• Next meeting scheduled for January 21, 2021

Board of Adjustment

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

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

Economic Development Committee

The Dover Economic Development Committee met remotely on December 15, 2020, to receive informational updates. The agenda included presentations on small business resources, real estate trends, and city planning. No specific decisions, votes, or contract approvals were listed in the agenda items.

• Update from Downtown Dover Partnership on small businesses and resources
• Update from Kent County Realtors on real estate
• City of Dover Planning update

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will meet remotely to consider several actionable items: purchasing two aerial bucket trucks for $420,000, deciding whether to proceed with an emergency COVID-19 relief electric fund program, and accepting a cash-in-lieu payment for active recreation area at Bay Pointe Apartments. The agenda also includes informational quarterly reviews of the police training budget.

• 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 program (deferred from Nov 10) with allocations starting Jan 12, 2021
• Cash-in-lieu of $30,084 for 6,679 SF deficit of required 10,000 SF Active Recreation Area at Bay Pointe Apartments (1080 and 1106 Bay Road)
• Quarterly reviews (July-Sept) of Police Training Budget

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval for staff to finalize and implement the Emergency COVID-19 Relief Economic Retention Electric Fund, with allocations starting January 12, 2021. The program will provide up to $5,000 in utility bill credits to qualifying small businesses. The committee also recommended acceptance of a cash-in-lieu donation for active recreation area at Bay Pointe Apartments. The purchase of Sourcewell trucks was deferred to a later date.

• Recommended approval of Emergency COVID-19 Relief Economic Retention Electric Fund (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of $30,084 cash-in-lieu for active recreation area at Bay Pointe Apartments (unanimous)
• Deferred purchase of Sourcewell trucks to a future Utility Committee meeting (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings on two rezoning ordinances, a final reading of a lodginghouse/rental dwelling ordinance, and first reading of an annexation/rezoning request. They will also vote on contracts for a water master plan update and police department chiller replacement, and consider making Christmas Eve a holiday.

• Rezoning of 35 and 39 North New Street from RG-3 to RG-1
• Rezoning of 630 West Division Street from C-3 to IO
• Contract award to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for water master plan update ($143,501)
• Contract award to Service Unlimited for police chiller replacement ($362,952)
• First reading of ordinance to rezone 228 Mifflin Road from RS-1 to R8

The Dover City Council denied a rezoning request for 630 West Division Street that would have allowed a homeless shelter, with a 4-3 vote against (one abstention). The council also approved a rezoning for two properties on North New Street, adopted a short-term rental ordinance (later vetoed by the mayor), and accepted the resignation of Councilman Scott Cole with a resolution of appreciation.

• Denied rezoning at 630 W. Division St. for homeless shelter (4-3, Lindell abstaining)
• Approved rezoning at 35 & 39 N. New St. from RG-3 to RG-1 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2020-05 regulating short-term rentals (unanimous, later vetoed by mayor)
• Adopted Resolution #2020-14 honoring former Councilman Scott Cole (unanimous)
• Declared Christmas Eve 2020 a city holiday (unanimous)
• Referred annexation/rezoning of 228 Mifflin Rd. to committees (unanimous)
• Accepted 2021 Robbins Hose Company fire line officers (unanimous)
• Approved $143,501 water master plan contract (unanimous)

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, get updates on community policing and parking solutions, and discuss the Merchant Window Contest and First Fridays.

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

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review two applications for the Planning Commission's December 21 meeting. The items include a conditional use request for a large family daycare and a site plan for a 54-unit apartment complex. This virtual meeting is limited to agency reviewers and applicants, with no public comment accepted.

• C-20-04: Conditional Use application for Kid Clouds Child Day Care at 113 North West Street
• C-20-05: Conditional Use Site Plan for Bay Pointe Apartments at 1080 and 1106 Bay Road
• Bay Pointe proposal includes two buildings totaling 54 apartment units on 3.302 acres
• Bay Pointe application requests a waiver for Arterial Street Buffer reduction
• Bay Pointe application includes a request for Cash-in-Lieu of Recreation Area Construction

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council convened a special remote meeting on December 8, 2020, primarily to enter executive session. The sole substantive agenda item was the discussion of personnel matters related to the City Manager search. No other public business, ordinances, or budget items were listed for consideration.

• Executive session to discuss City Manager search personnel matters

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board met via Zoom to review a police report from Sgt. Peer and discuss the Main Street Assessment. The agenda included updates from the Executive Committee, parking committee, and legislative updates. No specific property updates were listed for this meeting.

• Police report presented by Sgt. Peer, Community Policing Unit
• Discussion of Main Street Assessment with guest Patty Cannon, Main Street State Coordinator
• Parking Committee report
• Legislative updates
• City updates from Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and Planning

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee will virtually review two development applications. The first is a conditional use request for a large family day care at 113 North West Street. The second is a site plan for two apartment buildings totaling 54 units at 1080 and 1106 Bay Road, which includes a lot consolidation and waiver requests.

• Conditional Use application for Kid Clouds Child Day Care at 113 North West Street (up to 12 children)
• Conditional Use Site Plan for Bay Pointe Apartments at 1080 and 1106 Bay Road (54 units)
• Lot Consolidation Plan for three parcels totaling 3.302 acres at Bay Road
• Waiver request for reduction of Arterial Street Buffer at Bay Pointe Apartments
• Request for Cash-in-Lieu of Recreation Area Construction at Bay Pointe Apartments

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole is meeting remotely to review two contract awards and a relief fund. The Utility Committee considers awarding a water master plan update to Whitman, Requardt & Associates. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee considers awarding HVAC replacement for the Police Department to Service Unlimited and reviewing an electric relief fund.

• Award contract to Whitman, Requardt & Associates for Water Master Plan update (RFP #21-0013WW) for $143,501
• Award contract to Service Unlimited for Police Department Chiller, Cooling Tower & Pumps Replacement (RFP #21-0012PD) for $362,952.00
• Review 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 (RFP #21-0013WW). They also recommended awarding a $362,952 contract to Service Unlimited for chiller, cooling tower, and pumps replacement at the Dover Police Department. A proposed COVID-19 relief electric fund was deferred to the December 15, 2020 committee meeting.

• Recommended awarding $143,501 water master plan contract to Whitman, Requardt & Associates (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding $362,952 police department chiller/cooling tower/pumps replacement to Service Unlimited (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 code citations and fines. The board will hear from property owners regarding violations at 725 Carol Street and 8 South New Street. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Appeal of citation and fines for 725 Carol Street (Joshua Fontello) - violation of 2009 IPMC Section 304.2 (protective treatment)
• Appeal of citation and fines for 8 South New Street (James Sloven) - violations of Chapter 114 (weeds), Chapter 22, and 2009 IPMC

The Dover Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals voted to forgive all fines issued to Joshua Fontello for a property at 725 Carol Street, citing lack of communication and that he did not receive prior notices. The board also voted to uphold a $100 fine against James Sloven for 8 South New Street but suspend a second $100 fine until January 1, 2021, contingent on him providing proof of work done. The meeting was held by video conference on November 23, 2020.

• Forgave fines for 725 Carol Street (Joshua Fontello) unanimously
• Upheld first $100 fine for 8 South New Street (James Sloven)
• Suspended second $100 fine for 8 South New Street until Jan 1, 2021, contingent on proof of work
• Adopted meeting agenda unanimously

Home Events

The Dover City Manager Selection Committee met remotely on November 23, 2020, to continue a recessed meeting from November 20. The primary agenda item was a City Manager interview conducted in executive session pursuant to Delaware state law regarding personnel qualifications. No other substantive decisions or public discussions were listed on the agenda.

• City Manager Interview conducted in executive session
• Meeting held remotely via WebEx

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote on routine consent items, including the adoption of previous minutes and several utility-related contracts. Key decisions include awarding a $197,118 contract for a SCADA equipment technology upgrade and a $17,523 engineering design contract for the College Road Pump Station. The council will also consider a $39,000 change order for water treatment plant construction support and a $122,654.22 contract for police station computer wiring.

• Award SCADA Equipment Technology Upgrade contract to Freemire & Associates, Inc. for $197,118
• Award College Road Pump Station Upgrade Engineering Design to Remington & Vernick Engineers for $17,523
• Approve $39,000 change order for Water Treatment Plant Process Improvement Project construction support
• Award Police Station Computer Wiring Upgrade contract to Assurance Media, LLC for $122,654.22
• Endorse proposed revisions to the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement

The Dover City Council approved several contracts and agreements, including a $197,118 SCADA equipment upgrade contract, a $17,523 engineering design contract for the College Road Pump Station, a $39,000 change order for construction support services, and a $122,654.22 police station computer wiring upgrade contract. The council also endorsed revisions to the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement. All votes were unanimous.

• Awarded SCADA Equipment Technology Upgrade contract to Freemire & Associates, Inc. for $197,118 (unanimous)
• Awarded College Road Pump Station Upgrade Engineering Design contract to Remington & Vernick Engineers for $17,523 (unanimous)
• Approved $39,000 change order for Duffield Associates construction support services (unanimous)
• Approved police station computer wiring upgrade contract to Assurance Media, LLC for $122,654.22 (unanimous)
• Endorsed revisions to the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement (unanimous)

Home Events

The City Manager Selection Committee is meeting to conduct interviews for the city manager position. The agenda includes a motion to recess into executive session for the interviews, followed by adjournment. This is a procedural meeting focused on candidate selection.

• 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 approve minutes, review permit applications, and receive updates on wireless facilities and historic district grants. They will also elect a chairman and vice-chairman and set the 2021 meeting schedule.

• Adoption of minutes from September 17 and October 15, 2020
• Update on Wireless Communications Facilities Ordinance #2020-13 and Small WCF Design Manual
• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• CLG Program reporting and grant updates for FFY2019 and FFY2020
• Review of permits referred to Commission

DDP Parking Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership (DDP) Parking Committee is meeting to discuss parking permits for January 1, 2021, receive updates on the outcome of the DDP Dover parking solutions RFI, and launch the development phase of the parking solutions project with Colonial Parking Inc. The meeting also includes public comments and approval of January minutes.

• Parking permits for Jan. 1, 2021
• Updates on DDP Dover parking solutions RFI outcome
• Launch of parking solutions project development phase (Jed Hatfield, Colonial Parking Inc.)

The Dover Parking Working Group met on January 29, 2020, and discussed updates on parking initiatives. They received two inquiries for the RFI, including one from ParkMobile and an offer of free engineering assistance. The group reviewed parking systems in Rehoboth, Lewes, and DE Turf, and discussed replacing a broken parking panel with an app. No formal decisions were made; the next meeting is scheduled for March 18 to review RFI responses.

• Approved meeting agenda unanimously
• Received two RFI inquiries (ParkMobile, Mead Hunt)
• Discussed replacing broken Bradford St. panel with app-based payment
• Reviewed parking systems in Rehoboth, Lewes, and DE Turf
• Scheduled next meeting for March 18 to review RFI responses

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

DDP Design Committee

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

• Façade Grants update
• Birds mural plaque update
• Holiday window contest

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a virtual meeting to review four specific applications. The most significant item is a text amendment establishing regulations and licensing for short-term rentals in single-family dwellings. The commission will also review two rezoning applications and one site development plan for a new office building. All items are subject to public hearing and recommendation to City Council.

• Text Amendment for Short Term Rental Use (STRU) in single-family dwellings (Ordinance #2020-05)
• Rezoning of 35 and 39 N. New Street from RG-3 to RG-1 (Ordinance #2020-15)
• Rezoning of 630 W. Division Street from C-3 to IO (Ordinance #2020-16)
• Site Development Plan for a 24,657 SF office building at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard (S-20-12)

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover DDP Merchants Committee met via Zoom to review October minutes and discuss downtown business initiatives. The agenda included updates on community policing concerns, parking solutions, and plans for Shop Small Saturday. The group also addressed feedback from the November First Friday event and the December Merchant Window Contest.

• Community Policing concerns and update
• Parking solutions progress
• Shop Small Saturday Plans
• Merchant Window Contest – December organized by the DDP Design Committee
• November First Friday feedback

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board met remotely to adopt prior minutes and review quarterly performance reports. The staff recommended accepting the reports for the General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans for the quarter ending September 30, 2020, prepared by Milliman, Inc.

• Adoption of minutes from August 11, 2020, and September 10, 2020 meetings
• Review of Q3 2020 performance reports for General Employee Pension Plan
• Review of Q3 2020 performance reports for Police Pension Plan
• Review of Q3 2020 performance reports for OPEB Plan

The joint pension boards met and adopted the August 11, 2020 joint meeting minutes as amended, and the September 10, 2020 special General Employee Pension Plan Board minutes. They accepted the quarterly performance reviews for the General Employee Pension Plan and the OPEB Plan, but deferred acceptance of the Police Pension Plan review due to lack of quorum. No other substantive decisions were made.

• 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 Q3 2020 performance review for Police Pension Plan (lack of quorum)
• Accepted Q3 2020 performance review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee met remotely via Zoom to hear status updates from local economic partners. No specific decisions, votes, or new contracts were listed on the agenda. The meeting consisted primarily of informational briefings and procedural items.

• Update from Judy Diogo of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
• Update from Linda Parkowski of the Kent Economic Partnership
• Update from Dave Hugg of City of Dover Planning regarding the Box Plant

The Dover Economic Development Committee met on November 10, 2020, but took no formal votes. The meeting featured updates from the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Kent Economic Partnership, and the City of Dover Planning Department, covering business retention, economic development initiatives, and a major industrial project. The committee adopted the agenda and adjourned unanimously.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Utility Committee is scheduled to vote on three water infrastructure contracts, including a $197,118 technology upgrade and a $17,523 engineering design contract. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee will review a proposed revision to the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement. The meeting will be held remotely via WebEx.

• Award SCADA Equipment Technology Upgrade contract to Freemire & Associates, Inc. for $197,118
• Award College Road Pump Station Upgrade Engineering Design contract to Remington & Vernick Engineers for $17,523
• Approve $39,000 change order for Water Treatment Plant Process Improvement Project construction support services by Duffield Associates
• Review proposed revision to the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement

The Council Committee of the Whole, meeting by video conference, recommended awarding a $197,118 contract to Freemire & Associates for a SCADA equipment technology upgrade, and a $17,523 contract to Remington & Vernick Engineers for engineering design support for the College Road Pump Station upgrade. The committee also recommended a $39,000 change order to Duffield Associates for construction support services at the Water Treatment Plant, and endorsed proposed revisions to the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement. All recommendations were unanimous and will go to the full council for final action.

• Recommended awarding SCADA upgrade contract to Freemire & Associates, Inc. for $197,118 (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding College Road Pump Station engineering design contract to Remington & Vernick Engineers for $17,523 (unanimous)
• Recommended approving $39,000 change order to Duffield Associates for Water Treatment Plant construction support (unanimous)
• Endorsed proposed revisions to the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council convened a special meeting on November 9, 2020, primarily to recess into executive session. The agenda lists discussions regarding pending litigation and personnel matters, citing specific Delaware statutes for closed sessions. No public items, ordinances, or budget decisions were listed on this revised agenda.

• Executive session discussion of pending litigation
• Executive session discussion of personnel matters

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council meets remotely to finalize zoning amendments for the Industrial Aviation and Aeronautics Center, including new rules for wireless communications facilities. The body also approves a $177,900 budget amendment for the Community Policing Unit and authorizes a contract with BerryDunn for ERP project management. Additionally, the council reviews capital transportation program priorities and appoints a new member to the MPO advisory committee.

• Final reading of Ordinance #2020-13 amending zoning for Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone and adding wireless communications facility regulations
• Approval of $177,900 budget amendment for the Community Policing Unit for Fiscal Year 2021
• Authorization for Controller/Treasurer to contract with BerryDunn for Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) project management
• Approval of Revised 2020 Prioritization of City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects
• Appointment of Dr. Shanita A. Powell to the Public Advisory Committee of the Dover/Kent County MPO

The Dover City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance #2020-13, establishing uniform standards for wireless communications facilities, including small cells, throughout the city. The council also approved a $177,900 budget amendment for the Community Policing Unit and authorized a contract with BerryDunn for ERP project management. Additionally, Ordinance #2020-14, covering project carry-forward budget balances, was adopted.

• Adopted Ordinance #2020-13, wireless communications facility regulations (unanimous)
• Approved $177,900 budget amendment for Community Policing Unit (unanimous)
• Authorized BerryDunn ERP project management contract (unanimous, Taylor no in committee)
• Adopted Ordinance #2020-14, project carry-forward budget balances (unanimous)
• Approved revised 2020 CTP project prioritization (unanimous)
• Appointed Dr. Shanita A. Powell to MPO Public Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Accepted September 2020 monthly reports and quarterly CIP report (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council convened a special meeting on November 5, 2020, primarily to conduct interviews for the City Manager position and appoint an Acting City Manager. These personnel matters were discussed in Executive Session pursuant to Delaware state law. The agenda contains no other public business items, budget discussions, or zoning decisions.

• Interviews for City Manager position conducted in Executive Session
• Appointment of Acting City Manager discussed in Executive Session

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on November 5, 2020, and went into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Following the session, they unanimously approved the appointment of Matthew Harline as Acting City Manager, effective October 15, 2020, with a 5% pay increase until a new City Manager is hired. The appointment was made due to the retirement of Donna S. Mitchell.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for personnel discussion (unanimous)
• Appointed Matthew Harline as Acting City Manager with 5% pay increase (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing four applications to provide recommendations to the Planning Commission. These include two rezoning requests, a site development plan for a new office building, and a text amendment establishing regulations for short-term rentals. The meeting is virtual, and public comment is not accepted at this stage, only at the subsequent Planning Commission meeting.

• Rezoning application Z-20-02 for 35 and 39 N. New Street from RG-3 to RG-1 zone
• Rezoning application Z-20-03 for 630 W. Division Street from C-3 to IO zone
• Site Development Plan S-20-12 for a 24,657 SF office building at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard
• Text Amendment MI-20-04 to establish licensing and regulations for Short Term Rental Use

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors is meeting via Zoom to approve September minutes, hear a police report from the Community Policing Unit, and receive updates on properties including the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing and S. Governor's property marketing. The board will also review committee reports on parking, design, marketing, and organization, plus updates from city officials and partners. This is a routine monthly business meeting with no major decisions listed on the agenda.

• Police report by PFC Adalberto Aviles, Community Policing Unit
• Investment action item under Executive Committee Report
• Property updates: Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, S. Governor's property marketing for redevelopment
• Committee reports: Parking, Design, Marketing & Promotions, Organization
• Updates from Senator, Wesley, Kent County Tourism, Bayhealth, Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Planning

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee meets virtually to review two rezoning applications and a site development plan. It also examines a text amendment establishing licensing and regulations for short-term rentals. The committee will provide recommendations to the City Council on these items.

• Rezoning application Z-20-02 for 35 and 39 N. New Street from RG-3 to RG-1
• Rezoning application Z-20-03 for 630 W. Division Street from C-3 to IO
• Site Development Plan S-20-12 for a 24,657 SF office building at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard
• Text Amendment MI-20-04 establishing licensing and regulations for Short Term Rental Use

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will consider two actionable items: a budget amendment for the Community Policing Unit and authorization for a contract with BerryDunn for project management of the ERP system implementation. They will also reconsider the prioritization of state capital transportation projects, which was referred back to the committee. Public comments are welcome.

• Budget amendment totaling $177,900 for Fiscal Year 2021 for Community Policing Unit
• Authorization for Controller/Treasurer to contract with BerryDunn for ERP project management
• Reconsideration of 2020 Prioritization of City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects

The Council Committee of the Whole approved a $177,900 budget amendment for the Community Policing Unit and recommended authorizing a contract with BerryDunn for ERP project management, with one dissenting vote. The committee also approved the revised 2020 State Capital Transportation Program project prioritization.

• Approved $177,900 budget amendment for Community Policing Unit (unanimous)
• Recommended authorization for BerryDunn ERP project management contract (carried, Taylor voting no)
• Approved revised 2020 State Capital Transportation Program prioritization (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is meeting remotely to consider routine consent items, first readings of ordinances, and a final reading on downtown parking changes. Key actions include approving $8,420,300 in budget amendments, introducing two rezoning ordinances, and deciding on a partial library reopening plan.

• First reading of Ordinance #2020-14: $8,420,300 budget amendments for FY2021
• First reading of Ordinance #2020-15: rezoning 35 and 39 North New Street from RG-3 to RG-1
• First reading of Ordinance #2020-16: rezoning 630 West Division Street from C-3 to IO
• Final reading of Ordinance #2020-12: amending downtown parking regulations
• Library partial reopening plan recommended for approval starting week of November 1st

Home Events

The City Manager Selection Committee met on October 22, 2020, to conduct interviews for the City Manager position. The meeting was held in executive session pursuant to Delaware state law regarding personnel files and individual qualifications. No public decisions or votes were recorded in the agenda text.

• Interviews for City Manager conducted in executive session
• Meeting held at City Hall Conference Room, 15 Loockerman Plaza

Home Events

The City Manager Selection Committee met on October 21, 2020, to conduct a closed executive session. The primary purpose was to interview a candidate for the position of City Manager. No public decisions, contracts, or ordinances were listed on the agenda.

• Executive session for City Manager interview

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee met on October 21, 2020, to discuss property updates and recruitment initiatives. The agenda includes updates on properties between S. Governor's and New Street, as well as the Loockerman Way Plaza. No specific dollar amounts or binding decisions were listed in the provided text.

• Update on properties between S. Governor's/New Street
• Update on Loockerman Way Plaza
• New Street clean up
• Recruitment initiatives for 108 W. Loockerman St.
• Recruitment initiatives for Unlock the Block (204 W. Loockerman)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment is meeting virtually to consider one new business item. The agenda lists a request for a zoning variance to increase the height of a telecommunications monopole. No other substantive decisions, contracts, or ordinances are listed on the agenda.

• Variance request #V-20-05 for a 105-ft telecommunications monopole at 801 Otis Drive
• Request exceeds the permitted maximum building height by 30 ft
• Subject property is zoned C-3 (Service Commercial Zone) with Tax Parcel ED-05-077.12-01-02.00-000
• Applicant is Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless; owner of record is Tudor Enterprises, LLC

The Dover Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance for Verizon Wireless to build a 105-ft telecommunications monopole at 801 Otis Drive, exceeding the 30-ft height limit. The board cited federal agency approvals and legal precedent. The meeting also approved the agenda and prior minutes.

• Approved variance V-20-05 for 105-ft Verizon monopole at 801 Otis Drive (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda as submitted (4-0)
• Approved June 17, 2020 meeting minutes with correction (4-0)

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. The board will review a citation for failure to maintain sidewalks at 125 Greentree Drive and a citation for parking a nonoperating vehicle in grass at 625 Lakewood Place. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Appeal of Property Maintenance Code citation for sidewalk maintenance at 125 Greentree Drive
• Appeal of Property Maintenance Code citation for parking a nonoperating vehicle in grass at 625 Lakewood Place

The Dover Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals upheld two property maintenance citations. The first citation, for 125 Greentree Drive, required the owner to maintain grass up to the curb line. The second, for 625 Lakewood Place, involved fines for a vehicle parked in grass and failure to correct the violation. Both decisions were unanimous.

• Upheld citation for 125 Greentree Drive requiring owner to maintain grass to curb line (unanimous)
• Upheld citations for 625 Lakewood Place for parking in grass and failure to correct violation (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two new site development plans: a 457,500 SF manufacturing facility at 1436 New Burton Road and a 9,000 SF warehouse at 679 Horsepond Road. It will also review a proposed text amendment to regulate wireless communications facilities. The Bayhealth parking lot expansion application has been postponed to a future meeting.

• S-20-08: New 457,500 SF manufacturing facility (US Corrugated of Delaware) at 1436 New Burton Road, with waivers for parking, sidewalk, and curbing
• S-20-09: New 9,000 SF warehouse at 679 Horsepond Road, with waivers for sidewalk, bicycle parking, and parking spaces
• MI-20-06: Text amendment for wireless communications facilities (Ordinance #2020-13), including a design manual
• S-20-10: Bayhealth staff parking lot expansion (453 new spaces) postponed to a future meeting
• Proclamation for National Community Planning Month

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission will hold a virtual meeting to approve minutes and review summaries of 2019-2020 applications and architectural review certificates. No new permit applications were received for review. The agenda includes updates on the Certified Local Government grant program and the implementation of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan.

• Adoption of minutes from the September 17, 2020 meeting
• Review of Summary of Applications for 2019 and 2020
• Review of Summary of Architectural Review Certificates for 2020
• Update on FFY2019 CLG Grant regarding Design Standards and Guidelines
• Discussion of FFY2020 CLG Grant Application options and deadlines

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving minutes, receiving updates on facade grants and mural projects, and hearing public comments. No major decisions or proposals are on the agenda.

• Approval of September minutes
• Façade Grants update
• Murals unveiling event
• Birds mural plaque update
• Public comments

The Design Committee approved the September 2020 minutes unanimously. They discussed updates on facade projects, with no votes taken. Plans were set for a mural unveiling on November 6 and a holiday window contest with the theme 'Holiday Wishes'.

• Approved September 2020 minutes (unanimous)
• Set mural unveiling for November 6 at 4pm
• Adopted 'Holiday Wishes' as holiday window theme
• Scheduled People's Choice voting for window contest Dec 5-19

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover City Council Committee of the Whole is meeting remotely to discuss park security measures, library capacity guidelines, and downtown parking solutions. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee will review proposed budget amendments totaling $8,420,300 for Fiscal Year 2021 and a new pay-for-performance evaluation system for non-bargaining employees. Staff also recommends approving two grants related to justice assistance and violent crime prevention.

• Proposed Ordinance #2020-14 for Budget Amendments totaling $8,420,300 for Fiscal Year 2021
• Library Reopening Plan with staff recommendation for partial capacity re-opening the week of November 1st
• Gate and security camera proposals for Schutte Park and the John W. Pitts Recreation Center
• Approval of Fiscal Year 2020 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program joint grant
• Implementation of a Pay for Performance Evaluation System for non-bargaining employees starting July 1, 2021

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended the Dover Public Library partially reopen the week of November 1st, with additional cleaning protocols, no-contact entry, and calibrated no-touch thermometer readings for all entrants. The motion passed 7-3, with one abstention. The committee also recommended approval of $8,420,300 in FY2021 budget amendments and adoption of Ordinance #2020-14, and tabled the Pay for Performance Evaluation System until a new City Manager is hired.

• Recommended partial library reopening week of Nov 1 with cleaning protocols, no-contact entry, and thermometer checks (7-3, 1 abstention)
• Recommended approval of $8,420,300 FY2021 budget amendments and Ordinance #2020-14
• Tabled Pay for Performance Evaluation System until new City Manager hired (unanimous)
• Recommended moving forward with Downtown Dover Partnership parking MOU pending Ordinance #2020-12 approval (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of FY2020 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant with Smyrna PD & Kent County (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of FY2021 Fund to Combat Violent Crime Grant and intended purchases (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of Major Parks Master Plans progress report (carried, 1 no vote)
• Discussed but took no action on Schutte Park gate/security recommendations

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote on an ordinance amending traffic and parking rules, including metered parking and downtown parking provisions. They will also take the first reading on a proposed ordinance updating building regulations for lodginghouses and rental dwellings, which includes zoning changes requiring a public hearing. Additionally, the Council will approve routine appointments to various commissions and committees.

• Ordinance #2020-12: Amends Chapter 106 regarding metered parking, removal of illegally parked vehicles, and downtown parking.
• Ordinance #2020-05: Amends Chapter 22 for lodginghouses and rental dwellings, including zoning and fee changes; public hearing scheduled for Dec 14, 2020.
• Ordinance #2020-11: Final reading on amendments to Chapter 46 concerning the Fire Department.
• Resolution No. 2020-12: Application for a Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant.
• Appointments to the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals, Dover Human Relations Commission, and Public Library Advisory Commission.

The Dover City Council held a regular meeting on October 12, 2020, via video conference. The council adopted Ordinance #2020-11, which amends the city code regarding the fire department, including officer ranks, appointments, elections, and duties. The council also approved several resolutions and ordinances, including a drinking water matching planning grant application and amendments to parking and lodginghouse regulations. The meeting included presentations on COVID-19 safety, a social professional/law enforcement collaborative, and body cameras, but no formal decisions were made on these topics.

• Adopted Ordinance #2020-11 amending fire department code (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2020-12 for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant application (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2020-12 amending parking regulations (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2020-05 amending lodginghouse and rental dwelling regulations (unanimous)
• Referred CTP project prioritization back to committee for review (unanimous)
• Approved annual review of investment policy with no changes (unanimous)
• Approved appointments to various boards and commissions (unanimous)
• Accepted monthly reports for August 2020 (unanimous)

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Merchants Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss routine business including the Merchant Window Contest, October First Friday feedback, business hours, tourism, and community policing. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or financial items listed.

• Merchant Window Contest (October) update and next contest date
• October First Friday feedback
• Open for business update on merchant business hours
• Discussion on tourism update
• Community policing update

The committee unanimously approved the September minutes and decided to eliminate the People's Choice award for the Merchant Window Contest. They also discussed updates on Unlock the Block, First Friday events, tourism planning, and community policing. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved September minutes (unanimous)
• Eliminated People's Choice award for Merchant Window Contest

Home Events

The City Manager Selection Committee is meeting to review applications for the City Manager position. The sole substantive item is a recess into executive session to discuss applicant qualifications and personnel files, which is closed to the public. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with adoption of the agenda and adjournment.

• Review of applications for City Manager in executive session
• Executive session under 29 Del. C. §10004 (b)(1) and (b)(6) for personnel discussions

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing four applications that will be considered by the Planning Commission on October 19, 2020. The agenda includes site development plans for a new manufacturing facility, a warehouse expansion, and a parking lot expansion, as well as a text amendment for wireless communications facilities. The meeting is virtual, and public comment is not accepted at this stage; it will be available at the subsequent Planning Commission meeting.

• Site Development Plan for a new 457,500 SF Manufacturing Facility (US Corrugated of Delaware) at 1436 New Burton Road
• Site Development Plan for a 9,000 SF Warehouse and site improvements at 679 Horsepond Road
• Site Development Master Plan to add 453 new parking spaces to the Bayhealth Medical Center campus, including demolition of seven buildings
• Text Amendment (Ordinance #2020-13) adding provisions for Wireless Communications Facilities to the Zoning Ordinance

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is holding a virtual meeting to review four development applications and a zoning text amendment. The agenda includes a large manufacturing facility, a warehouse expansion, a hospital parking lot expansion involving the demolition of the Scull Mansion, and a new ordinance for wireless communication facilities. These items are anticipated to be considered by the Planning Commission on October 19, 2020.

• Site Development Plan for a 457,500 sq ft manufacturing facility (US Corrugated of Delaware) at 1436 New Burton Road
• Site Development Plan for a 9,000 sq ft warehouse at 679 Horsepond Road
• Master Plan to expand Bayhealth Medical Center parking by 453 spaces, including demolition of the Scull Mansion
• Text Amendment adding Article 5 Section 23 for Wireless Communications Facilities to the Zoning Ordinance

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will meet remotely to discuss and potentially act on several items, including a COVID-19 update, body cameras, and a proposed parking ordinance. They will also consider a drinking water grant application and review the city's investment policy. The meeting is split into two committees: Safety Advisory and Transportation, and Legislative, Finance, and Administration.

• Proposed Ordinance #2020-12 amending Chapter 106 (parking, abandoned vehicles, downtown parking)
• Resolution application for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant
• Annual review of Investment Policy (no changes recommended)
• Proposed Ordinance #2020-05 amending Chapter 22 (lodginghouses and rental dwellings)
• Prioritization of State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) projects

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval of Ordinance #2020-05, which amends regulations for lodginghouses and rental dwellings, and confirmed the continuation of the 2019 State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) project prioritization. The committee also recommended approval of a resolution to apply for a Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant and approved the annual investment policy with no changes. All recommendations were made unanimously and will go to the full City Council for final action.

• Recommended adoption of Ordinance #2020-05 (short-term rentals) (unanimous)
• Confirmed continuation of 2019 CTP project prioritization (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Resolution 2020-12 for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant (unanimous)
• Approved annual investment policy with no changes (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is holding a special meeting, primarily to recess into executive session to discuss a tentative agreement with AFSCME and a potential land acquisition. The public portion includes adopting the agenda and possible action after the closed session. The meeting is remote via WebEx.

• Tentative agreement with AFSCME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees)
• Potential land acquisition
• Possible action resulting from executive session

The Dover City Council held a special meeting and unanimously approved the AFSCME labor contract after an executive session. They also authorized the City Manager to execute a property purchase agreement, which must be completed by October 15, 2020. Both actions were taken unanimously.

• Approved AFSCME labor contract (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to execute property purchase agreement (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is scheduled to hold a remote meeting on September 28, 2020, to approve routine items and begin the legislative process for two major ordinances. The most significant action is the first reading of Proposed Ordinance #2020-13, which amends zoning regulations for wireless communications facilities and the Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone. The Council will also hold a public hearing on a bond resolution for the Robbins Hose Company No. 1 and make several board appointments.

• First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2020-13 amending Appendix B - Zoning for Wireless Communications Facilities and Industrial Aviation and Aeronautics Center (IPM3)
• Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2020-11 approving the issuance of bonds or notes by Robbins Hose Company No. 1
• First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2020-11 amending Chapter 46 - Fire Prevention and Protection regarding Fire Department officers
• Approval of a Model Master License Agreement for Small Wireless Communication Facilities attached to City assets
• Appointments to the Dover Human Relations Commission, including Joseph Parampathu to fill the expired term of Gerald L. Rocha

The Dover City Council approved Resolution No. 2020-11, authorizing the Robbins Hose Company No. 1 to issue up to $757,900 in bonds for a new fire apparatus. The council also approved a model license agreement for small wireless facilities on city poles, amended the purchasing policy, and advanced several ordinances to first reading.

• Approved Resolution No. 2020-11 authorizing $757,900 in bonds for a new fire pumper/rescue (unanimous)
• Approved Model Master License Agreement for small wireless facilities on city poles (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to the Purchasing Policy (unanimous)
• Recommended adoption of Ordinance #2020-11 (fire department changes) with gender-neutral language and restored appeal process (unanimous)
• Approved restoration of Dover Human Relations Commission intake form and non-binding mediation (unanimous)
• Approved reappointments to Dover Human Relations Commission and other boards (unanimous)
• Deferred library reopening plan until clear guidelines and protocols are in place (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for zoning ordinance #2020-13 on November 9, 2020 (unanimous)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board will meet via Zoom to discuss and potentially act on the FY2021 budget, bank accounts, and capital on hand, as well as property updates including taxes, refinancing, and leases. The board will also hear a police report from Sgt. Christopher Peer and receive updates from committees, city officials, and other stakeholders. Public comment is scheduled.

• FY2021 budget review
• Property taxes 2018 and EZ Pass/S. Governor's Ave. refinance
• Loockerman Way Plaza new land use agreement
• Property leases for Auto Parts/Daycare
• S. Governor's property marketing for redevelopment

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission held a virtual meeting to review a minor subdivision plan for the Eden Hill Farm project. The agenda included a public hearing for a 14.119-acre split into three parcels, including a skilled nursing facility. The body also discussed the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and deferred the election of a Vice-Chairman.

• Public hearing for SB-20-02: Minor Subdivision of 14.119 acres at Eden Hill Farm TND
• Subdivision includes Lot 3 (2.633 acres) for The Center at Eden Hill skilled nursing facility
• Announcement of DRAFT City of Dover Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for review from 9/6/2020-10/4/2020
• Deferred nomination and election of Planning Commission Vice-Chairman
• Follow-up report on Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee membership

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission is meeting virtually to approve minutes, review activity summaries, and discuss updates on Certified Local Government grants and the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. No new applications or permit referrals are on the agenda.

• Adoption of minutes from June 18, 2020
• Summary of applications for 2019 and 2020
• Resolution honoring Joseph McDaniel's service
• Update on FFY2019 CLG Grant for design standards
• Information on FFY2020 CLG Grant application cycle

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Merchants Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss downtown business support, including a Capital Key campaign update, a Merchant Window Contest, and feedback on First Friday events. They will also discuss business reopening commitments for Fridays and Saturdays, tourism, and an ecommerce webinar. The agenda is mostly discussion items with no formal votes or contracts listed.

• Capital Key campaign update - stock cards
• Merchant Window Contest for October First Friday, judged by Realtors
• September First Friday feedback
• Ecommerce and Email Marketing Fundamentals Webinar - funding and dates
• Discussion on business reopening - ask businesses to commit to being open Friday and Saturday

The committee approved the August minutes unanimously and discussed updates on the Capital Key campaign, the Merchant Window Contest, and upcoming events. No formal policy decisions were made; actions were limited to scheduling and coordination.

• Approved August minutes (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for October 8
• Agreed to reimburse individuals for approved ecommerce/webinar courses
• Scheduled follow-up meeting on tourism strategy

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will not hold its regular meeting on September 16, 2020. The next scheduled meeting is set for October 21, 2020 at 9:00 AM. This agenda contains only a cancellation notice and no substantive items.

• Meeting cancelled for September 16, 2020
• Next meeting scheduled for October 21, 2020 at 9:00 AM

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will discuss and potentially forward a proposed ordinance and design manual for wireless communications facilities, approve a model license agreement for small wireless facilities, and consider options for the Equalized Payment Plan (budget billing) program. The agenda also includes updates on purchasing policy amendments, fire department ordinance, human relations commission, and presentations on Wesley College acquisition and other community projects.

• Proposed Wireless Communications Facilities Ordinance and Small Wireless Facility Design Manual
• Model Master License Agreement for Small Wireless Communication Facilities on City assets
• Equalized Payment Plan (Budget Billing) options: discontinuation or pause with $18,000 cost and $5/month customer charge
• Proposed Ordinance #2020-11 on Fire Department officers
• Library reopening plan: temporary computer lab Sept 28, partial reopening Oct 26

The Council Committee of the Whole forwarded the proposed Wireless Communications Facilities (WCF) Ordinance and Preliminary Draft Small Wireless Communication Facility (SWCF) Design Manual to City Council for a First Reading and public hearing dates. The committee also recommended approval of a model Master License Agreement for small wireless facilities on City assets. Other actions included recommending adoption of a fire department ordinance with gender-neutral language and restoring an appeal process, and recommending changes to the Human Relations Commission's intake and mediation process.

• Forwarded proposed WCF Ordinance and SWCF Design Manual to City Council for First Reading and public hearing dates (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of model Master License Agreement for small wireless facilities on City assets (unanimous)
• Recommended adoption of Ordinance #2020-11 (Fire Department) with gender-neutral language and restored appeal process (unanimous)
• Recommended restoration of DHRC intake form, non-binding mediation, and community education; item to be reviewed by City Solicitor and not on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Recommended drafting of rental dwelling ordinance changes for an up or down vote at next meeting (unanimous)
• Deferred library reopening until clear guidelines and protocols are in place (unanimous)
• Deferred Wilmington Hope Commission presentation to October 13, 2020 meeting (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote on terminating the agreement for library services with Library Systems and Services, with staff recommending either an RFP or hiring internal staff. The body will also appoint new members to the Planning Commission and Code Board of Appeals. Additionally, the Council will hold the final reading of an ordinance amending voter registration requirements.

• Termination of library services agreement with Library Systems and Services
• Appointment of Kelli Leiter Lord to the Planning Commission
• Appointment of Tiffany L. Steger to the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals
• Final reading of Proposed Ordinance #2020-10 amending Chapter 34, Section 34-31 (Voter Registration)
• Acceptance of semi-annual inspection report for Robbins Hose Company

The Dover City Council unanimously approved hiring Brian Sylvester as Library Director and Megan Johnson as Assistant Library Director, pending salary agreement, after considering terminating the contract with Library Systems and Services. The Council also adopted Ordinance #2020-10, amending voter registration deadlines for municipal elections, and approved several appointments and reports.

• Hired Brian Sylvester as Library Director and Megan Johnson as Assistant Library Director (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2020-10 amending voter registration deadlines (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Kelli Leiter Lord to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Tiffany L. Steger to Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Accepted David Knight as Second Fire Line Captain for Robbins Hose Company (unanimous)
• Accepted semi-annual inspection report for Robbins Hose Company (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda and minutes of prior meetings (unanimous)

General Employee Pension Plan Board

The Dover General Employee Pension Plan Board is holding a special meeting to consider a request for disability retirement. The board will recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters and then may take action on the request after the session.

• Request for Disability Retirement under Section 80-510
• Executive session for personnel matters and discussion of exempt documents
• Potential action on the disability retirement request

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing a minor subdivision application for a 14.119-acre property in the Professional Office, Medical & Financial District. The review focuses on questions regarding the draft report, which will be finalized before the Planning Commission's decision on September 21, 2020. Public comment is not accepted at this DAC meeting but will be available at the subsequent Planning Commission meeting.

• Review of Minor Subdivision Plan SB-20-02 for Dover Medical Properties, LLC
• Property located south of W. North Street and on Banning Street (Tax Parcel ED-05-076.00-01-13.05-000)
• Subdivision splits 14.119 acres into three new parcels plus a residual, including a skilled nursing facility
• Planning Commission decision scheduled for September 21, 2020

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee met via conference call to discuss improvements to the downtown area's appearance. The agenda included updates on façade grants, the 2020 work plan, and specific projects like murals and an AARP grant application. The meeting also covered the approval of July minutes and allowed for public comments.

• Façade Grants update
• Work Plan 2020 update
• Mural, AARP grant application update
• Murals unveiling event
• Birds mural plaque update

The Design Committee approved funding up to $1,400 for glass repair and window decal/logo replacement at Caribbean Cuisine, following estimates for laminated safety glass. They also discussed façade improvements for 237 W. Loockerman and Sold Out Sneaks, and noted that the AARP mural grant was not selected. The committee approved the July 2020 minutes unanimously.

• Approved up to $1,400 for Caribbean Cuisine window glass repair and decal/logo replacement
• Approved July 2020 meeting minutes unanimously
• Discussed façade improvements for 237 W. Loockerman (awning fabric, power washing, painting)
• Discussed potential screen door and signage for Sold Out Sneaks, pending application and second estimate
• Noted AARP mural grant application was not selected; project narrative to be reused for future opportunities

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee will virtually review a minor subdivision application for the Eden Hill TND property. The proposal would split 14.119 acres into three parcels plus residual, including a skilled nursing facility and open space. Public participation is available via WebEx.

• SB-20-02: Minor subdivision of 14.119 acres into three parcels plus residual
• Property located south of W. North Street, east and west sides of Banning Street
• Includes The Center at Eden Hill skilled nursing facility
• Owner: Dover Medical Properties, LLC
• Public can join via WebEx or phone

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission is meeting electronically to approve June 2020 minutes and receive updates on the Kent County sewer main, parks projects, and maintenance. They will also discuss the Park & Playground Improvement Project for Silver Lake Park. The agenda is largely informational with no specific decisions or proposals detailed.

• Approval of June 2020 meeting minutes
• Kent County Public Works sewer main update
• Parks projects and maintenance crew updates
• Park & Playground Improvement Project (Silver Lake Park projects)

The Silver Lake Commission met via Webex and approved the previous meeting's minutes. The main discussion was an update on the Kent County sewer main project, with the contractor George & Lynch completing installation and testing of a new sewer line, and beginning reconnection and restoration work. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes; other items were informational or discussions about potential future actions.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed sewer main update: installation complete, reconnection and restoration to begin
• Agreed to hold off on fall cleanup, possibly coordinate with draw down
• Noted no permit was issued for August 23 event in park

Council Committee of the Whole

The City of Dover has announced that no Council Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on August 25, 2020. The agenda consists solely of a cancellation notice, meaning no items will be decided or discussed at this session.

• Cancellation of the August 25, 2020 Council Committee of the Whole meeting

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a remote meeting to review presentations on Central Dover restoration and housing development plans. The body is set to award a design/engineering contract for the Garrison Oak Business & Technology Park substation. Additionally, the council will take the first reading of an ordinance regarding elections and review federal COPS grant proposals.

• Awarding a contract to Aubrey Silvey Enterprises, Inc. for Garrison Oak Business & Technology Park Substation Design/Engineering (RFP #20-0028EL)
• First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2020-10 - Chapter 34 - Elections
• Presentation on Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity and NCALL's Housing Development Plans for South New and Queen Streets
• Review and Approval of Federal COPS Grant
• Proposed Extension of Hotel Tax Deadline to collect lodging tax without penalties if not paid by September 1, 2020

The Dover City Council approved a Federal COPS Grant proposal for five additional police positions dedicated to community policing, with future budget items requiring a budget amendment. The council also approved the Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management with no changes, accepted the results of the 1st District special election won by Gerald L. Rocha, Sr., and approved a contract for the Garrison Oak substation design. Several presentations were made on housing, criminal justice reform, and body cameras, with a motion passed to negotiate vendor deals for body cameras.

• Approved Federal COPS Grant for 5 community-policing positions (unanimous)
• Approved Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management (unanimous)
• Approved $300K-$400K body camera vendor negotiation motion (unanimous)
• Approved Garrison Oak substation design contract to Aubrey Silvey Enterprises (unanimous)
• Accepted 1st District election results; Gerald L. Rocha, Sr. won (unanimous)
• Approved lodging tax collection as scheduled without penalties (unanimous)
• Recommended adoption of Ordinance #2020-10 on elections (unanimous)
• Reappointed Scott W. Cole to Library Advisory Commission (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The City of Dover Historic District Commission has canceled its scheduled virtual meeting for Thursday, August 20, 2020. No specific agenda items or decisions were made at this session. The next scheduled meeting is set for Thursday, September 17, 2020.

• Meeting canceled
• Next meeting scheduled for September 17, 2020

Board of Adjustment

The City of Dover Board of Adjustment will not meet on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion. The next scheduled meeting is set for Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 9:00 AM.

Election Board

The Dover Board of Elections will audit the results of the 2020 Special Municipal Election on August 19, 2020, as required by state law. The audit will take place at City Hall and the results will be made available for public review.

• Audit of 2020 Special Municipal Election results
• Meeting at City Hall Conference Room, 15 Loockerman Plaza
• Results to be made available for public review

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 and accepted 2020 Special Municipal Election results (unanimous)

Election Board

The Dover Absentee Election Judges will hold a public meeting to open absentee ballots for the 2020 Special Municipal Election. The list of returned absentee ballots will be available for review, and challenges must be made before a ballot envelope is opened.

• Public meeting at Elks Lodge #1903, 200 Saulsbury Road, Dover, Delaware
• Absentee ballot opening at 2:00 p.m. on August 18, 2020
• List of returned absentee ballots available for public and challenger review
• Challenges to absentee ballots must be made before envelope opening

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission meets virtually to review site plan revisions for a car wash on Saulsbury Road and a new conditional use application for a daycare center on Greenhill Avenue. The body also continues review of a commercial development at 600 Bay Road, where a previous request for apartments was denied. Additionally, the commission will honor a departing member and address deferred officer elections.

• Review of site plan revisions for Tommy Express Car Wash at 21 and 27 Saulsbury Road, involving access improvements to Saulsbury Road and Forest Street.
• Public hearing for Love Drives Child Daycare at 151 Greenhill Avenue to permit a Large Family Daycare Home serving 12 children in an R-7 zone.
• Continued review of Landing Square at 600 Bay Road, specifically regarding a waiver for arterial street buffer reduction and tree mitigation plan.
• Resolution honoring the service of Deborah Edwards on the Planning Commission.
• Deferred items from July 20, 2020: Nomination and election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and appointment of the Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee.

The Dover Planning Commission approved a conditional use for Love Drives Child Daycare at 151 Greenhill Avenue (6-1), approved the Landing Square office building with waivers and a 77.9% impervious coverage cap (7-0), and accepted revisions to the Tommy Express Car Wash site plan (7-0). The commission also elected Mrs. Maucher as Chair and postponed Vice-Chair election.

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

DDP Marketing and Promotions Committee

The Dover Merchants Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss promotional activities for the downtown Business Improvement District. Agenda items include updates on the Capital Key campaign, a Merchant Window Contest, WBOC promotion ideas, a webinar for merchant online presence, business reopening, and First Friday events through year-end. The meeting is primarily discussion and planning, with no formal votes or contracts listed.

• Capital Key campaign update
• Merchant Window Contest – Sept or Oct, next panel of judges, People's choice voting
• WBOC promotion ideas
• Webinar opportunity to assist merchant online presence
• Discussion on business's reopening

The Merchants Committee unanimously approved the June minutes and discussed updates on the Capital Key campaign, merchant window contests, and a proposed webinar training. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; most topics were updates or planning discussions.

• Approved June minutes unanimously
• Discussed Capital Key campaign updates and promotion plans
• Selected winners for summer window contest: Tina's Timeless Threads and Creative Vision
• Planned October window contest with judges from DAFB, realtors, and essential workers
• Discussed webinar training from Gregory Zackowicz at $800, with committee providing $500+
• Set target of Sept. 15 for consistent merchant hours
• Planned First Friday September poetry-themed events with no-touch activities

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for August 11, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled for August 11, 2020

Home Events

The joint pension and OPEB boards will meet remotely to adopt minutes, elect chairs, review quarterly performance reports from Milliman, and consider extending consulting services for two years. They will also set future meeting dates. This is a routine administrative meeting with no major policy changes expected.

• Quarterly performance reviews for General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans (Q2 2020)
• Annual review of investment policy for all three plans
• Extension of consulting services (RFP #17-0036FN) for two additional years
• Election of chairs for General Employee and OPEB boards

The joint pension boards approved a two-year extension of Milliman's consulting and advisory services for the General Employee, Police, and OPEB trusts at $38,000 per year, down from $40,000. They also accepted quarterly performance reviews and annual investment policy reviews for all three plans with no allocation changes. Chairs were re-elected for the General Employee Pension Plan Board and OPEB Board. Future meeting dates were set for November 12, 2020, February 11, 2021, April 29, 2021, and August 12, 2021.

• Approved 2-year Milliman consulting extension at $38,000/year (unanimous)
• Accepted Q2 2020 performance reviews for General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans (unanimous)
• Accepted annual investment policy reviews with no allocation changes for all three plans (unanimous)
• Re-elected Ms. Peddicord as Chair of General Employee Pension Plan Board (unanimous)
• Elected Ms. Hawkins as Chair of OPEB Board (unanimous)
• Approved future meeting dates: Nov 12 2020, Feb 11 2021, Apr 29 2021, Aug 12 2021 (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City of Dover has issued a notice stating that there will be no City Council Meeting on August 10, 2020. The document contains no agenda items, decisions, or discussions, as the meeting was cancelled.

• Cancellation of the regular City Council Meeting scheduled for August 10, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on July 29, 2020, to review one application: a conditional use request for a large family daycare home at 151 Greenhill Avenue. The meeting is open to the public via WebEx. The committee is also distributing plans for technical review by city departments.

• Conditional use review for Love Drives Child Daycare at 151 Greenhill Ave (C-20-03)
• Daycare to serve 12 children in existing one-story building
• Property zoned R-7 (One-Family Residence), 0.16 acres
• Applicants: Melodie and Roderick Morris; owner: Adam D'Alessandro
• Meeting held virtually via WebEx; public dial-in available

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole met remotely to discuss energy risk policies, criminal justice reform presentations, and a proposed extension of the lodging tax deadline. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee also reviewed a federal COPS grant and proposed Ordinance #2020-10 regarding elections. Staff recommended adopting the elections ordinance and making no changes to the energy commodity risk management policy.

• Proposed Extension of Lodging Tax Deadline
• Proposed Ordinance #2020-10 - Chapter 34 - Elections (Staff recommendation: Adoption)
• Review and Approval of Federal COPS Grant
• Annual Review and Approval of Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management (Staff recommendation: No Changes)
• Presentation on 15 Initiatives for Criminal Justice Reforms by Attorney General Kathy Jennings

The Council Committee of the Whole met via video conference and made several recommendations. The most significant action was a unanimous recommendation for Mayor Christiansen and Police Chief Johnson to negotiate the best deal for body-worn cameras with vendors, with the proposal to be reviewed by City Council. The committee also recommended no changes to the Energy Commodity Risk Management policy, collecting the lodging tax as scheduled without penalties if not paid by September 1, and adoption of an ordinance on elections. A presentation on the Dover Downs NASCAR event was deferred, and the Federal COPS Grant was discussed but brought forward without a recommendation.

• Recommended no changes to Energy Commodity Risk Management policy (unanimous)
• Recommended Mayor negotiate body camera deal with vendors (unanimous)
• Recommended collecting lodging tax as scheduled without penalties if not paid by Sept 1 (unanimous)
• Recommended adoption of Ordinance #2020-10 on elections (unanimous)
• Deferred presentation on Dover Downs NASCAR event
• Brought Federal COPS Grant forward without recommendation

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will review committee reports and vote on routine consent items, including the adoption of previous minutes and a quarterly revenue report. Key decisions include approving a cash-in-lieu payment for a new apartment development and renaming a local park. The council will also consider the cancellation of August meetings and reappointments to various boards.

• Approval of $98,387.52 cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction for Landing Square Apartments at 600 Bay Road
• Renaming of New Street Park to Bishop L.T. Blackshear Park
• Adoption of minutes from the July 13, 2020 meeting
• Acceptance of the Quarterly Revenue Report as of June 30, 2020
• Reappointment of Arthur G. Ericson to the Board of Adjustment and M. Milford Caldwell to the Election Board

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission holds a virtual meeting to review two major development applications and conduct routine administrative business. The primary item is a public hearing for Landing Square at 600 Bay Road, which proposes replacing a retail building with an office space and adding an 80-unit apartment building. The commission also reviews a maintenance plan submission for the new Dover Middle Schools project at 1 Pat Lynn Drive. Additionally, the body will elect new officers and appoint an Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee.

• Public hearing for Landing Square (600 Bay Road) to approve a 20,000 SF office building and 80-unit apartment complex.
• Review of maintenance plan submission for New Dover Middle Schools (1 Pat Lynn Drive), a 44.71-acre redevelopment project.
• Nomination and election of Planning Commission Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
• Appointment of the Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee.
• Resolution honoring Frederick Tolbert for his service on the Planning Commission.

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 and lacked adequate green space. The commission deferred action on the remaining aspects of the plan (office building, restaurants, parking) to allow the applicant to revise. The commission also 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 aspects of Landing Square plan (parking, restaurants, office) (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)

Board of Adjustment

The City of Dover Board of Adjustment is attending a virtual training webinar on managing boards during the COVID-19 pandemic. This event is hosted by The Institute for Public Administration at the University of Delaware. The notice explicitly states this is not a meeting of the Board, so no official business will be conducted.

• Virtual training webinar: 'Managing Board of Adjustments During the COVID-19 Pandemic'
• Hosted by The Institute for Public Administration at the University of Delaware
• No official action or decisions will be taken

Historic District Commission

The City of Dover Historic District Commission has canceled its meeting scheduled for July 16, 2020. No specific decisions or agenda items were discussed or decided at this session. The next scheduled meeting is set for August 20, 2020.

• Meeting cancellation notice
• Next meeting scheduled for August 20, 2020

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will not hold its regular meeting on July 15, 2020. The next scheduled meeting is set for August 19, 2020 at 9:00 AM. This agenda contains only procedural notice of cancellation and rescheduling.

• Regular meeting canceled for July 15, 2020
• Next meeting scheduled for August 19, 2020 at 9:00 AM

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will discuss several items, including a proposed ordinance amending building regulations for lodginghouses and rental dwellings, operational changes to water production, and a cash-in-lieu payment for recreation at Landing Square Apartments. They will also consider renaming a park and a library reopening plan. The meeting is held electronically with public comments welcomed.

• Proposed Ordinance SS#2 for Ordinance #2020-05 amending Chapter 22 (lodginghouses, rental dwellings, fees)
• Water Production Division proposed operational changes
• Cash-in-lieu of $98,387.52 for recreation at Landing Square Apartments, 600 Bay Road
• Renaming New Street Park to Bishop L.T. Blackshear Park
• Library reopening plan: soft reopening July 27, grand reopening August 10

The Council Committee of the Whole unanimously voted to refer Staff Substitute #2 for Ordinance #2020-05, which would regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb, back to staff for further review. Concerns were raised about residency requirements, occupancy limits, and fair housing implications. The committee also approved a cash-in-lieu recreation donation for an apartment complex, forwarded a letter to the federal delegation about a wetland pond, and recommended renaming New Street Park.

• Referred Airbnb ordinance SS#2 back to staff (unanimous)
• Approved active recreation plan and $98,387.52 cash-in-lieu for Landing Square Apartments (unanimous)
• Forwarded letter to federal delegation on wetland pond at Pat Lynn Drive (unanimous)
• Recommended 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 operational plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Summer Park Activities Update (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote on routine consent items, including the award of a sewer replacement contract to Teal Construction, Inc. for $205,665.00 and a one-year extension of the NAES contract. The body will also discuss hiring a recruitment firm for the City Manager position and appoint members to the Election Board and Planning Commission. An executive session is scheduled for personnel and legal matters.

• Award Meeting House Branch Sewer Replacement contract to Teal Construction, Inc. for $205,665.00
• Approve one-year extension of NAES Operation and Maintenance Agreement through June 30, 2021
• Discuss hiring The Mercer Group or GovHRusa to assist with City Manager recruitment
• Appoint Juanita F. Walker and James W. Brockton to the Election Board
• Appoint Bobby Jones and Holly L. Malone to the Planning Commission

The Dover City Council approved a $205,665 contract for the Meeting House Branch Sewer Replacement, extended the NAES contract through June 2021, and retained The Mercer Group for the city manager search. They also approved appointments to the Downtown Dover Partnership and annual committee appointments. The Motor Vehicle Record Review Policy was referred back to staff for further review.

• Approved $205,665 sewer replacement contract to Teal Construction (unanimous)
• Approved one-year NAES contract extension through June 30, 2021 (unanimous)
• Retained The Mercer Group for city manager recruitment (unanimous)
• Referred Motor Vehicle Record Review Policy back to staff (unanimous)
• Approved FY2021 audit program with additions (unanimous)
• Appointed Ralph L. Taylor Jr. to Downtown Dover Partnership Board (unanimous)
• Approved annual committee appointments (unanimous)
• Adopted Tribute No. 2020-02 for Frederick Tolbert Sr. (unanimous)

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee met via Zoom to discuss improvements to the downtown area. The agenda included updates on the downtown opening, Façade Grants, and the 2020 Work Plan. The committee also addressed a mural project and an AARP grant application.

• Update on downtown opening
• Update on Façade Grants
• 2020 Work Plan update
• Mural project and AARP grant application
• Mural unveiling event

The Design Committee approved the FY 2021 work plan and decided to rename the 'Spring into Action' event to 'Fall For Downtown,' with a survey to be sent out allowing three weeks for responses. The committee also discussed downtown reopening status, a flowerpot vandalism case seeking restitution and community service, and an AARP grant for a mural that has not yet been awarded. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

• Approved April 2020 minutes unanimously
• Approved FY 2021 work plan
• Renamed 'Spring into Action' to 'Fall For Downtown'
• Decided to send survey with three-week response window
• Discussed seeking financial restitution and community service for flowerpot vandalism
• Noted façade grant applications for Sold Out Sneakers and Caribbean Cuisine repairs

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee (DAC) will hold a virtual applicant meeting on July 8, 2020, to review and comment on a conditional use site plan application for Landing Square at 600 Bay Road. The proposal includes replacing a retail building with a 20,000 SF office building, adding an 80-unit apartment building, and retaining two restaurant sites. The meeting is limited to agency reviewers and applicants; public comment will be accepted at the Planning Commission meeting on July 20, 2020.

• Conditional use site plan for 80-unit apartment building at 600 Bay Road
• Replace multi-tenant retail with 20,000 SF office building
• Waiver request to reduce arterial street buffer
• Tree mitigation plan for reconfirmation
• Active recreation plan and cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting on July 1, 2020, to review one application. The agenda focuses on a Conditional Use Site Plan for the Landing Square development at 560 & 600 Bay Road. The proposal involves replacing a retail building with an office building and adding an apartment building, along with specific waivers and mitigation plans.

• Review of Conditional Use Site Plan for Landing Square Phase 2 at 560 & 600 Bay Road
• Proposal to replace multi-tenant retail building with a 20,000 SF office building
• Proposal to add an 85-unit apartment building, which requires a Conditional Use
• Request to reconfirm waiver for reduction of Arterial Street Buffer
• Request for cash-in-lieu of Recreation Area Construction

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors is meeting via Zoom to handle routine business: approving minutes, receiving a police report, and hearing committee updates. The board will also review the FY 2020 budget through April, consider an amended FY 2021 budget, and welcome three new board members. Property updates cover Loockerman Way Plaza, Inner City Cultural League, and Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing. No meetings are scheduled for July or August.

• Approval of May 2019 minutes
• Police report
• FY 2021 budget (amended) and FY 2020 budget to end of April
• New board members: Carla Wilson, Bill Bush, Alan Grinstead
• Property updates: Loockerman Way Plaza, Inner City Cultural League, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board selected Colonial Parking Inc. as the vendor to manage downtown parking, with a proposal to be prepared for city 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 vendor (unanimous)
• Accepted May 2020 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved new land-use agreement for Loockerman Way Plaza
• Received approval from DNREC to transfer property to Inner-City Cultural League

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will hold an electronic meeting to consider appeals regarding property maintenance code violations. The agenda includes requests to waive or reduce registration fees for vacant buildings and fines for vegetation height violations. One item, concerning 135 Lotus Street, was previously deferred and is being reheard.

• Appeal of vacant building registration fee at 135 Lotus Street (Ronald D. LaSana & Constance R. Maher)
• Appeal of vacant building registration fee at 108 West Loockerman Street (Hogan J. & Sung S. Lee)
• Appeal of vegetation height citation at 44 South Governors Avenue (Nicholas Calvano)
• Appeal of vegetation height citation at 448 North State Street (Alan P. & Janis T. Gaddis)
• Appeal of decision and vacant building registration fee at 40 Ridgely Street (Robert A. & Nancy M. Kauffman)

The Dover Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals heard six appeals, dismissing citations for overgrown vegetation at 44 South Governors Avenue and 448 North State Street, and waiving the vacant building registration fee for 135 Lotus Street contingent on listing. The board also granted a three-month extension for 108 West Loockerman Street and allowed 40 Ridgely Street to restart without penalty. All decisions were unanimous.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted appeal of registration fee for 135 Lotus Street contingent on listing (unanimous)
• Deferred appeal for 108 West Loockerman Street to end of meeting (unanimous)
• Dismissed citation and fine for 44 South Governors Avenue (unanimous)
• Dismissed complaint for 448 North State Street (unanimous)
• Wiped out case for 40 Ridgely Street, waived fee contingent on signed lease (unanimous)
• Granted 3-month extension for 108 West Loockerman Street (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole is scheduled to vote on awarding a sewer replacement contract and extending a utility maintenance agreement. The meeting also includes discussions on a police accountability initiative and the city's fiscal year 2021 audit program. All sessions will be held electronically with public participation via phone or web link.

• Award Meeting House Branch Sewer Replacement contract to Teal Construction, Inc. for $205,665.00
• Approve one-year extension of NAES Corporation Operation and Maintenance Agreement through June 30, 2021
• Approve Motor Vehicle Record Review Policy
• Accept Fiscal Year 2021 Audit Program
• Review community announcement regarding Dover Police Department accountability actions

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 for further review. The committee also accepted the FY2021 audit program and discussed police accountability initiatives.

• Recommended awarding $205,665 sewer replacement contract to Teal Construction (unanimous)
• Approved 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

The Dover City Council will hold its regular meeting electronically, with a consent agenda covering routine items like minutes and property tax exemptions. Key actions include final readings of ordinances for a rolled-back tax and the 2020/2021 budget, plus a resolution presentation. The council will also consider authorizing a contract for architectural and engineering services for five recreation projects, and discuss the city manager search and parking solutions.

• Final reading of Ordinance #2020-08 (Rolled Back Tax) and #2020-09 (2020/2021 Budget)
• Authorize negotiation with Whitman, Requardt & Associates for recreation projects (RFP #20-0024CM), with optional $20,000 deduction for modular design
• Property tax exemptions for Mount Zion AME Church, Delaware State University Foundation, New Harvest Baptist Church, Capitol Baptist Church, Downtown Dover Partnership
• Approval of FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program grant with Kent County
• Special election to fill vacancy for Fourth Assistant Fire Chief (Robbins Hose Company)

The Dover City Council adopted the FY2020/2021 budget ordinance (Ordinance #2020-09) by a 7-2 vote, appropriating $50,736,400 for the general fund. The budget includes an $83,300 increase for police training and holds the property tax rate at the rolled-back rate of $0.4050 per $100 of assessed value. The council also approved several property tax exemptions recommended by the Board of Assessment Appeals, including for Mount Zion AME Church, Delaware State University Foundation, New Harvest Baptist Church, Capitol Baptist Church, and Downtown Dover Partnership Corp. Additionally, the council set a special election for August 18, 2020, to fill the First District council vacancy.

• Adopted FY2020/2021 budget ordinance #2020-09, $50,736,400 general fund (7-2)
• Adopted rolled-back tax rate of $0.4050 per $100 assessed value (unanimous)
• Approved property tax exemptions for Mount Zion AME Church, Delaware State University Foundation, New Harvest Baptist Church, Capitol Baptist Church, and Downtown Dover Partnership Corp. (unanimous)
• Set special election for First District council vacancy on August 18, 2020 (passed, Polce not voting, Neil abstaining)
• Approved use of headhunter for city manager search (unanimous)
• Approved $83,300 increase to police training budget (part of budget adoption)
• Approved grant submittal for Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to continue Downtown Dover Partnership parking MOU discussions (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The City of Dover Historic District Commission convened a virtual meeting on June 18, 2020, to satisfy its quarterly meeting requirement. The agenda included reports on 2019 and 2020 application summaries and architectural review certifications. The body discussed updates to the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program and the implementation of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. No new applications were scheduled for consideration.

• Approval of minutes from the February 20, 2020 meeting
• Review of 2019 and 2020 application summaries and 2020 architectural review certifications
• Update on FFY2019 CLG Grant regarding Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone
• Discussion on the achievement of plan certification and implementation plan for the 2019 Comprehensive Plan

The Dover Historic District Commission met virtually for the first time due to COVID-19, with four members present. They unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the February 20, 2020 meeting. Staff reported on permit activity, including a demolition permit at 229 South Governors Avenue that was issued and work started. The commission discussed but took no action on the CLG grant for design standards, which will be abandoned for this grant year, and the implementation of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan.

• Approved agenda as submitted (4-0)
• Approved minutes of February 20, 2020 meeting (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will hold a virtual meeting to consider two zoning variance applications. One request involves increasing the height and area of a monument sign for the Delaware Department of Corrections facility at 245 McKee Road. The second request seeks to increase fence heights at 5 Pine Street in a residential zone.

• Variance #V-20-02: Increase sign height from 7 ft to 8 ft and area from 32 SF to 42.5 SF at 245 McKee Road
• Variance #V-20-04: Increase corner visibility fence height from 3 ft to 5 ft at 5 Pine Street
• Variance #V-20-04: Increase front yard fence height from 4 ft to 5 ft at 5 Pine Street

The Dover Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a new monument sign at 245 McKee Road, allowing a 42.5 SF sign face and 8-foot height, despite code limits of 32 SF and 7 feet, because the existing non-conforming sign is larger. The board also approved a variance for a 5-foot fence at 5 Pine Street, with the applicant withdrawing the corner visibility request and agreeing to no fence in the corner area. Both decisions were made with specific conditions and vote tallies.

• Approved variance V-20-02 for 42.5 SF sign at 8 feet height at 245 McKee Road (4-0, Senato abstained)
• Approved variance V-20-04 for 5-foot fence at 5 Pine Street, with no fence in corner visibility area (3-1, Hufnal abstained, Keller voted no)
• Removed application V-20-02 from table (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved May 20, 2020 minutes with corrections (5-0)

Home Events

The City of Dover Planning Commission has cancelled its scheduled meeting for Monday, June 15, 2020. The cancellation is because there are no new applications for consideration at this time. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, July 20, 2020.

• Meeting cancelled on June 15, 2020
• No new applications for consideration
• Next meeting scheduled for July 20, 2020

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Merchants Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss downtown business issues, including updates on signage, a key ring campaign, and First Friday events. They will also address merchant re-opening strategies in light of recent protests and the mandatory curfew.

• Update on base door and window signage
• Update on key ring tab - 'Capital Key' campaign
• June First Friday feedback / proposed July First Friday Fly-over Loockerman
• Merchant Window Contest – July/summertime (theme)
• Merchant re-opening strategies / recent protest and mandatory curfew

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission is meeting electronically to discuss routine business, including approval of March 2020 minutes, a sewer main update from Kent County Public Works, and updates on parks projects and maintenance. The agenda includes discussion of the Park & Playground Improvement Project at Silver Lake Park, but no specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Approval of March 2020 meeting minutes
• Kent County Public Works sewer main update
• Parks & Recreation/Council Committee as a Whole
• Parks projects and maintenance crew updates
• Park & Playground Improvement Project (Silver Lake Park projects)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will meet electronically to discuss several items, including a youth soccer program grant, a contract for architectural and engineering services for five recreation projects, a downtown parking solution, a joint grant with Kent County for COVID-19 emergency funding, and the city manager search process. The committee will also review COVID-19 operating procedures. Decisions may be made on these items.

• Presentation by Delaware Union Youth Soccer Program and potential grant
• Evaluation of RFP #20-0024CM for architectural and engineering services for five recreation projects; staff recommends Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP (Wilmington, DE/Baltimore, MD) with optional $20,000 deduction for modular building
• Downtown Dover Partnership parking solutions MOU
• FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF) joint grant with Kent County
• City manager search: consultant vs. in-house, job description, scoring rubric, interview committee

The Council Committee of the Whole met via video conference and unanimously recommended referring the Delaware Union youth soccer proposal for further development, and approved staff's recommendation to authorize the City Manager to negotiate an architectural and engineering services agreement with Whitman, Requardt & Associates for five recreation projects. The committee also recommended approval of a joint grant submittal with Kent County for COVID-19 emergency funding, and approved continuing discussions on a downtown parking memorandum of understanding. No final votes were taken; all actions are recommendations to the full Council.

• Referred Delaware Union youth soccer proposal for further development (unanimous)
• Approved staff recommendation to negotiate with Whitman, Requardt & Associates for recreation design services (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant submittal with Kent County (unanimous)
• Approved continuing Downtown Dover Partnership parking MOU discussions (unanimous)
• Approved directing HR to contact headhunters for city manager search (unanimous)
• Accepted annual engineering consultant's report on electric system (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a virtual meeting to approve the FY2020/21 budget and authorize the sale of $732,200 in water and sewer revenue bonds. The agenda includes final votes on three annexation and rezoning cases, including a 78.60-acre property on McKee Road. Council members will also set utility rates and extend the property tax payment deadline to September 30, 2020.

• Authorization to issue up to $732,200 in Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds for a sewer project
• First reading of the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 City of Dover Budget Ordinances
• Final adoption of rezoning ordinance for 1385-1389 McKee Road (78.60 acres) to RG-2 and C-2A zones
• Setting of Electric, Water, and Wastewater rates with a power cost adjustment credit of $0.0070
• Extension of property tax payment due date to September 30, 2020, with interest waived until October 1, 2020

The Dover City Council approved the annexation and rezoning of three properties: 1448 North Little Creek Road (0.22 acres, to R-8), 1385-1389 McKee Road (78.60 acres, to RG-2 and C-2A with COZ-1), and 679 Horsepond Road (2.00 acres, to C-3 and AEOZ). The council also adopted the FY2020 electric rates and tariffs, extended the property tax due date to September 30, 2020, and authorized up to $732,200 in water and sewer revenue bonds for the Puncheon Run Pump Station grit removal system replacement.

• Adopted Annexation Resolution No. 2020-05 for 1448 North Little Creek Road (unanimous)
• Adopted Rezoning Ordinance #2020-02 for 1448 North Little Creek Road to R-8 (unanimous)
• Adopted Annexation Resolution No. 2020-06 for 1385-1389 McKee Road (unanimous)
• Adopted Rezoning Ordinance #2020-03 for 1385-1389 McKee Road to RG-2/C-2A/COZ-1 (unanimous)
• Adopted Annexation Resolution No. 2020-07 for 679 Horsepond Road (unanimous)
• Adopted Rezoning Ordinance #2020-07 for 679 Horsepond Road to C-3/AEOZ (unanimous)
• Adopted FY2020 electric rates and tariffs with power cost adjustment credit of ($.0070) (unanimous)
• Extended property tax due date to September 30, 2020, waiving interest/penalties to October 1, 2020 (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special electronic meeting on June 1, 2020, to review the Fiscal Year 2021 Recommended Budget. The agenda included presentations on the General, Electric Revenue, Water, and Wastewater funds, as well as a recommendation for a Stormwater Utility. The meetings originally scheduled for June 2 and 3 were canceled.

• Presentation of Fiscal Year 2021 Recommended Budget
• Review of General Fund, Electric Revenue Fund, Water Fund, and Wastewater Fund highlights
• Stormwater Utility Recommendation
• Operating Department and Division Summaries
• Fund Summaries and Reserve Accounts

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. The council removed a stormwater utility recommendation 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)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board met via Zoom to review the FY 2021 budget and workplan, along with FY 2020 budget results. The agenda included nominations for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, as well as reports on parking and merchant grants. No specific dollar amounts or contract details were listed in the agenda text.

• Review of proposed FY 2021 Budget
• Review of Proposed FY 2021 Workplan
• Board of Directors FY nominations
• Parking Committee report
• Dover Strong fundraisers and grants to merchants

Board of Assessment Appeals Committee

The Board of Assessment Appeals Committee met electronically on May 27, 2020, to hear specific property tax appeals. The agenda lists residential and commercial properties seeking reassessment, including locations on S Queen Street, Walker Road, and N DuPont Highway. The meeting concluded with deliberations and adjournment.

• Residential appeal for 49, 51, and 57 S Queen Street (Neighborhood Property Management LLC)
• Commercial appeal for 769 and 771 Walker Road (Micromotor LLC)
• Commercial appeal for 309 S State Street (Soliman Soliman Adble Hamid)
• Commercial appeal for 422 S DuPont Highway (Hastings Investment)
• Commercial appeal for 1365 N DuPont Highway (Dover Mall LLC, including Macy's and Sears)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Planning Office has canceled the Development Advisory Committee meetings scheduled for May 27, 2020, and June 3, 2020. The cancellation is due to a lack of applications for consideration. No specific development projects, rezonings, or contracts are being decided or discussed at these sessions.

• Cancellation of Staff D.A.C. Meeting on May 27, 2020
• Cancellation of Applicant D.A.C. Meeting on June 3, 2020

Council Committee of the Whole

The City of Dover has announced that no Council Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on May 26, 2020. Consequently, no agenda items will be considered or decided at this session.

• Cancellation of the May 26, 2020 Council Committee of the Whole meeting

Board of Assessment Appeals Committee

The Dover Board of Assessment Appeals met electronically on May 26, 2020, to process a consent agenda of stipulations and withdrawals. The committee reviewed exemption requests for several churches, a university foundation, and a corporate entity. Additionally, the board heard individual residential property tax appeals from seven different property owners.

• Consent agenda included stipulations and withdrawals for properties at 145 S Bradford Street, 970 Forest ST, and 40 S Bradford Street.
• Exemption requests were filed by Mount Zion AME Church for nine addresses including 108 N Queen Street.
• Delaware State University Foundation requested an exemption for 205 S State Street.
• New Harvest Baptist Church requested an exemption for 1462 N Little Creek Road.
• Residential appeals were heard for properties at 103 Shinnecock Road, 137 Pine Valley Road, and 139 Old Forge Drive.

City Council Meetings

The City of Dover has announced that there will be no City Council Meeting held on May 25, 2020. The agenda document contains no specific items for decision or discussion, as the session itself is not taking place.

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will hold a virtual meeting to review one variance application from the Delaware Department of Corrections for a sign at 245 McKee Road. A second application for a rear yard setback variance at 8 Bent Stick Way has been withdrawn. The meeting will also include roll call, approval of agenda and minutes, and a reminder of the next meeting date.

• Variance request V-20-02: increase monument sign height from 7 ft to 8 ft and sign face area from 32 SF to 42.5 SF at 245 McKee Road
• Application V-20-03 for 8 Bent Stick Way (rear setback reduction from 30 ft to 25 ft) withdrawn
• Virtual meeting via WebEx with public dial-in information provided

The Dover Board of Adjustment tabled variance application V-20-02, which sought to increase the height and area of a monument sign with an electronic message center at 245 McKee Road for the Delaware Department of Corrections. The board voted 5-0 to defer the application to the next meeting, with the public hearing also deferred. No other substantive decisions were made; the agenda and prior meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

• Approved agenda as submitted (5-0)
• Approved January 15, 2020 meeting minutes with corrections (5-0)
• Tabled variance application V-20-02 for 245 McKee Road sign height/area increase (5-0)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission holds a virtual public hearing to review three new applications: two annexation and rezoning requests and one warehouse site plan. The largest item involves a 78.60-acre parcel at 1385-1389 McKee Road proposed for residential and commercial use. The commission also reviews a minor subdivision payment amount and updates on a car wash project.

• Annexation and rezoning of 78.60 acres at 1385-1389 McKee Road (MEB Properties, LLC) to RG-2 and C-2A zones
• Annexation and rezoning of 0.21 acres at 1448 N. Little Creek Road (Holly L. Mayer) to R-8 zone
• Conditional Use Site Plan for four warehouses totaling 30,955 SF at 131 Rosemary Road (Blue Collar Guild, LLC)
• Review of cash-in-lieu payment for subdivision of 1.79 acres at 1504 and 1506 College Road
• Update on revisions to the Tommy Express Car Wash site plan at Carver Road

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, despite public concerns about traffic and commercial impact. The commission also approved a cash-in-lieu payment of $4,250 for active recreation area construction for a minor subdivision, and recommended approval for the annexation and rezoning of a 0.21-acre parcel at 1448 N. Little Creek Road to R-8. Additionally, the commission approved updates to the Tommy Express Car Wash site plan and a conditional use permit for four warehouse buildings at 131 Rosemary Road.

• Recommended approval of AX-20-02 annexation and rezoning to RG-2 and C-2A for 78.60 acres at 1385-1389 McKee Road (8-0)
• Recommended approval of AX-20-01 annexation and rezoning to R-8 for 0.21 acres at 1448 N. Little Creek Road (7-0)
• Approved $4,250 cash-in-lieu payment for active recreation area for SB-20-01 subdivision at 1504 and 1506 College Road (7-0)
• Approved updates to S-19-22 Tommy Express Car Wash site plan at Carver Road (7-0)
• Approved C-20-01 conditional use for four warehouses at 131 Rosemary Road with waivers (7-0)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a virtual meeting to review and hold public hearings on two applications: an annexation and rezoning request for a 2-acre parcel at 679 Horsepond Road, and a site development master plan for new Dover Middle Schools at 1 Pat Lynn Drive. They will also consider a request to extend approval for a minor subdivision at 1250 W. North Street, and elect a new chairman.

• Annexation and rezoning of 679 Horsepond Road (2 acres) from Kent County BG to Dover C-3 and AEOZ, Ordinance #2020-07
• Master plan for new Dover Middle Schools at 1 Pat Lynn Drive: 238,500 SF building, sports fields, future additions, waiver for partial curbing
• Extension request for minor subdivision approval at 1250 W. North Street (105.67 acres, IPM zoning)
• Election of new Planning Commission chairman

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 applicant to submit a wetland area maintenance plan within 30 days. The commission also recommended approval to City Council for the annexation and rezoning of 679 Horsepond Road to C-3 (Service Commercial Zone) and approved a one-year extension for the Kraft Foods minor subdivision plan. The meeting was held virtually due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.

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

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Development Partnership Merchants Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss updates on fundraisers, a key ring tab promotion, and a merchant survey. A representative from the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce will speak about assisting members with reopening businesses. The meeting includes public comments and approval of April minutes.

• Update on DDP fundraisers for merchants
• Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce on reopening assistance
• Update on key ring tab for merchant promotions
• Merchant survey discussion

Council Committee of the Whole

This agenda is a cancellation notice. The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will not meet on May 12, 2020, as originally scheduled. No items will be discussed or decided at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled for May 12, 2020

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold an annual meeting to elect a new President and Vice-Mayor, review the 2019 financial report, and revisit the emergency ordinance adopted during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The body will also set a public hearing for the Electric Fund Budget and consider a staff substitute ordinance amending building regulations for lodginghouses and rental dwellings.

• Revisiting Emergency Ordinance #2020-06 waiving certain requirements during the COVID-19 state of emergency
• Setting a public hearing for the Electric Fund Budget on June 8, 2020
• Adopting Staff Substitute #1 for Ordinance #2020-05 amending Chapter 22 (Buildings and Building Regulations)
• Approving the FY 2020-2024 Five Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan
• Reviewing the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application

The Dover City Council held its annual meeting, electing William F. Hare as Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2020/2021. The council approved the 2020-2024 CDBG Consolidated Plan and FY20 Action Plan, extended Emergency Ordinance #2020-06 for another 30 days, and referred the short-term rental ordinance and 911 supervisor replacement to staff/committee for further review. All votes were unanimous.

• Elected William F. Hare as Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2020/2021 (unanimous)
• Approved 2020-2024 CDBG Consolidated Plan and FY20 Action Plan (unanimous)
• Extended Emergency Ordinance #2020-06 for 30 days to June 13, 2020 (unanimous)
• Referred Staff Substitute #1 for Ordinance #2020-05 (short-term rentals) back to staff (unanimous)
• Referred 911 supervisor replacement to Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Electric Fund Budget on June 8, 2020 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2020-03 approving CDBG Consolidated Plan (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2020-04 authorizing banking signatures (unanimous)

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission held a special virtual meeting on May 7, 2020, to review the Capital School District Site Plan. Public comment was not accepted at this session; the opportunity for public comment is scheduled for the Planning Commission meeting on May 18, 2020.

• Review of Capital School District Site Plan

The Silver Lake Commission reviewed and approved the site plan for the new Dover Middle Schools, a 238,000 sq ft facility housing two middle schools with shared facilities, located at the former Dover High site. The plan includes a reduction of impervious surfaces by over 2 acres, compliance with 2019 DNREC regulations, and no disturbance to wetlands or woodlands. The approval was unanimous without objection, and the plan will be presented to the City of Dover Planning Commission on May 18.

• Approved the site plan for the new Dover Middle Schools (unanimous, no objection)
• Requested the district to consider opening the fence on the Senator Way side for sidewalk access (discussed, not decided)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee held a virtual meeting to review two applications for the Planning Commission. The first is an annexation and rezoning request for a 2.00-acre parcel at 679 Horsepond Road. The second is a site development master plan for the New Dover Middle Schools at 1 Pat Lynn Drive. Public comment is not accepted at this DAC meeting; it is available at the subsequent Planning Commission meeting.

• Annexation and rezoning of 2.00 acres at 679 Horsepond Road from BG to C-3 and AEOZ zones (Ordinance #2020-07)
• Site development master plan for New Dover Middle Schools at 1 Pat Lynn Drive, including a 238,500 SF building
• Request for partial elimination of curbing waiver for the school property
• Planning Commission review scheduled for May 18, 2020

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council convened a special electronic meeting on May 4, 2020, specifically to address the selection of a Council President. The agenda consisted solely of opening statements and questions and answers with the candidates, followed by adjournment. No other business, ordinances, or budget items were listed for consideration.

• Opening statements by Council President candidates
• Questions and answers session with candidates

The Dover City Council held a special meeting via video conference to hear from Council President candidates Mr. Sudler and Mr. Hare. The meeting was informational, with no vote taken on the presidency. The Council did unanimously approve a voting procedure for the election at the Annual Meeting, which involves the City Solicitor individually collecting votes.

• Approved agenda with added Discussion of Voting Procedure (unanimous)
• Approved voting procedure for Council President election at Annual Meeting (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee will hold a virtual meeting to review two development applications. The first is a master plan for the redevelopment of the New Dover Middle Schools property at 1 Pat Lynn Drive. The second is a request to annex and rezone a 2.00-acre parcel at 679 Horsepond Road from Kent County into the City of Dover.

• Review of Site Development Master Plan for New Dover Middle Schools at 1 Pat Lynn Drive (S-20-02)
• Proposal includes Phase 1 construction of a 238,500 SF middle school building on 44.71 acres
• Review of Annexation and Rezoning Request for 679 Horsepond Road (AX-20-03)
• Request to change zoning from BG (General Business) to C-3 (Service Commercial) and AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone)
• Meeting held virtually via WebEx on April 29, 2020, at 9:00 AM

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for April 28, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers has been cancelled. No agenda items will be considered at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled — no items to be considered

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold an electronic meeting to discuss the city's strategy for reopening. The agenda includes a request to annex 679 Horsepond Road and a review of the 2019 Downtown Dover Partnership Annual Report. Routine items such as minutes and revenue reports are scheduled for a single consent vote.

• Discussion of the strategy to reopen the city
• Annexation request for 679 Horsepond Road owned by JACJIM, LLC
• Presentation of the 2019 Downtown Dover Partnership Annual Report
• Acceptance of the Quarterly Revenue Report

The Dover City Council unanimously recommended proceeding with the annexation of 679 Horsepond Road, owned by JACJIM, LLC, as recommended by staff. The council also accepted the Quarterly Revenue Report, which showed collections down $1.8 million, and approved minutes from prior meetings. No other substantive decisions were made; discussions on reopening the city were held without formal action.

• Recommended proceeding with annexation of 679 Horsepond Road (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Revenue Report as of March 31, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Special Council Meeting of January 22, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Special Council Meeting of February 10, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Regular Council Meeting of April 13, 2020 (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda and consent agenda as amended (unanimous)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board met via Zoom on April 22, 2020. The primary agenda item was a summary and recommendation from the parking committee regarding a Request for Information (RFI) presented by Todd Stonesifer. The meeting also included standard procedural items such as agenda adjustments and other business.

• Presentation of parking committee RFI summary and recommendation by Todd Stonesifer

DDP Parking Committee

The DDP Parking and Safety Committee met via Zoom to review the process for a Request for Information (RFI) regarding Downtown Dover Parking Solutions. The agenda included a summary of the RFI process and the selection of a vendor. The meeting also covered public comments and the approval of minutes from January and March 2020.

• Review of RFI process for Downtown Dover Parking Solutions
• Discussion on vendor selection for parking solutions
• Approval of minutes from January and March 2020

Community Development Board

The Dover Community Development Board is holding a second audio public hearing on April 22, 2020, to receive comments on the proposed 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and the 2020 Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The hearing was rescheduled due to technical difficulties with the previous call. Written comments will be accepted until May 4, 2020.

• Public hearing on 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Action Plan
• CDBG funds for community development activities
• Written comments due by May 4, 2020
• Audio conference call details provided

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will not meet on April 20, 2020, and no future meeting date has been set. This notice is procedural only, with no agenda items to discuss. The public is directed to contact the Department of Planning and Inspections or check the city website for updates.

• Meeting cancelled for April 20, 2020
• Next meeting date not yet determined
• Contact: 302.736.7196 or compplan@dover.de.us

Consolidated Plan Advisory Group

The City of Dover is holding an audio public hearing on April 17, 2020, to accept citizen comments on the proposed 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The hearing addresses the projected use of funds for the 2020 Action Plan under the Community Development Block Grant Program. Written comments are due by May 4, 2020, and the City will attach a summary of all received comments to the final plan.

• Audio public hearing scheduled for April 17, 2020, at 10:00 am
• Review of proposed 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan
• Discussion of projected use of funds for the 2020 Action Plan
• Written comment deadline set for May 4, 2020, at 5:00 PM

Historic District Commission

The City of Dover Historic District Commission has cancelled its scheduled meeting for April 16, 2020. No decisions or discussions will take place at this session. The next scheduled meeting is set for Thursday, May 21, 2020.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting scheduled for May 21, 2020

Community Development Board

The City of Dover Planning Office is proposing an amendment to the 2019 Action Plan to allocate $163,211.00 from the CARES Act. This funding, administered in partnership with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is intended to prevent and respond to homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic. A public comment period runs from April 15, 2020, to April 20, 2020, after which the city will consider written comments and potentially modify the plan.

• Proposed allocation of $163,211.00 from CARES Act funds
• Funds designated for hotel/motel vouchers for homeless individuals
• Funds designated for up to 3 months' rent to rapidly rehouse individuals
• Public comment period ends April 20, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.

Community Development Board

The Community Development Board is reviewing the Citizen Participation Plan for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, which guides housing and community development funding. The document outlines procedures for public input, including the establishment of a Consolidated Plan Advisory Group and requirements for technical assistance. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the plan includes waivers that reduce the public comment period from 30 days to 5 days and mandate that public hearings be conducted by audio until stay-at-home orders are lifted.

• Adoption of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan Citizen Participation Plan
• Waiver of the 30-day public comment period, reduced to a minimum of 5 days for substantial amendments
• Requirement that all CDBG Public Hearings be conducted by audio until stay-at-home orders are lifted
• Establishment of a Consolidated Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) to review funding activities
• Draft Plan availability at 15 Loockerman Plaza, 35 Loockerman Plaza, and www.cityofdover.com

Board of Adjustment

The City of Dover Board of Adjustment will not hold its regular meeting on April 15, 2020. The date for the next meeting has not yet been determined. Residents with questions are directed to contact the Department of Planning and Inspections or visit the city website for updates.

• Regular meeting on April 15, 2020, is cancelled
• Next meeting date is currently undetermined

Council Committee of the Whole

The City of Dover has announced that the Council Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for April 14, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. will not be held. The notice states there will be no meeting on this date. No specific agenda items, decisions, or discussions are listed because the session was cancelled.

• Meeting cancellation notice issued for April 14, 2020

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council meets to adopt an emergency ordinance waiving certain requirements during the COVID-19 state of emergency and amend the Community Development Block Grant Action Plan. The body also votes to award a $732,200 contract for Puncheon Run Pump Station improvements and postpone public hearings for two annexation/rezoning requests. Additionally, the council takes the first reading on a proposed rezoning ordinance for a property at 679 Horsepond Road.

• Adoption of Emergency Ordinance #2020-06 waiving requirements during the COVID-19 State of Emergency
• Award of $732,200 contract to Kuhn Construction Company for Puncheon Run Pump Station Improvements
• Postponement of public hearings for annexation/rezoning requests at 1448 North Little Creek Road and 1385-1389 McKee Road
• First reading of Proposed Ordinance #2020-07 to rezone 679 Horsepond Road from BG to C-3/AEOZ
• Acceptance of $4,250 Cash-in-Lieu donation for recreation area construction at 1504 and 1506 College Road

The Dover City Council adopted Emergency Ordinance #2020-06, which waives certain charter, code, policy, and procedure requirements during the COVID-19 state of emergency, including the requirement to hold regular monthly meetings. The ordinance is retroactive to March 23, 2020, and will be revisited in 30 days. The council also approved a budget amendment to the 2019 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan for CARES Act funds, postponed public hearings on annexation/rezoning requests, and accepted several committee recommendations.

• Adopted Emergency Ordinance #2020-06 waiving charter/code requirements during COVID-19 (unanimous)
• Approved CDBG Action Plan amendment for CARES Act funds (unanimous)
• Postponed public hearings for annexation/rezoning at 1448 N. Little Creek Rd and 1385-1389 McKee Rd (unanimous)
• Approved $732,200 contract for Puncheon Run Pump Station improvements to Kuhn Construction (unanimous)
• Accepted $4,250 cash-in-lieu for recreation area at 1504 and 1506 College Rd (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of replacement IBM Power System S914 server (unanimous)
• Appointed Andrea B. Maucher to Utility Committee (unanimous)
• Referred rezoning request for 679 Horsepond Rd to committees (unanimous)

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Merchants Committee is meeting by phone to conduct routine business. The main item is reviewing and finalizing the draft 2021 Work Plan, along with approving March minutes and hearing public comments.

• Review/finalize draft Work Plan 2021
• Approve March meeting minutes
• Public comments period

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee is meeting to review and finalize its 2020 work plan, discuss the Spring Into Action event, and consider a mural or other art project for 2020, including a potential grant request. The meeting is open to public comments.

• Final review of 2020 Work Plan
• Discussion of Spring Into Action event
• Mural or other art project 2020 and potential grant request
• Approval of February minutes

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for April 1, 2020, is cancelled until further notice. The Planning Office will continue technical reviews of submitted applications, including the New Dover Middle Schools Master Plan. Public comments may be submitted electronically to the Planning Office.

• Cancellation of the Staff D.A.C. meeting on April 1, 2020, and the Applicant D.A.C. meeting on April 8, 2020
• Review of S-20-02 New Dover Middle Schools Master Plan at 1 Pat Lynn Drive
• Proposal includes Phase 1 construction of a 238,500 SF middle school building on 44.71 acres
• Waiver request for partial elimination of curbing on the property
• Property is zoned IO (Institutional and Office Zone) and owned by Dover Special School District

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors meeting scheduled for March 25, 2020 has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for April 22, 2020 at 7:30 a.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. No business items are listed for this cancelled meeting.

• March 25, 2020 board meeting cancelled
• Next meeting: April 22, 2020, 7:30 a.m., City Hall Conference Room

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee meeting scheduled for March 25, 2020, at the CenDel Bldg. Conference Rm. has been cancelled. The agenda notes that the committee works to improve the appearance of downtown Dover and educate the public on design principles. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are listed because the meeting did not take place. The next meeting date is listed as TBD.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting date TBD

Council Committee of the Whole

This meeting of the Dover Council Committee of the Whole is cancelled; no session will be held on March 24, 2020. The agenda contains only a cancellation notice and no items for discussion or decision.

• Meeting cancelled for March 24, 2020

City Council Meetings

The March 23, 2020, regular City Council meeting was canceled in compliance with the Governor's stay-at-home order. Consequently, no items on the agenda, including contract awards and ordinance votes, were acted upon. The agenda listed routine items such as adopting minutes and a $732,200 contract for pump station improvements, but these were not considered.

• Meeting canceled due to Governor's stay-at-home order
• Proposed contract award to Kuhn Construction Company for $732,200 for Puncheon Run Pump Station Improvements
• Proposed acceptance of $4,250 Cash-in-Lieu donation for 1504 and 1506 College Road
• Proposed postponement of public hearings for annexation/rezoning at 1448 North Little Creek Road and 1385-1389 McKee Road
• Proposed appointment of Andrea B. Maucher to the Utility Committee

City Council Meetings

This special City Council meeting was canceled in compliance with the Governor's stay-at-home order. The agenda, which included an executive session on personnel matters and potential action, will not take place.

• Meeting canceled due to Governor's stay-at-home order
• Executive session on personnel matters (29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9))
• Potential action resulting from executive session

Historic District Commission

The City of Dover Historic District Commission has cancelled its meeting scheduled for March 19, 2020. No specific agenda items were discussed or decided. The next scheduled meeting is set for April 16, 2020.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting scheduled for April 16, 2020

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission canceled its March 19, 2020 meeting to follow proper health and safety practices. All scheduled agenda items were moved to the next commission meeting. The original agenda included a community collaboration presentation by the NAACP and a discussion on intake form revisions.

• Meeting canceled due to health and safety practices
• All agenda items moved to the next meeting
• Original item: Community Collaboration with NAACP (Anne Smith)
• Original item: Discussion on Intake Form Revisions and Disbursement

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Economic Vitality & Development Committee meeting scheduled for March 18, 2020, has been cancelled. No specific agenda items were discussed or decided. The date for the next meeting is currently to be determined.

Board of Adjustment

The City of Dover Board of Adjustment has cancelled its March 18, 2020 meeting due to the State of Emergency declaration regarding public gatherings. Two pending applications for zoning variances have been postponed to the April 15, 2020 meeting. No decisions were made at this cancelled session.

• Postponed: Delaware Department of Corrections variance request at 245 McKee Road to increase monument sign height from 7 ft to 8 ft and area from 32 SF to 42.5 SF.
• Postponed: Liborio Watergate, LLC area variance request at 8 Bent Stick Way to reduce rear yard setback from 30 ft to 25 ft in the RM-1 zone.

Library Commission

The Dover Public Library Advisory Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including library statistics for December 2019 and January 2020, staffing status, security in the library, and reports from the Council on Libraries, Friends of Library, and Dover Library Foundation. No new business is listed on the agenda.

• Review of library statistics for December 2019 and January 2020
• Discussion of staffing status
• Security in the library
• Council on Libraries report
• Friends of Library and Dover Library Foundation reports

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission meeting scheduled for March 16, 2020, was cancelled due to the state of emergency declared in Delaware. All agenda items, including old business, new business, and new applications, are postponed and rescheduled for the April 20, 2020 meeting.

• Tommy Express Car Wash site plan revisions (S-19-22) at Carver Road postponed
• Minor subdivision SB-20-01 at 1504 & 1506 College Road cash-in-lieu review postponed
• Annexation and rezoning AX-20-01 for 1448 N. Little Creek Road (0.21 acres) postponed
• Annexation and rezoning AX-20-02 for 1385-1389 McKee Road (78.60 acres) postponed
• Conditional use C-20-01 for four warehouses at 131 Rosemary Road (30,955 SF) postponed

City Council Meetings

This City Council workshop meeting has been canceled. The agenda listed items such as a Diversity and Inclusion Report, an Affirmative Action Plan, review of committees, and economic development vision, but none will be considered due to the cancellation.

• Diversity and Inclusion Report
• Affirmative Action Plan
• Review/Evaluation of Committees, Commissions, and Boards
• Economic Development - Long Range Vision
• Council Compensation

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole met on March 10, 2020, to review three distinct committee agendas. The Utility Committee evaluated bids for pump station upgrades, while the Parks Committee reviewed a cash-in-lieu donation for a College Road development. The Legislative Committee considered a sole-source purchase for a new IBM server.

• Award $732,200 contract to Kuhn Construction Company for Puncheon Run Pump Station Improvements (Bid #20-0017PW)
• Accept $4,250 cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction donation for 1504 and 1506 College Road (Planning Reference #SB-20-01)
• Authorize purchase of replacement IBM Power System S914 Server from a sole source vendor
• Receive report from Silver Lake Commission
• Receive presentation from Hope Commission

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding the Puncheon Run Pump Station Improvement contract to Kuhn Construction for $732,200, and accepted a $4,250 cash-in-lieu donation for recreation area construction at 1504 and 1506 College Road. The committee also advanced a recommendation to purchase a replacement IBM Power System S914 server, with staff directed to answer cost questions before the full Council vote. All decisions were unanimous.

• Recommended awarding $732,200 contract to Kuhn Construction for Puncheon Run Pump Station (unanimous)
• Recommended accepting $4,250 cash-in-lieu for recreation area at 1504/1506 College Road (unanimous)
• Recommended authorizing purchase of replacement IBM Power System S914 server, with staff to provide cost details (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will consider several items, including approving up to three new water wells for the Dover International Speedway's Firefly Music Festival site, two annexation requests, and authorizing a contract with Segal Waters Consulting for a compensation study. The agenda also includes routine consent items like minutes and monthly reports, plus setting dates for property assessment appeals. An executive session is scheduled for discussions on real estate, legal, and personnel matters.

• Resolution No. 2020-02: up to 3 new wells on Lot 18, Dover International Speedway, 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, depth not exceeding 150 feet
• Annexation request: 1448 North Little Creek Road (Holly L. Mayer)
• Annexation request: 1385-1389 McKee Road (MEB Properties, LLC and Christopher Custis; equitable owner Louis J. Capano, III)
• Authorize City Manager to negotiate agreement with Segal Waters Consulting for classification/compensation study (Part 1) and optional pay-for-performance (Part 2)
• Proposed Ordinance #2020-05 amending Chapter 22 (Lodginghouses and Rental Dwellings) referred back to staff

The Dover City Council voted unanimously to refer Proposed Ordinance #2020-05, which would regulate 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 resident 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)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2020-02 for up to 3 new wells at Dover International Speedway (unanimous)
• Approved annexation requests for 1448 North Little Creek Road and 1385-1389 McKee Road (unanimous)
• Authorized temporary staffing for ERP system projects at about $51,000 (unanimous)
• Authorized agreement with Segal Waters Consulting for compensation study (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 Property Assessment Appeals dates for May-June (unanimous)
• Accepted Dover Human Relations Commission 2019 Annual Report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 13 and February 24 meetings (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee (DAC) will meet on March 4, 2020, to review and comment on three applications ahead of the Planning Commission meeting on March 16, 2020. The items include two annexation and rezoning requests and one conditional use site plan for warehouses. Public comment is not accepted at this meeting; it will be taken at the Planning Commission meeting.

• Annexation/rezoning of 0.21 acres at 1448 N. Little Creek Road from RMH to R-8 (Ordinance #2020-02)
• Annexation/rezoning of 78.60 acres at 1385-1389 McKee Road to RG-2 and C-2A with COZ-1 overlay (Ordinance #2020-03)
• Conditional use site plan for four warehouse buildings totaling 30,955 SF at 131 Rosemary Road
• Waiver requests for curbing, sidewalk, and woodland mitigation at 131 Rosemary Road

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission met to approve January 2020 minutes and receive status updates from Kent County Public Works regarding a sewer main project. The agenda also included reports on general public works, parks maintenance, and a planned spring cleanup event featuring canoe and kayak activities. No specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances were listed in the provided text.

• Kent County Public Works Sewer Main Update
• Spring Clean Up Event (Canoe & Kayak activity)
• Parks Projects and Maintenance Crew Updates

The commission approved the January 2020 minutes and accepted the agenda. Kent County Public Works reported that soil bacteria levels at Silver Lake Park have returned to normal, allowing the fence to be removed, though additional investigation and pipe repairs are scheduled to start in late March. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; the meeting focused on updates and discussions.

• Approved January 2020 minutes
• Accepted agenda with no changes
• Fence at Silver Lake Park to be removed after bacteria levels returned to normal
• Pipe repair work scheduled to start in 3rd week of March
• Volleyball court completion expected within a few days
• Chair to contact U of D Coastal Design for kayak launch design
• Mr. Jones to contact HOBY for spring cleanup date
• Mr. Jones to share Fish & Wildlife grant info when available

Council Committee of the Whole

The March 3, 2020, Special Council Committee of the Whole meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not present. Consequently, the scheduled review of Community Development Block Grant applications and other housing-related items did not take place.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
• No decisions made on CDBG applications

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review three applications for the Planning Commission: two annexation and rezoning requests and one conditional use site plan. The meeting is a staff review session where public comment is not accepted; public input is scheduled for the March 16 Planning Commission meeting. The items involve properties at 1448 N. Little Creek Road, 1385-1389 McKee Road, and 131 Rosemary Road.

• Annexation and rezoning of 0.21 acres at 1448 N. Little Creek Road from RMH to R-8 zoning.
• Annexation and rezoning of 78.60 acres at 1385-1389 McKee Road, including 5.26 acres for C-2A commercial use.
• Conditional use site plan for four warehouse buildings totaling 30,955 SF at 131 Rosemary Road.
• Request for waivers including elimination of sidewalk along Rosemary Road frontage for the warehouse project.

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will hold a meeting to consider one specific appeal. The item involves a Property Maintenance Code citation related to an annual housing inspection at 1001 White Oak Road. The agenda is otherwise procedural, consisting of the adoption of the agenda and adjournment.

• Appeal of Property Maintenance Code citation for annual housing inspection at 1001 White Oak Road (Joni Monk)

The board voted unanimously to uphold staff findings in a property maintenance code appeal by Joni Monk regarding an annual housing inspection at 1001 White Oak Road, B31. Monk argued the inspection sequence was flawed and the unit was vacant, but the board sided with staff. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Upheld staff findings in property maintenance appeal for 1001 White Oak Road, B31 (unanimous)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board is meeting to discuss routine business, including approval of minutes, a police report from Chief Johnson and Sgt. Chad Bernat, and updates from the executive committee, mayor, city manager, and other officials. The agenda includes a relocation update for DIMH and an EZ Pass item, but no major decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Police report with Chief Johnson and Sgt. Chad Bernat
• DIMH relocation update
• EZ Pass item
• Updates from Mayor, City Manager Donna Mitchell, and Senator Trey Paradee
• Wesley College President Bob Clark and Kent County Tourism Pete Bradley reports

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will discuss and possibly act on several items, including a request for new water wells at Dover International Speedway, two annexation requests, temporary staffing for ERP projects, a compensation study, and an ordinance on lodginghouses and rental dwellings. The meeting was revised to remove the Senator Bikeway item and cancel the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting.

• Resolution No. 2020-02: up to 3 new wells on Lot 18 at 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, depth not exceeding 150 feet
• Annexation request: 1448 North Little Creek Road (Holly L. Mayer)
• Annexation request: 1385-1389 McKee Road (MEB Properties, LLC and Christopher Custis; equitable owner Louis J. Capano, III)
• Authorize Controller/Treasurer to maintain temporary staffing for ERP projects
• Proposed Ordinance #2020-05 amending Chapter 22 (lodginghouses and rental dwellings)

The Council Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to refer Proposed Ordinance #2020-05, which would amend regulations for short-term rentals and lodginghouses, back to staff for reconsideration. The decision followed extensive discussion about enforceability, neighborhood impacts, and economic considerations. The committee also recommended approval of several other items, including new water wells for Dover International Speedway, two annexation requests, temporary staffing for ERP projects, and a compensation study contract.

• Referred Ordinance #2020-05 (short-term rentals) back to staff (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of up to 3 new wells on Lot 18, Dover International Speedway (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 (unanimous)
• Recommended authorizing agreement with Segal Waters Consulting for compensation study (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will consider routine consent items, including the adoption of previous minutes and committee reports. Key decisions include approving proposed budget amendments totaling $154,209.73 for the 2019 Community Development Block Grant and directing staff to develop a proposal for streetlight improvements. The council will also address personnel policy amendments, travel policy changes, and the extension of the ADP payroll contract.

• Approval of proposed Budget Amendments totaling $154,209.73 for Fiscal Year 2019 CDBG
• Discussion of proposed Utility Rate Changes
• Authorization to extend the ADP payroll processing contract through December 31, 2020
• Approval of amendments to Personnel Policy (Discrimination and Harassment) and Travel Policy
• Referral of Proposed Ordinance #2020-04 regarding the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals back to staff

The Dover City Council approved several items by consent agenda, including $154,209.73 in CDBG budget amendments, revised personnel policy on discrimination/harassment, updated travel policy, ADP contract extension, and appointment of Janella M. Tauchus as Assistant Treasurer. Ordinance #2020-04 on the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals was referred back to staff for revisions. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $154,209.73 CDBG budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved revised Personnel Policy on Discrimination and Harassment (unanimous)
• Approved revised Travel Policy (unanimous)
• Approved ADP contract extension through Dec 31, 2020 (unanimous)
• Appointed Janella M. Tauchus as Assistant Treasurer (unanimous)
• Referred Ordinance #2020-04 back to staff for revisions (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission will review a demolition permit referral for a vacant commercial building at 229 South Governors Avenue, and receive updates on the Certified Local Government grant and the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. No new applications are on the agenda.

• Review of demolition permit #20-47 for 229 South Governors Avenue, a vacant commercial/vehicle service building in the C-2 zone with H overlay
• Update on FFY2019 CLG Grant for updating Design Standards and Guidelines for the Historic District
• Status update on adoption and certification of Dover's 2019 Comprehensive Plan

The Dover Historic District Commission approved a demolition permit for a vacant commercial building at 229 South Governors Avenue, with staff recommendations moved to advisory. The commission also adopted the November 2019 meeting minutes and received updates on the 2019 Comprehensive Plan and CLG grant.

• Approved demolition permit #20-47 at 229 South Governors Avenue (3-0)
• Adopted minutes of November 21, 2019 meeting (3-0)
• Approved agenda as amended with New Business first (3-0)

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission is meeting to discuss routine administrative items, including its 2019 annual report to City Council, an intake form, proposed brochure revisions, and action on its 2020-2023 strategic plan. Public comments are welcome on any item.

• 2019 Annual Report to City Council
• Discussion of intake form
• Proposed revisions to DHRC brochure - mission statement
• Council action on Strategic Plan 2020-2023

The Dover Human Relations Commission unanimously approved its 2019 Annual Report for submission to City Council and tabled proposed revisions to its brochure and mission statement. The commission also voted to continue discussion of the intake form at a future meeting, after debating whether to redesign it as a contact form and whether complaints should go first to the commission or the City Clerk's Office. No final changes to the intake form were made.

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

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Merchants Committee is meeting to discuss routine business district promotional activities, including the February window contest, a Shop Downtown Dover promotional piece, and upcoming events like First Friday and a Fam Tour. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no major decisions or financial items listed.

• February Window Contest outcome and April theme discussion
• Feedback on Shop Downtown Dover! promotional piece
• First Friday March planning
• September 21-23 Fam Tour
• Summer bus tours to shop Downtown

Board of Adjustment

The City of Dover Board of Adjustment will not hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion. The next scheduled meeting is set for Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission holds a quarterly workshop to discuss department updates, including the 2019 application summary and current studies. The agenda covers the status of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan adoption and its implementation, including a comprehensive rezoning project. Additionally, the commission reviews grant activities for the Historic District Zone and updates on the Downtown Development District Program.

• Status of adoption and certification of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan
• Comprehensive Rezoning Project implementation
• Update to Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone
• Project for Proposed Ordinance on Wireless Communication Facilities
• Downtown Development District Program updates

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission meeting scheduled for February 18, 2020 has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020.

• Meeting cancelled

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Merchants Committee is meeting to discuss routine business: approving January minutes, reviewing the February window contest, planning April's theme, and gathering feedback on the Shop Downtown Dover! promotional piece. They will also set dates for First Friday March, the next mixer, and discuss opportunities and the FY-2021 workplan, including a September Fam Tour and summer bus tours. This is a working meeting with no major decisions or public hearings on the agenda.

• February Window Contest outcome and April theme discussion
• Feedback on Shop Downtown Dover! promotional piece
• First Friday March planning
• September 21-23 Fam Tour
• Summer bus tours to shop Downtown

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet to adopt minutes from November 2019 and review quarterly performance reports for the quarter ending December 31, 2019, prepared by Milliman, Inc. Staff recommends acceptance of these reports. The meeting is open to public comments.

• Adoption of minutes from November 14, 2019 joint meeting
• Quarterly performance review of General Employee Pension Plan (Q4 2019)
• Quarterly performance review of Police Pension Plan (Q4 2019)
• Quarterly performance review of OPEB Plan (Q4 2019)

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 adopted the agenda and the minutes from the November 14, 2019 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted November 14, 2019 meeting minutes (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)

Economic Development Committee

The Dover Economic Development Committee met to discuss updates on data collection, economic assessments, and the 2019 Economic Review. The agenda included discussions on the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference and gap analyses presented by Rick Ferrell. No specific votes, contracts, or ordinances were listed for decision in this agenda.

• Update on Data Collection Economic Assessments
• International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference Discussion
• Gap Analyses Discussion (Rick Ferrell)
• Economic Review 2019

The Economic Development Committee received updates on contracted economic studies, including a Rockport deeper-dive analysis and a retail gap analysis by Rick Ferrell. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was informational. The committee also discussed attending the ICSC conference and reviewed a map of commercial retail hot spots in Dover.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole meets to discuss and potentially act on several items, including proposed amendments to the 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan, utility rate changes, and updates to personnel and travel policies. The committees will also consider extending a payroll processing contract with ADP and an ordinance amending the construction and property maintenance code board of appeals. Public comments are welcome on any item.

• Proposed CDBG budget amendments totaling $154,209.73 for FY2019
• Proposed utility rate changes
• Streetlight inventory and photometric analysis presentation by Citelum
• Extension of ADP payroll processing contract through December 31, 2020
• Ordinance #2020-04 amending Chapter 22, Section 22-1 (Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals)

The Council Committee of the Whole met on February 11, 2020, and approved several recommendations. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee approved $154,209.73 in budget amendments to the 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan. The Utility Committee directed staff to work with Citelum on a streetlight proposal and discussed utility rate changes and wireless communication facilities. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee approved personnel policy and travel policy amendments, extended the ADP payroll contract, and referred a proposed ordinance on the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals back to staff for revisions.

• Approved $154,209.73 in CDBG budget amendments for FY2019 (unanimous)
• Directed staff to work with Citelum on a streetlight strategic proposal (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Personnel Policy on Discrimination and Harassment (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to the City of Dover Travel Policy (unanimous)
• Authorized extending ADP payroll contract through December 31, 2020 (unanimous)
• Referred Ordinance #2020-04 on Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals back to staff (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on February 10, 2020, to enter an executive session regarding a legal opinion on a property transfer or acquisition. The agenda notes that less than seven days' notice was provided due to the timing of receiving the information. The council planned to take potential action resulting from the executive session before adjourning.

• Executive session on legal opinion regarding property transfer or acquisition
• Potential action to be taken following the executive session

The City Council held a special meeting and unanimously voted to assign the deed and its restrictions for the former Dover Public Library building to the State of Delaware. This action followed a closed executive session where members discussed the deed restrictions. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

• Assigned deed and restrictions for former Dover Public Library to State of Delaware (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote on a $1,037,893.90 contract with George & Lynch, Inc. for the FY 2020 Street and Alley Program. The body will also conduct final readings on zoning ordinances for properties at 4 Lakeview Drive and 1385-1389 McKee Road. Additionally, the council will accept water and wastewater infrastructure for the Leander Lakes Apartment Complex and appoint Janella M. Tauchus as Assistant City Clerk.

• Award FY 2020 Street and Alley Program contract to George & Lynch, Inc. for $1,037,893.90
• Final reading of Ordinance #2019-22 rezoning 4 Lakeview Drive from R-7 to RG-1
• Final reading of Ordinance #2019-19 amending General Residence and Office Zoning (RG-O)
• Acceptance of water and wastewater infrastructure dedication for Leander Lakes Apartment Complex
• First reading of Ordinance #2020-03 rezoning 78.60 acres at 1385-1389 McKee Road

The Dover City Council adopted Ordinance #2019-19, amending the zoning code to permit barbershops and other personal service establishments in the General Residence and Office (RG-O) zone. The council also approved a $1,037,893.90 street and alley program contract with George & Lynch, Inc. A rezoning request for 4 Lakeview Drive failed due to lack of a second.

• Adopted Ordinance #2019-19 amending RG-O zoning to permit barbershops and personal service establishments (unanimous)
• Approved $1,037,893.90 street and alley program contract with George & Lynch, Inc. (unanimous)
• Rezoning request for 4 Lakeview Drive failed for lack of a second
• Approved Ordinance #2020-01 budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved $1,037,893.90 street and alley program contract with George & Lynch, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $1,037,893.90 street and alley program contract with George & Lynch, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $1,037,893.90 street and alley program contract with George & Lynch, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $1,037,893.90 street and alley program contract with George & Lynch, Inc. (unanimous)

DDP Marketing and Promotions Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Marketing and Promotions Committee is meeting to discuss routine updates and planning items. Topics include First Friday events, a merchant liaison role, quarterly communications, a social media assessment, and the 2021 workplan. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• First Friday updates
• Merchant liaison(s) needed
• DDP quarterly communication revival
• Social media assessment
• Workplan 2021

Bicycle/Pedestrian Subcommittee (SA&T;)

The Dover Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee is meeting to discuss updates on the Bike & Pedestrian Plan and receive a construction project update from DelDOT. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and announcements, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Construction project update from DelDOT
• Bike & Pedestrian Plan update from MPO
• Bike & Pedestrian Plan discussion led by Lesniewski and Arndt

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee (DAC) has cancelled its meetings scheduled for January 29 and February 5, 2020, because no applications were submitted for consideration. The Planning Office announced the cancellations in a memo dated January 22, 2020.

• Staff DAC meeting cancelled for January 29, 2020 at 10:00 AM
• Applicant DAC meeting cancelled for February 5, 2020 at 10:00 AM
• Cancellations due to lack of applications

DDP Parking Committee

The DDP Parking and Safety Committee is meeting to discuss downtown Dover parking improvements. The agenda includes a request for information on parking solutions, an update on 2020 implementation, and a review of parking signage from other Delaware locations. This is a working group meeting focused on strategy and coordination, not a final decision-making session.

• Request for Information (RFI) on downtown Dover parking solutions
• Update on implementation of 2020 initiatives
• Review of parking signage and images from Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and DE Turf

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss and possibly act on several items. The Utility Committee will consider accepting water and wastewater infrastructure from the Leander Lakes Apartment Complex and receive an update on water main breaks. The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee will evaluate bids for the FY 2020 Street and Alley Program, reconsider the prioritization of state capital transportation projects, and discuss the Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee.

• Dedication of water and wastewater infrastructure at Leander Lakes Apartment Complex
• Award of $1,037,893.90 contract to George & Lynch, Inc. for FY 2020 Street & Alley Program (Bid #20-0014PW)
• Reconsideration of CTP project prioritization, including Loockerman Street/Forest Street Intersection
• Quarterly update on Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee
• Discharge of Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended sunsetting the Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee, replacing it with an informal committee to advise the City Manager and report quarterly to City Council. The recommendation passed 6-3. The committee also recommended awarding a $1,037,893.90 street and alley contract to George & Lynch, Inc., and approved a water infrastructure dedication for Leander Lakes Apartments.

• Recommended sunsetting Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee (6-3)
• Recommended awarding FY20 Street & Alley Program contract to George & Lynch, Inc. ($1,037,893.90)
• Recommended accepting water/wastewater infrastructure dedication for Leander Lakes Apartments
• Recommended switching CTP priorities: Loockerman/Forest Street Intersection and Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension

City Council Meetings

This is a special meeting of the Dover City Council, convened primarily to recess into executive session to discuss pending and potential litigation, as well as attorney services for potential litigation. The council may take action resulting from the executive session before adjourning. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no public business items listed.

• Executive session under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(1) and (b)(4) for litigation strategy and attorney services
• Potential action resulting from executive session

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on January 27, 2020, and unanimously voted to recess into executive session to discuss an individual's qualifications for a job or training and legal strategy regarding potential litigation. Following the closed session, the council unanimously approved engaging Ms. Victoria K. Petrone of Baird Mandalas Brockstedt LLC as outside counsel for potential litigation. The meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for personnel and legal strategy discussions (unanimous)
• Approved engaging Ms. Victoria K. Petrone of Baird Mandalas Brockstedt LLC for potential litigation (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council meets to approve proposed budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2020 and adopt Ordinance #2020-01. The body also confirms the election of a police pension board member and appoints Gary E. Junge as Deputy City Solicitor. Additionally, the council reviews a $125,000 allocation for the Dover Library's reciprocal borrowing funds and receives updates on the 2020 Revaluation Project and a Silver Lake sewer main break.

• Adoption of Proposed Budget Amendments and Ordinance #2020-01 for Fiscal Year 2020
• Authorization of a $125,000 allocation for Dover Library Kent County Reciprocal Borrowing Funds
• Appointment of Gary E. Junge, Esquire as Deputy City Solicitor
• Confirmation of Retired Lieutenant Timothy Mullaney, Sr. for a three-year Police Pension term expiring January 31, 2023
• Presentation of 2020 Revaluation Project Results by Tyler Technologies

The Dover City Council approved a consent agenda including budget amendments totaling $11,906,100 for Fiscal Year 2020 and the first reading of Ordinance #2020-01. The Council also approved the nomination of Retired Lieutenant Timothy Mullaney, Sr. to the Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee and the appointment of Gary E. Junge as Deputy City Solicitor. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these approvals; the meeting included presentations on the 2020 property revaluation and the Silver Lake sewer main break.

• Approved $11,906,100 in FY2020 budget amendments and Ordinance #2020-01 first reading (unanimous)
• Approved nomination of Retired Lt. Timothy Mullaney, Sr. to Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Gary E. Junge as Deputy City Solicitor (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 13, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Referred proposed Affirmative Action Plan to staff for further study (unanimous)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board met to review standard reports, including a police report and updates from the Mayor and City Manager. The agenda included a specific update on the DIMH relocation and a quarterly budget review. The meeting also featured committee reports on parking and design, as well as a public comment period.

• DIMH relocation update
• Quarterly budget review
• Parking Committee report
• Design Committee report
• Police report

City Council Meetings

The January 22, 2020, meeting of the Dover Police Athletic League (PAL) Committee was cancelled. The agenda listed standard procedural items such as program updates, old business, and strategic planning, but no decisions were made due to the cancellation.

• Meeting cancelled
• No items considered

City Council Meetings

The City Council held a special meeting to hold public hearings on violations of the Dangerous Building Ordinance. Staff recommended declaring four specific properties dangerous and ordering their demolition by February 22, 2020. If owners fail to demolish the structures within 10 days, the City would perform the demolition and charge the costs to the properties as liens or assessments.

• Demolition order for property at 115 North Kirkwood Street owned by Joe W. Burden, Jr.
• Demolition order for property at 726 Slaughter Street owned by Joe W. Burden, Jr.
• Demolition order for property at 309 MacArthur Drive owned by Brittany A. Williams
• Demolition order for property at 749 Oak Drive owned by Allen and Christine Barnhart
• Recommendation to charge demolition costs as municipal liens or special taxes if owners do not comply

The Dover City Council held public hearings and unanimously approved staff recommendations for four properties cited under the Dangerous Building Ordinance. For 115 North Kirkwood Street, the owner must repair or demolish by March 25, 2020. For 726 Slaughter Street, the property must be demolished by February 24, 2020. For 309 MacArthur Drive, action was delayed for six months after permit issuance, with the matter to return if no activity occurs. For 749 Oak Drive, the owner must repair or demolish by February 24, 2020.

• Declared 115 North Kirkwood St dangerous; ordered repair/demolition by March 25, 2020 (unanimous)
• Declared 726 Slaughter St dangerous; ordered demolition by February 24, 2020 (unanimous)
• Delayed action on 309 MacArthur Dr for six months after permit issuance (unanimous)
• Declared 749 Oak Dr dangerous; ordered repair/demolition by February 24, 2020 (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings and reviews on several land-use applications, including a revised implementation plan for the Eden Hill Farm Traditional Neighborhood Development, a rezoning request for a property on Lakeview Drive, a text amendment to allow barbershops in the RG-O zone, and a minor subdivision on College Road. The commission will also receive updates on City Council actions and the 2019 Comprehensive Plan.

• Eden Hill Farm TND revised plan: 180 apartment units, two clubhouses, 665 total lots
• Rezoning of 4 Lakeview Drive from R-7 to RG-1 (0.63 acres)
• Text amendment to allow barbershops in RG-O zone (Ordinance #2019-19)
• Minor subdivision of 1504 & 1506 College Road into 5 lots (1.79 acres)
• Cash-in-lieu of Active Recreation Area request for College Road subdivision

Historic District Commission

The January 16, 2020 meeting of the City of Dover Historic District Commission has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting will be held on February 20, 2020. This agenda contains no items for discussion or decision.

• Meeting cancelled for January 16, 2020
• Next meeting scheduled for February 20, 2020

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission is meeting to adopt its agenda and discuss revisions to its 2019-2021 strategic plan, an intake form, and proposed changes to its brochure's mission statement. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn by 7:00 p.m. and is open to public comments.

• Revisions to DHRC Strategic Plan 2019-2021
• Discussion of intake form
• Proposed revisions to DHRC brochure mission statement

The Dover Human Relations Commission unanimously approved revisions to its Strategic Plan, extending the plan's years from 2019-2021 to 2020-2023. The commission also deferred discussion of an intake form and brochure revisions to future meetings, pending City Council approval of the revised plan.

• 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)

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Economic Vitality Committee is meeting to discuss several ongoing items, including marketing materials for Ben's, an update on the Ez-pass lease, a review of the Partnership Strategic Plan, and an update on Inner City Property. The agenda is mostly routine updates and planning, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Update on Ben's marketing material
• Update on Ez-pass lease
• Review of Partnership Strategic Plan
• Update on Inner City Property

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will review one new business item: a request from the Church of the Holy Cross for a zoning variance. The request seeks permission to build a 12-foot 9-inch tall archway sign on the grounds of Holy Cross Cemetery, which is zoned as Recreation and Open Space. The meeting also includes procedural items such as roll call and approval of previous minutes.

• Variance request for a 12-foot 9-inch archway sign at 414 and 422 North New Street
• Applicant is Church of the Holy Cross for property zoned ROS (Recreation and Open Space)
• Request cites Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §4.7 regarding sign types and height

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved variance application V-20-01, allowing the Church of the Holy Cross to construct a 12-foot 9-inch tall archway sign at the entrance of Holy Cross Cemetery, exceeding the 7-foot maximum and the permitted sign type under the Zoning Ordinance. The motion carried 4-0, with Mr. Sheth absent. The board also approved the agenda and the minutes from the September 18, 2019 meeting, both unanimously.

• Approved variance V-20-01 for 12-ft 9-in archway sign at Holy Cross Cemetery (4-0)
• Approved agenda as submitted (4-0)
• Approved September 18, 2019 meeting minutes with corrections (4-0)

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee met on January 15, 2020, to discuss improving the appearance of the downtown area. The agenda included procedural items and specific design projects such as facade grants, murals, and utility boxes. The committee also addressed the final report for the NBBF grant.

• Façade Grants
• M & W Mural
• Family Dollar Mural
• Utility Boxes
• Final report for NBBF grant

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover City Council Committee of the Whole meets to review updates on the Towne Point School and a proposed dog park. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee will discuss a Diversity and Inclusion Study and the City's Affirmative Action Plan. Staff recommends approving FY2020 budget amendments via Ordinance #2020-01 and authorizing a letter for $125,000 in Kent County reciprocal borrowing funds for the Dover Library.

• Update on Towne Point School and discussion of a Dog Park
• Presentation on Diversity and Inclusion Study
• Discussion of City of Dover Affirmative Action Plan
• Proposed approval of FY2020 budget amendments and Ordinance #2020-01
• Authorization of letter for $125,000 Kent County Reciprocal Borrowing Funds for Dover Library

The Council Committee of the Whole met and discussed the Diversity and Inclusion Study, heard public comments, and unanimously voted to refer a proposed Affirmative Action Plan to staff for further study. They also approved budget amendments totaling $11,906,100 and authorized a letter for library reciprocal borrowing funds. No final decisions were made on the diversity study itself.

• Referred proposed Affirmative Action Plan to staff for further study (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments totaling $11,906,100 for FY2020 (unanimous)
• Authorized letter detailing uses for $125,000 library reciprocal borrowing funds (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote to adopt the 2019 City of Dover Comprehensive Plan and select the Chief of Police. The body will also authorize a one-year contract for library management services and conduct a final reading on an amendment to real estate tax abatement qualifications.

• Adoption of the 2019 City of Dover Comprehensive Plan
• Selection of the Chief of Police
• Contract with Library Systems & Services, LLC for library management not to exceed $200,000
• Final Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2019-20 amending real estate tax abatement qualifications
• Resolution #2020-01 requesting state support for Wesley College

The Dover City Council adopted the 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Ordinance #2019-21) after a public hearing, incorporating Planning Commission recommendations. They also unanimously approved Mayor Christiansen's appointment of Thomas Johnson as the new Chief of Police, and approved a one-year library management contract with Library Systems & Services, LLC for up to $200,000. Additionally, they adopted an ordinance amending the downtown tax abatement program and a resolution supporting Wesley College.

• 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 discharge to Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee (unanimous)
• Accepted monthly reports and Capital Investment Plan quarterly report (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

This is a special meeting of the Dover City Council, convened primarily to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding City Manager Donna S. Mitchell. The council may take action after the closed session, and the meeting is scheduled to adjourn by 7:00 p.m. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Executive session under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9) to discuss personnel matters involving City Manager Donna S. Mitchell
• Potential action following the executive session

The council unanimously approved City Manager Donna S. Mitchell's retirement and agreed to include her prior service from June 1978 through July 1989 (11 years) in calculating her retirement benefits. The decision followed a closed executive session on personnel matters. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved City Manager Donna S. Mitchell's retirement (unanimous)
• Approved inclusion of 11 years of prior service (1978-1989) in retirement benefit calculation (unanimous)

DDP Merchant Committee

The DDP Merchant Committee met on January 9, 2020, to review December 2019 minutes and discuss business community support. The agenda included feedback on holiday sales, the 'Shop Downtown Dover!' promotional passport, and a WBOC Small Town Series feature. The group also reviewed social media performance and selected themes for the February-July 2020 Downtown Merchant Window Decorating Contest.

• Review of December 2019 minutes
• Discussion of 'Shop Downtown Dover!' promotional passport
• WBOC Small Town Series coverage
• DDP Downtown Merchant Window Decorating Contest themes for February-July 2020

DDP Marketing and Promotions Committee

This meeting of the DDP Marketing and Promotions Committee is cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is February 6, 2020, at noon at Cendel. The agenda would have included routine items such as public comments, approval of November minutes, and updates on First Friday, merchant liaisons, newsletter, and social media.

• Meeting cancelled for January 9, 2020
• Next meeting: February 6, 2020 at noon at Cendel
• Agenda items: public comments, November minutes, First Friday updates, merchant liaison need, newsletter/e-communications, social media assessment

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission is holding its regular meeting to approve minutes, discuss the December park closure, receive updates from Public Works and maintenance crews, plan a spring clean-up event with canoe and kayak activities, and set 2020 meeting dates. The agenda is largely routine and procedural, with no major decisions or financial items listed.

• Approval of September 2019 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Silver Lake Park closure in December
• Public Works updates
• Parks projects and maintenance crew updates
• Spring Clean Up Event (Canoe & Kayak activity)

The commission discussed the December 19 sewage line break in Silver Lake Park, which discharged sewage into the river but not the lake. The park remains closed while the county investigates and replaces damaged pipe sections. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with updates from county and city staff.

• Approved September 2019 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Agreed to include request for property owner repair info in 2020 lake drawdown notices
• Agreed to plan spring cleanup event with Michigan State students (date TBD)
• Agreed to coordinate with Kent County Conservancy for cleanup event

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review three zoning and subdivision applications to provide recommendations to the Planning Commission. The items include a rezoning request for a property near Silver Lake, a text amendment for barbershops in the Historic District, and a minor subdivision plan on College Road. Public comment is not accepted at this applicant-only meeting; the public may comment at the subsequent Planning Commission meeting on January 21, 2020.

• Rezoning application Z-20-01 for 0.63 acres at 4 Lakeview Drive from R-7 to RG-1 zone
• Text amendment MI-20-01 allowing barbershops as preferred uses in the RG-O zone within the Historic District
• Minor subdivision plan SB-20-01 to divide 1.79 acres at 1504 and 1506 College Road into five lots

DDP Marketing and Promotions Committee

The DDP Parking and Safety Committee met to discuss the implementation of the 2020 near-term plan and gather final group input on a Request for Information (RFI) regarding downtown parking solutions. The agenda notes a target date of January 15, 2019, for opening the RFI to public response, despite the meeting occurring in 2020. The group also addressed general public comments and other business.

• Update on implementation of 2020 near-term plan
• RFI - Request for Information on downtown Dover parking solutions
• Status and final input on RFI from group
• Target date to open RFI to public response is January 15, 2019

Municipal

The Dover Police Chief Selection Committee met on January 7, 2020, to conduct interviews for the police chief position. The meeting took place in executive session to discuss individual qualifications and review candidate documents. The agenda included a potential action to select a candidate.

• Executive session for police chief interviews
• Review of candidate qualifications and documents
• Potential action to select a police chief

Bicycle/Pedestrian Subcommittee (SA&T;)

The Dover Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee is meeting to approve its agenda and prior minutes, set its 2020 meeting schedule, and discuss staff support. The agenda also includes updates on DelDOT construction projects and the regional bike and pedestrian plan, with a separate discussion item on the plan. No votes on specific projects or funding are listed.

• Approval of December 2019 minutes
• Schedule of meetings for 2020
• DelDOT construction project update
• Bike & Pedestrian Plan update and discussion