Dover, DE

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors is holding a special meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes an executive session on personnel matters, followed by public comment. No other substantive business is listed.

• Executive session on personnel
• Public comment period

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for September 15, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for October 13, 2026. No other business is listed.

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission is meeting to review two fence permit referrals, approve minutes, and hear updates on applications and architectural review certifications. The commission will consider a 6-foot ornamental metal fence for Dover Fire Department Station #1 parking lots and a 6-foot chain link fence for mechanical equipment at People's Church.

• Fence permit #26-1225: 6-foot black ornamental metal fence for Dover Fire Department Station #1 parking lots at 103 S. Governors Avenue, 116 S. Bradford Street, and other parcels (C-2 zone, Historic District)
• Fence permit #26-1250: 6-foot black-coated chain link fence for mechanical equipment at People's Church, 46 S Bradford Street (RG-1 zone, Historic District)
• Adoption of minutes from July 16, 2026
• Summary of applications 2025 and 2026
• Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2026

City Council Minutes

The Dover Police Advisory Board is holding a workshop to discuss citizen complaints, community concerns about policing, and potential budget possibilities. The board will also consider a FAQ flyer on motor vehicle crashes and a potential community meeting. Public comments are welcomed on any item.

• Citizen complaints discussion
• Community concerns regarding policing
• FAQ flyer on motor vehicle crashes
• Potential community meeting discussion
• Potential budget possibilities

Code Board of Appeals

The Dover Code Board of Appeals will hear an appeal of a citation and related fees for an alleged violation of the city's arboriculture standards at 39 Periwinkle Court. The property owner, Indeira Reames, is contesting the enforcement action. The meeting is open to the public with virtual access via WebEx.

• Appeal of citation and fees for violation of Section 114-2(h) (Pruning and Removal) at 39 Periwinkle Court
• Property owner: Indeira Reames
• Virtual meeting via WebEx with dial-in and online access

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance request for four RV sites at Kings Cliffe Manufactured Home Park, following a prior approval of 17 RV sites. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and public comment.

• Variance V-26-04 for four RV lots at 1131 S. Bay Road (Kings Cliffe MHP)
• Request cites Zoning Ordinance Article 3 Section 8.41 and Article 7 Section 1.1
• Property zoned MH and partially in AEOZ Noise Zone A
• Owner: Kings Cliffe MHP, LLC; Tax Parcel ED-05-086.00-01-080.000-000
• Adoption of minutes from July 15, 2026

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission is holding a regular meeting with committee reports and an open discussion period. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific action items listed beyond approving minutes and receiving updates from subcommittees.

• Approval of minutes from July 21, 2026 meeting
• Committee reports: Assessment, Community Programs, School Programs, By-laws, Finance
• Open discussion period
• Adjournment by 7:00 PM

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a comprehensive signage plan for the Dover Commerce Park and consider a revised architectural review certificate for an ADA ramp at Legislative Hall. The commission will also discuss potential changes to active recreation requirements for residential development and hold its annual officer elections.

• HI-24-07: Revision for West Entrance ADA Ramp at Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue, approximately 160 feet long
• US-26-01: Public hearing on unified signage plan for Dover Commerce Park, 350 Lafferty Lane, 32 sq ft freestanding sign
• MI-26-10: Discussion of potential changes to Active Recreation Requirements for Residential Development
• Annual meeting: nomination and election of officers and subcommittee appointments
• Approval of July 20, 2026 meeting minutes

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will hear an appeal of a citation and related fines for a violation of the International Property Maintenance Code at 253 Trafalgar Drive. The specific violation concerns roof and drainage requirements under Section 304.7.

• Appeal of citation and fines for 2009 International Property Maintenance Code violation at 253 Trafalgar Drive
• Violation involves Chapter 3, Section 304.7 (Roofs and Drainage)

City Council Minutes

The Dover City Council Committee of the Whole will consider several items, including a proposed ordinance to adopt the 2024 ICC Codes, a discussion on a temporary moratorium for data centers, and approval of opioid settlement funding disbursements. The meeting also includes potential changes to active recreation requirements for residential development and a request for alley abandonment on Liberty Street.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-19: Adoption of 2024 ICC Codes
• Drafting a temporary moratorium for data centers
• Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission funding disbursement
• Potential changes to active recreation requirements for residential development
• Request for alley abandonment (improved) on Liberty Street

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for August 11, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for September 15, 2026. No agenda items were discussed.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting: September 15, 2026

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a public hearing and final reading regarding the annexation and rezoning of a property at 102 Fox Hall Drive. The body will also consider several commission appointments and review monthly reports from city leadership.

• Public hearing and final reading for annexation/rezoning of 1.6390 acres at 102 Fox Hall Drive from RS-1 to R-20
• Adoption of Annexation Resolution No. 2026-09
• Final reading/adoption of Rezoning Ordinance #2026-13
• Planning Commission appointments for Joan E. Denney and Donna Lee Williams
• Dover Public Library Advisory Commission appointment for Annie L. Scott

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet to review quarterly performance reports ending June 30, 2026. The boards will also review expenditure reports for the general employee and police pension plans.

• Quarterly performance reviews for General Employee Pension Plan, Police Pension Plan, and OPEB Plan provided by Milliman, Inc.
• Quarterly expenditure reports for General Employee Pension Plan
• Quarterly expenditure reports for Police Pension Plan

The joint pension boards unanimously accepted the quarterly performance reviews for the General Employee Pension Plan, Police Pension Plan, and OPEB Plan, as well as the quarterly expenditure reports for the General Employee and Police Pension Plans. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted May 7, 2026 minutes as corrected (unanimous)
• Accepted Q2 2026 performance review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q2 2026 performance review for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q2 2026 performance review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q2 2026 expenditure report for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Q2 2026 expenditure report for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review and comment on a comprehensive signage plan for the Dover Commerce Park. This meeting focuses on the draft DAC report and comments for the applicant prior to a Planning Commission meeting on August 17, 2026.

• Review of Unified Comprehensive Signage Plan for Dover Commerce Park at 350 Lafferty Lane
• Proposed 32 square foot, 9 feet-4-inch-tall freestanding sign
• Project involves three multi-tenant flex warehouse buildings (Buildings A, B, C) on 19.74 acres

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing a comprehensive signage plan for the Dover Commerce Park. The proposal includes a 32-square-foot freestanding sign for the 19.74-acre campus.

• Review of Unified Comprehensive Signage Plan for Dover Commerce Park at 350 Lafferty Lane
• Proposed 32-square-foot, 9 feet-4-inch-tall freestanding sign

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals is deciding on several property maintenance code violation appeals. The agenda includes appeals of registration fees and citations related to vacant buildings, sanitation, and motor vehicles. The meeting will be held in person and virtually via WebEx. The board will consider appeals from property owners, including Bobbie Hobbs, Lauren Good, and Michelle Staats.

• Appeal of registration fee for 131 Orchard Avenue
• Appeal of registration fee for 236 North Governors Avenue
• Appeal of citation #25-00003074-09 and related fines for 838 Monroe Terrace
• Appeal of citation #25-00004119-07 and related fines for 838 Monroe Terrace
• Appeal of citation #26-00001174-01 and related fines for 838 Monroe Terrace

Council Committee of the Whole

The scheduled meeting for July 28, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will discuss a proposed Dual Employment Policy recommended for approval by the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee. The body will also consider the final reading of an ordinance regarding playing games and throwing objects in public streets.

• Proposed Dual Employment Policy
• Proposed Ordinance #2026-05 (Amending Sec. 70-4 regarding objects and games in streets)
• Quarterly Review of Capital Investment Plan (April, May, and June)
• Quarterly Revenue Report as of June 30, 2026
• Appointments to Board of Adjustment, Code Board of Appeals, and Ethics Commission

Council adopted Ordinance #2026-05, amending Chapter 70 to permit limited street play on residential streets while prohibiting it on high-capacity roads, non-residential streets, and between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The ordinance also allows play equipment to be left unattended for up to 60 minutes. The vote was 5-4, with Dr. Pillsbury, Ms. Arndt, Dr. Sudler, and Mr. Lewis voting no. Council also approved a Dual Employment Policy and several appointments, and accepted committee and quarterly reports.

• Adopted Ordinance #2026-05, amending street play rules to allow play on residential streets but prohibit it on high-capacity roads, non-residential streets, and between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. (5-4).
• Amended the ordinance to change the equipment storage limit from 30 to 60 minutes (5-4).
• Approved the Dual Employment Policy (unanimous).
• Approved appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Code Board of Appeals, Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals, Dover Public Library Advisory Commission, Election Board, and Ethics Commission (7-2).
• Accepted the Special Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Reports of June 8 and July 9, 2026 (7-2).
• Accepted the Council Committee of the Whole Report of July 14, 2026 (7-2).
• Accepted the Quarterly Capital Investment Plan Report and Quarterly Revenue Report as of June 30, 2026 (7-2).
• Approved the minutes of the July 13, 2026, regular meeting (unanimous).

Home Events

The Dover Taskforce reviewed grant proposals for opioid use disorder initiatives. It approved four projects totaling $197,600 and denied one proposal. The meeting also included approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Carry Their Light Youth Opioid Prevention Media & Education Initiative – $50,000 – Approved
• Downtown Dover Recovery Engagement & Stabilization Initiative (NorthNode Group Counseling) – $30,000 – Approved
• The Healing Lens Project: Dover Youth Opioid Prevention & Community Awareness Initiative – $67,600 – Approved
• House of Refuge Recovery Scholarship Program (Women of Value) – $50,000 – Approved
• DE Recovery Advocacy Program (Firm Foundation) – $101,725 – Denied

Code Board of Appeals

The Dover Code Board of Appeals will consider an appeal of a citation and related fines issued under the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code. The appeal concerns a violation at 172 Stoney Drive involving the rental dwelling provisions. The board will decide whether to uphold or overturn the citation and fines.

• Appeal of citation and fines for 172 Stoney Drive (Ying Chu) under 2009 International Property Maintenance Code

The Code Board of Appeals denied an appeal regarding a rental dwelling inspection citation. The decision was based on the appellant's failure to appear at the meeting despite receiving proper notification.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Denied appeal of citation and fines for 172 Stoney Drive (unanimous)
• Upheld $100.00 citation fee for 172 Stoney Drive (unanimous)

Committee Minutes

The Alderman's Court Ad Hoc Committee will adopt its agenda, hear an introduction from Council President Neil, listen to a guest presentation by Alderman's Court 40 Clerk Terri Conover, hold a discussion, and allow brief public comments limited to three minutes. No specific actions or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Adoption of agenda
• Introduction by Council President Neil
• Guest presentation by Alderman's Court 40 Clerk Terri Conover
• Discussion
• Public comment (limit 3 minutes)

The Alderman's Court Ad Hoc Committee met to discuss the feasibility of establishing a municipal court in Dover, hearing a presentation from Newark's Clerk of Court. No formal decisions were made; the committee discussed operational details, legal questions, and public concerns. The meeting was informational, with future discussions planned.

• Agenda adopted unanimously
• No substantive decisions made; committee continued feasibility discussions

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will adopt the meeting agenda and approve the minutes from its March 17, 2026 session. Commissioners will receive reports on assessment, community programs, school programs, by‑laws, and finance. An open discussion period is scheduled, followed by setting the next meeting date for October 20, 2026.

• Adoption of the agenda
• Approval of minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting
• Assessment report (Ms. Mullen, Ms. Brinkley, Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• Community Programs report (Mr. Faust, Mr. Fleming, Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• By‑laws discussion (Ms. White, Ms. Brinkley, Dr. Mishoe Sudler)

The Dover Human Relations Commission held a regular meeting with no formal votes on policy matters. Members unanimously approved the agenda, prior minutes, and scheduled the next meeting for August 18, 2026. The bulk of the meeting was discussion about community outreach, including distributing intake forms, planning a community relations weekend around Lemonade Day, and reviewing a survey tool for public assessment.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from March 17, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for August 18, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:33 p.m. (unanimous)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review an annexation and rezoning request for a 1.639‑acre parcel at 102 Fox Hall Drive, currently zoned RS‑1 and proposed to be rezoned R‑20. A separate public hearing will consider a request to abandon a portion of Liberty Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North and South. The meeting also includes the annual officer nominations and subcommittee appointments, a resolution honoring Mr. William L. Witham Jr., and updates from the Planning Department and City Council.

• Annexation and rezoning request (AX-26-03) for 102 Fox Hall Drive – 1.639 acres, RS‑1 to R‑20, public hearing July 20, City Council review Aug 10
• Street abandonment request (MI-26-08) for Liberty Street segment (≈319.45 ft, 0.44 acres) between MLK Jr. Blvd North and South, public hearing July 20
• Annual Planning Commission meeting – nomination/election of officers and subcommittee appointments
• Resolution honoring the service of Mr. William L. Witham Jr. on the Planning Commission
• Updates on City Council actions and Department of Planning & Inspections

The Dover Planning Commission recommended approval to City Council for the annexation and rezoning of 1.639 acres at 102 Fox Hall Drive from RS-1 to R-20, and also recommended approval for the abandonment of a portion of Liberty Street to facilitate the Legislative Hall addition. Both recommendations passed unanimously (8-0). The commission deferred officer elections and subcommittee appointments until city appointments are finalized.

• Recommended approval of annexation and rezoning (AX-26-03) for 102 Fox Hall Drive to R-20 (8-0)
• Recommended approval of street abandonment (MI-26-08) for Liberty Street, with staff conditions (8-0)
• Deferred officer elections until appointments/reappointments are made (8-0)
• Deferred Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee appointments; staff to contact design professionals (8-0)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review a revised application for an ADA ramp at the west entrance of Legislative Hall. The body will also review summaries of 2025 and 2026 applications and architectural certifications.

• Review of HI-24-07: Proposed 160-foot ADA ramp at 411 Legislative Avenue

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Advisory Board will adopt its meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 18, 2026 workshop. It will open a public comment period, consider citizen complaints, and discuss community concerns about policing. Board members will share updates from community meetings they have attended and issue announcements before adjourning.

• Adopt agenda
• Adopt June 18, 2026 workshop minutes
• Public comment period
• Citizen complaints
• Community concerns regarding policing

The Board discussed community concerns regarding policing and proposed forming a planning group to develop a community forum for September. Members also discussed the relocation of the Early College Middle School to the downtown area and associated security plans.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved June 18, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Proposed planning group to develop recommendations for a September community forum
• Agreed to utilize virtual Microsoft Teams sessions for mandatory statutory training

Board of Adjustment

The Board will adopt the minutes from its June 17, 2026 meeting. It will hold a public hearing on Variance Application #V-26-04 for a fence at 131 Rosemary Road, seeking to increase the front‑yard fence height to six feet. The meeting also includes a public comment period for items not tied to a specific application.

• Adopt minutes of the June 17, 2026 Board of Adjustment meeting
• Review Variance Application #V-26-04 to increase fence height to 6 ft at 131 Rosemary Road
• Public comment opportunity for matters not related to a specific application
• Next Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for August 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM

The Dover Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance request (Application V-26-04) to allow a 6-foot-tall galvanized chain link fence in the front yard at 131 Rosemary Road, exceeding the standard 4-foot height limit. The property is zoned Manufacturing and located in an Airport Environs Overlay Zone. The board found the fence would not affect surrounding properties or traffic visibility due to its location in a cul-de-sac.

• Approved variance V-26-04 for 6-foot fence at 131 Rosemary Road (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved June 17, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will consider two appeals of registration fees under the 2009 Property Maintenance Code. Both appeals involve vacant building violations at specific addresses in Dover. The board will decide whether to uphold or modify the registration fees for each case.

• Appeal of registration fee for 558 North American Avenue Ext. (Denise Mittens)
• Appeal of registration fee for 236 North Governors Avenue (Lauren Good)

The Board upheld a vacant building designation for one property but waived the registration fee due to a medical exemption. A second vacancy appeal was deferred to allow for residency verification.

• Upheld vacant building designation for 558 North American Avenue Ext.
• Waived $375 vacant building registration fee for 558 North American Avenue Ext. (medical long-term care exemption granted through June 9, 2027)
• Deferred appeal for 236 North Governors Avenue until July 29, 2026, for residency verification

City Council Minutes

The Council Committee of the Whole will adopt the meeting agenda and hear reports from the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and At-Large districts. It will consider a proposed Dual Employment Policy presented by HR Director Naomi Poole, with staff recommending approval. The agenda notes that the Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission Funding Disbursement item has been removed. The meeting will conclude with adjournments of the committee and the whole council session.

• Removal of Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee item #2 – Delaware Opioid Settlement Commission Funding Disbursement
• Proposed Dual Employment Policy (presented by Naomi Poole, Human Resources Director) with staff recommendation for approval
• Council reports for First, Second, Third, Fourth, and At-Large districts
• Adoption of the meeting agenda
• Adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting and the Council Committee of the Whole

The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee unanimously recommended the approval of a proposed Dual Employment Policy. The committee removed an item regarding opioid settlement funds from the agenda pending further documentation and transparency reviews.

• Recommended approval of the Dual Employment Policy (unanimous)
• Removed opioid settlement funds item from agenda pending additional documentation

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for July 14, 2026, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

City Council Minutes

The City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to amend zoning regulations for manufacturing and industrial zones regarding Clean Hydrogen. The body will also consider corrected utility rates and a subdivision waiver request.

• Proposed Ordinance #2026-10: Zoning amendments for Manufacturing and Industrial zones regarding Clean Hydrogen
• Setting of Electric, Water, and Wastewater Rates and Tariffs (corrected version)
• Subdivision waiver request for lands of Wyoming LCC and Functional Properties LLC at Jefferson Terrace Extended
• Annexation request for 102 Fox Hall Drive
• Proposed Ordinance #2026-05: Amending rules on throwing/kicking objects and playing games in public places

City Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda. The session included a presentation of the 2025 Annual Report from the Dover Human Relations Commission and a public forum where residents raised concerns about safety and utilities.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted the consent agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will adopt its agenda, then recess into an executive session for a strategy discussion involving legal advice on collective bargaining or pending litigation. After the session, the council will consider any potential actions arising and then adjourn the special council meeting.

• Adopt agenda
• Recess into executive session for strategy discussion on collective bargaining or litigation
• Adjourn executive session
• Consider potential actions resulting from executive session
• Adjourn special council meeting

Home Events

The Special Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee will hold a discussion on the FY2026‑27 long‑term fiscal solvency, wealth, and health optimization of the capital of Delaware, led by Councilman Sudler and Councilman Lewis. No decisions are listed; the item is for discussion only. The meeting also includes standard public comment and procedural items.

• Discussion on FY2026‑27 long‑term fiscal solvency, wealth, and health optimization (Councilman Sudler and Councilman Lewis)

The committee accepted a presentation on the Capital Area Municipality Sustainability Act (CAMSA). It authorized the City Manager and budget team to conduct a sustainability, feasibility, validity, and legal appraisal of the proposed 'Growth Pays for Growth' model and the establishment of a Municipal Services Impact Fee.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Authorized feasibility, sustainability, validity, and legal appraisal of 'Growth Pays for Growth' model and Section 49A Municipal Services Impact Fee by August 24, 2026