Dover public meetings in 2023

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing and providing recommendations for two rezoning applications. These reviews determine if the proposed zoning changes for specific parcels of land are appropriate.

• Z-23-02: Rezoning 5.04 acres at 1617 Forrest Avenue from R-10 to C-1A (Limited Commercial Zone)
• Z-24-01: Rezoning 1.27 acres at 55 Loockerman Plaza (Old Post Office Site) from IO to C-2 (Central Commercial Zone)

Council Committee of the Whole

The scheduled meeting for December 26, 2023, was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2024.

City Council Meetings

The Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for December 25, 2023, will not be held. The next meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2024.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for December 21, 2023, was cancelled. The notice states the cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.

Board of Adjustment

The regular Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for December 20, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2024.

Home Events

The Human Relations Commission will meet to conduct introductory business and elect a Commission Chairman. The meeting also includes a general discussion period.

• Election of Commission Chairman

Home Events

The Planning Commission will review a request for a one-year extension for the Royal Farms at 1205 McKee Road. The commission will also hold public hearings regarding new site development for Walker Road Apartments and a revised plan for Stonebrook East.

• One-year extension request for Royal Farms at 1205 McKee Road
• Site development application for 48 units at Walker Road Apartments
• Revised subdivision plan for Stonebrook East to increase townhouses from 87 to 103

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Economic Vitality Committee is holding an information session regarding a new round of funding for the Critical Improvements Program. The body will discuss financial incentives for commercial property improvements, including life-safety and ADA compliance, in the downtown Dover central business district.

• Critical Improvements Program (CIP) relaunch and pre-application preview
• Presentation on The Post redevelopment project
• Presentation on Rail Haus
• Discussion of Kent County, City of Dover, and DDP incentives

Home Events

The meeting scheduled for December 13, 2023, has been rescheduled for December 19, 2023. The agenda includes the election of a Commission Chairman and general discussion.

• Election of Commission Chairman

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for December 12, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2024.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole is meeting to review transportation project priorities and a recreation area plan. The body will also consider a contract for flood improvements and a subdivision waiver for an apartment complex.

• Proposed $115,000 contract to Century Engineering, LLC for Water Street Flooding Improvements Design
• Prioritization of 2024 State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) projects
• Active recreation area plan for Walker Road Apartments at Guinn Property (Site Plan S-23-22)
• Subdivision waiver for one public street connection for Windward Ridge Apartments
• Proposal to include the Sanitation Enterprise Fund in the FY25 Budget

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss personnel matters in an executive session. The agenda includes the potential for action resulting from that session.

• Executive session regarding personnel matters pursuant to 29 Del. C. §10004 (b)(9)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will consider two rezoning applications and award contracts for electrical infrastructure work. The body will also review a memorandum of understanding with Robbins Hose Company No. 1 and an investment policy update.

• Rezoning of 1617 Forrest Avenue from R-10 to C-1A
• Rezoning of 55 Loockerman Plaza from IO to C-2
• Award of Garrison Oak Substation Site Work to AUI, Inc.
• Award of Woodcrest Boring to Bay Line Construction, LLC
• Grant application for solar powered speeding signs in Clearview Meadows Subdivision

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing two development applications to provide comments before they go to the Planning Commission on December 18. This meeting is for agency reviewers and applicants; public comment will not be accepted.

• S-23-22: Site Development Application for 48 apartment units across two buildings on Walker Road
• SB-23-03: Revised Subdivision Plan for Stonebrook East at McKee Road and W. Denneys Road
• Stonebrook East proposal: Increase townhouses from 87 to 103 and decrease garden apartments from 168 to 138
• Stonebrook East design requests: 20-foot minimum lot width for townhouses and 48-foot building height for garden apartments

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board is meeting to review property updates and Master Plan priorities. Discussions include redevelopment initiatives and a proposed public meeting for the St. Jones Riverwalk.

• Property update for 136 W. Loockerman
• MOU for 120 S. Governor’s Ave.
• EPA grant application
• Proposed St. Jones Riverwalk public meeting
• Personnel executive session

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing two site applications. The body will discuss a revised subdivision plan for Stonebrook East and a new site development application for apartments on Walker Road.

• SB-23-03: Revised Stonebrook East PND at McKee Road and W. Denneys Road to increase townhouses from 87 to 103 and decrease garden apartments from 168 to 138
• S-23-22: Walker Road Apartments at Guinn property for two three-story buildings totaling 48 units
• Stonebrook East PND request for 4-story garden apartments with a 48-foot building height
• Stonebrook East PND request for townhouse minimum lot width of 20 feet
• Walker Road Apartments proposal for a clubhouse and three outdoor recreation areas

Library Commission

The commission will meet to discuss library statistics, staffing status, and security. The meeting includes reports from the Council on Libraries, the Friends of Dover Library, and the Dover Library Foundation.

• Review of staffing status
• Discussion of security in the library
• Kent County Levy Court report regarding Library Tax Districts

Council Committee of the Whole

The scheduled meeting for November 28, 2023, was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2023.

City Council Meetings

The Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for November 27, 2023, will not be held. The next meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2023.

Home Events

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings for a new cold storage warehouse and a church building addition. The body will also continue its review of a 300-unit apartment complex and a truck maintenance facility.

• S-23-19: Continued review of Windward Ridge Apartments (300 units) on West Denneys Road
• C-23-02: Public hearing for a 1,402 SF addition to Mt. Zion AME Church at 101 North Queen Street
• S-23-20: Public hearing for a 165,000 SF Cold Storage Warehouse at 451 Garrison Oak Drive
• S-23-21: Public hearing for a 6,000 SF office and 4,000 SF garage at 250 Garrison Oak Drive
• Update on C-2 Code Amendments Project for the Central Commercial Zone

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review a demolition permit for a building at 153 South Bradford Street. The body will also hold its annual meeting to elect leadership and set the 2024 schedule.

• Review of Demolition Permit #23-1521 for partial demolition of a two-story masonry building at 153 South Bradford Street
• Update on C-2 Code Amendments Project for potential Zoning Ordinance revisions
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Establishment of 2024 meeting and deadline schedule

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The committee is meeting to review a revised workplan for Economic Vitality working groups supporting the Master Plan. Members will receive updates on site readiness, critical improvements, and downtown marketing.

• Review of revised workplan for Economic Vitality working groups
• REAP Application for The Hive (Chevonne Boyd)
• Updates on Unlock the Block (REAP, Revolving Loan Fund)
• Updates on Site Readiness and Critical Improvements
• Discussion on Marketing Downtown Dover

Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission will meet to discuss the content of documents excluded from public records. The body will review findings during an executive session and may take action based on those discussions.

• Executive session to review findings regarding personnel, medical, or pupil files

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission is meeting to review infrastructure projects and safety concerns. The body will discuss water system improvements and pedestrian safety at the State Street Bridge.

• Water System Improvement Project
• Pedestrian safety concerns at State Street Bridge
• Silver Lake Park projects, draw down, and maintenance updates
• Mayor’s Regatta 2024

Board of Adjustment

The regular Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for November 15, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for December 20, 2023.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will hear presentations regarding the redevelopment of the Old Dover Post Office and the status of grant money for downtown projects. The meeting also includes the adoption of minutes from May 9, 2023.

• Presentation by Michael Glick on LGPI VA LLC redevelopment of the Old Dover Post Office
• Presentation by Diane Laird on Downtown Dover Partnership grant money and economic development projects

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss safety grants and financial policies. The body is reviewing an application for solar-powered speed signs and updates to the city's investment policy.

• Authorization to apply for a State of Delaware Office of Highway Safety Grant for solar powered speeding signs in Clearview Meadows Subdivision
• Annual Review of Investment Policy
• Discussion of City Seal uses and restrictions
• Review of Financial Disclosure Policy

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a utilities appeal for 34 New Street and vote on several infrastructure contracts. The body is also discussing potential zoning ordinance revisions for the C-2 Central Commercial Zone.

• Contract award to Teal Construction for Turnberry Pump Station Replacement for $1,148,888
• Contract award to Avista Realtime for Electrical Substation Multiplexer Upgrade for $149,814
• Proposed Ordinance #2023-11 adding a residency requirement for the Ethics Commission
• Public hearing on appeal of denial of utilities/services for 34 New Street
• Proposed revisions to Zoning Ordinance for C-2 (Central Commercial Zone)

City Council Meetings

The City Council has been invited to attend a Town Hall Meeting. The notice states this is not an official meeting of the Council and no official action will be taken.

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing three site applications to provide comments before they go to the Planning Commission on November 20. This meeting focuses on draft reports and agency reviewer questions.

• C-23-03: 1,402 SF addition to Mt. Zion AME Church at 101 and 107 North Queen Street
• S-23-20: 165,000 SF Cold Storage Warehouse at 451 Garrison Oak Drive
• S-23-21: 6,000 SF office and 4,000 SF truck garage for BHD Operations Facility at 250 Garrison Oak Drive
• Waiver requests for 451 Garrison Oak Drive regarding upright curbing and parking requirements

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will review three appeals. These include a challenge to a Fire Marshal's decision regarding occupancy and permits, and two appeals of property maintenance citations and fines.

• Appeal of Fire Marshal's decision on occupancy classification and permits for 42 S. State Street (Lanzot Companies, LLC)
• Appeal of citation and fines for 406 Cold Spring Place (Mike Snodgrass)
• Appeal of citation and fines for 44 Girl Scout Lane (David & Mary Miller)

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board are meeting to review quarterly performance. The board will also discuss a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) request for the General Employee Pension Plan.

• Quarterly performance reviews for General Employee Pension Plan, Police Pension Plan, and OPEB Plan
• COLA request and discussion of Nyhart Ad-Hoc Cost Estimates dated February 16, 2017
• Quarterly Expenditures Report for the General Employee Pension Plan

City Council Meetings

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Committee is meeting to discuss program updates, strategic planning, and old business. No specific votes or financial decisions are listed on the agenda.

• PAL program updates and new business
• Strategic planning discussion

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing three site development applications. The committee will evaluate plans for a large cold storage warehouse, an operations facility, and a church building addition.

• C-23-03: Conditional Use Site Plan for a 1,402 SF addition to Mt. Zion AME Church at 101 and 107 North Queen Street
• S-23-20: Site Development Plan for a 165,000 SF Cold Storage Warehouse at 451 Garrison Oak Drive
• S-23-21: Site Development Plan for a 4,800 SF office and 4,050 SF garage for BHD Operations Facility at 250 Garrison Oak Drive

Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission meeting scheduled for November 1, 2023, has been rescheduled. The agenda includes a planned executive session to review findings related to documents excluded from public record.

• Rescheduling of meeting to November 15, 2023
• Executive session to review findings regarding non-public records

City Council Meetings

This notice is for a ribbon cutting event at Schutte Park Dog Park on October 28, 2023. It is not a formal meeting of the City Council, and no official action will be taken.

• Schutte Park Dog Park Ribbon Cutting event

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Board of Directors will discuss updates regarding Community Reinvestment Funds and Economic Vitality restructuring. The meeting includes discussions on Downtown Dover Master Plan priorities, including an EPA grant application for brownfields and redevelopment initiatives.

• Community Reinvestment Funds updates
• EPA grant application for brownfields
• Downtown Dover Master Plan priorities
• St. Jones Riverwalk updates
• Economic Vitality restructuring

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will consider several staff recommendations, including awarding a $1,148,888 contract for the Turnberry Pump Station Replacement, approving a $27,400 change order for Well #9, and awarding a $149,814 contract for an electrical substation multiplexer upgrade. They will also discuss applying for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant for N. State Street, revisions to the Electric Service Handbook, a demolition contract for the McKee Generation Station, and potential zoning ordinance revisions for the C-2 Central Commercial Zone. These are discussion and recommendation items, not final votes.

• Award contract to Teal Construction for Turnberry Pump Station Replacement, RFP#24-0002WW, $1,148,888
• Approve change order from AECOM, Inc. for Well #9, $27,400
• Award contract to Avista Realtime for Electrical Substation Multiplexer Upgrade, RFP#24-0005EL, $149,814
• Award demolition contract for McKee Generation Station to Total Wrecking & Environmental, LLC
• Draft zoning text amendment for C-2 Central Commercial Zone per Transforming Downtown Dover plan

City Council Meetings

The special council meeting scheduled for October 23, 2023, includes a notice that the executive session has been canceled. The agenda originally listed a session regarding potential litigation.

• Cancellation of scheduled executive session

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a regular meeting with a public hearing on a zoning amendment for the Central Commercial Zone (C-2), final readings on ordinances about weeds and ethics commission residency requirements, and a first reading on the ethics ordinance. They will also consider consent agenda items including a resolution to join the State of Delaware Pension Plan, a SAFER grant application, and a street/sidewalk/tree plan for North Bradford Street, along with various reports and appointments.

• Public hearing on Proposed Ordinance #2023-08 amending C-2 zoning
• Resolution No. 2023-16 to join State of Delaware Pension Plan
• Authorization to apply for SAFER fire grant
• North Bradford Street street, sidewalk, and tree plan
• Proposed Ordinance #2023-11 adding residency requirement for Ethics Commission

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission will review two referred permits: a sign permit for 32 W. Loockerman Street and a demolition permit for 153 S. Bradford Street. The commission will also receive updates on the Downtown Dover Pathways Study and C-2 code amendments, and consider minutes from July 20, 2023.

• Sign permit #23-1462 for four window signs totaling 258.75 sq ft at 32 W. Loockerman Street
• Demolition permit #23-1521 for partial demolition of 153 S. Bradford Street (condemned property)
• Downtown Dover Pathways Study public workshop on October 26, 2023
• Update on C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) code amendments
• Adoption of minutes from July 20, 2023

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance application for a property at 451 Garrison Oak Drive, seeking to reduce setback requirements for a building up to 100 feet tall and increase lot coverage from 65% to 71%. The board will also adopt minutes from its September meeting and receive an update on meeting format.

• Public hearing on Application #V-23-05 for 451 Garrison Oak Drive
• Variance to reduce setbacks for building height up to 100 feet
• Variance to increase maximum lot coverage from 65% to 71%
• Adoption of September 20, 2023 meeting minutes
• Update on Board of Adjustment meeting format

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Economic Vitality Committee is meeting to discuss an update on the Master Plan and the formation of working groups to support it. The agenda also includes public comments and other business. An executive session may be held at the chair's discretion.

• Master Plan update
• Working groups to support Master Plan
• Public comments

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two site development applications: a new agriculture building for Delaware State University and a 300-unit apartment complex on West Denneys Road. The commission will also consider a one-year extension for a previously approved warehouse project and a zoning text amendment to allow indoor recreation in the C-2 zone. The meeting includes updates on the Transforming Downtown Dover plan and commission procedures.

• S-23-18: DSU New Agriculture Building, 10,402 SF, at 1200 N. Dupont Highway
• S-23-19: Windward Ridge Apartments, 300 units, 13 buildings, on West Denneys Road
• C-21-07: One-year extension for two warehouses (296,400 SF total) at 30 Lafferty Lane
• MI-23-03: Text amendment to add indoor recreation as permitted use in C-2 zone
• Workshops on C-2 code amendments for Transforming Downtown Dover plan

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover DDP Merchant Committee is meeting to discuss routine business, including updates on merchant promotions, the Merchant Window Contest, Small Business Saturday, and a mixer. They will also receive a Master Plan update and discuss infrastructure/streetscape issues. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or financial items listed.

• Update on merchant promotions/activities
• Merchant Window Contest
• Small Business Saturday
• Master Plan update
• Infrastructure/Streetscape

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee is meeting to discuss downtown improvements, including façade grant applications and program funding, as well as updates on holiday decorations, banners, and a crosswalk art pilot. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes and public comment.

• Façade Grant Application(s) review
• Façade Grant Guidelines/Program Funding Discussion with Michael Weeks
• Holiday Window Decorating Contest planning
• New Banner Project Update
• Crosswalk Art Pilot Project Update

Ethics Commission

The Dover Ethics Commission is meeting to review a complaint. The discussion will occur in executive session, citing privacy exemptions for personnel or medical files. After the closed session, the commission may take action on the complaint. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Review of complaint in executive session
• Potential action on complaint after executive session

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Dover Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will hear an appeal of a property maintenance code violation at 115 W. Loockerman Street. The violation concerns mechanical appliances under the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code. The board will decide whether to uphold or overturn the finding.

• Appeal of property maintenance violation at 115 W. Loockerman Street
• Violation under Section 603.1 (Mechanical Appliances) of 2009 IPMC
• Appellant: DEREI, LLC / Sam Chick

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for October 10, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for November 14, 2023. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled for October 10, 2023
• Next meeting scheduled for November 14, 2023

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review several legislative and administrative items. Discussions include joining a state pension plan, updating ethics commission residency requirements, and planning for N. Bradford Street improvements.

• Resolution No. 2023-16: Joining the State of Delaware County and Municipal Pension Plan
• Proposed Ordinance #2023-11: Adding a residency requirement for the Ethics Commission
• N. Bradford Street: Street, sidewalk, and tree plan
• SAFER Grant: Authorization to apply for fire and emergency response staffing funds
• Windward Ridge Apartments: Review of Active Recreation Plan on West Denneys Road

City Council Meetings

This is a special City Council meeting with a single substantive purpose: recessing into executive session to discuss potential litigation and the potential sale of land. The agenda is otherwise procedural, and the public portion is limited to adopting the agenda and adjourning. No decisions are listed for the open session, though action could result from the closed discussion.

• Executive session on potential litigation
• Executive session on potential sale of land
• Item #2 (personnel matters) removed from agenda

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold its regular meeting, with the most consequential item being a reconsideration of a demolition order for a property at 207 North West Street, after the owner reported technical issues during a prior vote. The council will also consider a $37.8 million budget amendment ordinance, a gas service agreement for Garrison Oak Business Park, and a joint police grant application. Several routine reports and proclamations are on the consent agenda.

• Reconsideration of dangerous building demolition at 207 North West Street (staff recommends demolition by Nov 2, 2023)
• Proposed Ordinance #2023-09: budget amendments totaling $37,845,241 for FY2024
• Customer Advance Agreement for natural gas services at Garrison Oak Business Park
• Disposal of fifteen excess city properties
• FY23 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant joint application with Smyrna PD and Kent County

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee (DAC) will hold an applicant meeting to review and comment on three applications ahead of the Planning Commission meeting on October 16, 2023. The items include a site plan for a new Delaware State University agriculture building, a site plan for a 300-unit apartment complex on West Denneys Road, and a text amendment to allow indoor recreation uses in the C-2 zone. Public comment is not accepted at this meeting; it will be taken at the Planning Commission meeting.

• S-23-18: DSU New Agriculture Building at 1200 N. Dupont Highway, one-story 10,402 SF building, zoned IO and SWPOZ
• S-23-19: Windward Ridge Apartments, 13 buildings, 300 units, 12 garage buildings, clubhouse with pool, on West Denneys Road, zoned RM-2 and partially SWPOZ
• Waiver requests for partial sidewalk elimination and two public street connections for Windward Ridge
• MI-23-03: Text amendment to add indoor recreation and amusement as permitted use in C-2 zone (Ordinance #2023-08)
• Public hearing dates set: Planning Commission Oct 16, 2023; City Council Oct 23, 2023

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board will hold its annual meeting to discuss property updates, including a loan refinance and site readiness, and to consider an RFQ process for selecting a developer for a redevelopment site. The board will also have an initial discussion on whether to allow marijuana sales in Dover, following Delaware House Bill 2. Other items include a police report, a memorandum of agreement with the Department of State, and updates on the Downtown Dover Master Plan priorities.

• Initial discussion on allowing marijuana sales in Dover (Delaware House Bill 2)
• RFQ process to select developer for redevelopment site at 120 S. Governor's Ave.
• Loan refinance for properties at 120 S. Governors and 22-24 W. Loockerman St.
• Memorandum of Agreement with Department of State (Community Reinvestment Fund)
• Transportation linkages assessment (Dover Kent MPO)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee is reviewing three applications: a site plan for a new Delaware State University agriculture building, a site plan for a 300-unit apartment complex on West Denneys Road, and a zoning text amendment to allow indoor recreation in the C-2 zone. The committee provides technical review and comments; no final decisions are made at this meeting.

• S-23-18: DSU New Agriculture Building, 10,402 sq ft, at 1200 N. Dupont Hwy, zoned IO and SWPOZ
• S-23-19: Windward Ridge Apartments, 300 units in 13 buildings, plus clubhouse/pool, on West Denneys Road, zoned RM-2, with waiver requests
• MI-23-03: Text amendment to add indoor recreation as permitted use in C-2 zone (Ordinance #2023-08), public hearings set for Oct 16 and Oct 23

Ethics Commission

The Dover Ethics Commission is meeting to review a complaint, which will be discussed in executive session. The commission may take action on the complaint after the closed session. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Review of complaint in executive session
• Potential action on complaint after executive session

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is holding a special meeting with a single substantive item: recessing into executive session to discuss personnel matters, as permitted by Delaware law. No other business is listed, and the agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Executive session on personnel matters under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9)
• Potential action resulting from executive session

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will consider authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a gas service agreement for Garrison Oak Business Park, approve the disposal of fifteen excess city properties, and approve a joint grant application with Smyrna Police and Kent County. They will also discuss Delaware's marijuana control act, though no action is required on that item.

• Customer Advance Agreement for natural gas services at Garrison Oak Business Park
• Disposal of fifteen excess city properties
• FY23 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant joint application with Smyrna Police and Kent County
• Discussion of Delaware House Bill 2 (Marijuana Control Act)

City Council Meetings

This is a special City Council meeting with a single substantive item: recessing into executive session to discuss personnel matters under Delaware law. The council may take action after the closed session, but no specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda. The meeting is otherwise procedural.

• Executive session on personnel matters under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9)
• Potential action resulting from executive session

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a regular meeting with a public hearing on selling excess property at 55 Loockerman Street Plaza, and will consider consent agenda items including a $933,294 street program contract, a $138,700 GIS upgrade, and a $108,100 actuary services contract. A notable non-consent item is the proposed buy-out of Garrison Energy Center LLC's lease for Lot 7 at Garrison Oak, tied to the sale of Lots 5, 6, and 7. The council will also hold first reading of a budget amendment ordinance and final readings on truck routes and compensation ordinances.

• Public hearing on sale of excess real property at 55 Loockerman Street Plaza
• Award $933,294 contract to Grassbusters Landscaping for FY2023C Street and Alley Program
• Award $138,700 sole-source contract to ESRI for GIS Utility Network Wastewater Upgrade
• Approve $37,845,241 in FY2024 budget amendments (Ordinance #2023-09)
• Consider buy-out of Garrison Energy Center LLC lease for Lot 7 at Garrison Oak

Historic District Commission

The September 21, 2023 meeting of the Dover Historic District Commission was cancelled because there were no agenda items. The next meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2023.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for October 19, 2023

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance request for a church property at 101 and 107 North Queen Street, seeking to increase building coverage from 20% to 56.89% for an addition. The board will also dismiss Appeal #V-23-03, which challenged a Planning Commission approval of a 385-unit apartment project, because legal counsel advised the board lacks jurisdiction. The meeting includes adoption of minutes from July 19, 2023.

• Variance request #V-23-04 for 101 and 107 North Queen Street to increase building coverage from 20% to 56.89% for a church addition
• Dismissal of Appeal #V-23-03 regarding the College Road Apartments project (385 units, two 6-story buildings) due to lack of jurisdiction
• Approval of meeting minutes from July 19, 2023

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including adopting minutes, receiving updates on applications and ordinances, and discussing the appointment of an Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee. The main discussion items are a review of the commission's bylaws and the development of rules of procedure. No new applications or major decisions are on the agenda.

• Adoption of minutes from July 17, 2023
• Summary of 2023 applications
• Summary of ordinances 2019-2023
• Appointment of Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee
• Review of and revisions to Planning Commission bylaws

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Downtown Partnership Design Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and discussing updates on various projects. The most substantive items are a façade grant application and a discussion of the program's guidelines and funding.

• Façade Grant Application
• Façade Grant Guidelines/Program Funding Discussion
• New Banner Project Update
• Crosswalk Art Pilot Project Update
• Biggs Update

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for September 12, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for October 10, 2023. This notice is purely procedural, with no agenda items to report.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will consider several items, including a $37.8 million budget amendment ordinance, a $933,294 street and alley contract, a $138,700 wastewater GIS upgrade, and a fire truck purchase. Two items were removed from the agenda: a natural gas supply agreement and disposal of fifteen excess properties.

• Proposed Ordinance #2023-09: budget amendments totaling $37,845,241 for FY2024
• Award contract to Grassbusters Landscaping Co., Inc. for FY2023C Street and Alley Program, Bid #23-0020PW, $933,294
• Award contract to ESRI for GIS Utility Network Wastewater Upgrade, $138,700
• Authorization to purchase replacement for Squad 2 (Dover Fire Department)
• Proposed Ordinance #2023-10: amending Chapter 114 (Vegetation, Article II - Weeds)

The Council Committee of the Whole approved the proposed budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2024, amounting to $37,845,241, with a roll‑call vote of ten yes and one absent. It also approved contracts for the GIS Utility Network Wastewater Upgrade ($138,700), the FY2023C Street and Alley Program ($933,294), and a five‑year actuarial services contract with Bolton ($108,100). Additional actions included authorizing the purchase of a replacement Squad 2 fire truck, amending the city code on weed violations, and adopting a 60‑day notice to constituents about the ordinance change.

• Approved FY2024 budget amendments $37,845,241 (10 yes, 1 absent)
• Approved GIS Utility Network Wastewater Upgrade contract $138,700 (unanimously carried)
• Approved FY2023C Street and Alley Program contract $933,294 (unanimously carried)
• Approved five‑year actuarial services contract with Bolton $108,100 (unanimously carried)
• Authorized purchase of Squad 2 fire truck replacement (unanimously carried)
• Amended weed‑violation ordinance language to use city’s contracted rate (unanimously carried)
• Adopted 60‑day notice to constituents via electric bill (carried, Ms. Arndt voted no)
• Adopted motion to replace language with city’s contracted rate (unanimously carried)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is holding a special meeting with a revised agenda that adds a personnel matters item. The council will recess into executive session to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters, with possible action following the closed session. No other public business is listed.

• Executive session for potential litigation
• Executive session for personnel matters
• Possible action resulting from executive session

The City Council held a special meeting that included an executive session to discuss personnel and potential litigation. The Council approved a directive for the Planning and Inspections Department to hire an outside engineer.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Authorized Planning and Inspections Department to hire an outside engineer (9-0)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is meeting to vote on consent agenda items, hold public hearings, and consider first readings of ordinances. Key actions include awarding contracts for wellhead redevelopment and HVAC upgrades, accepting a grant for electric vehicle fleets, and amending truck routes and zoning for indoor recreation. The agenda also includes proclamations, committee reports, and appointments.

• Energize Delaware EV fleet grant for $488,802.32 and DNREC charging rebate for $11,197.68
• Award Wellhead Redevelopment Program contract to A.C. Shultes of Delaware, Inc. (3-year, with two 1-year extensions)
• Award Weyandt Hall HVAC Upgrade to Statewide Mechanical, Inc. (RFP #23-00016FM)
• First reading of Ordinance #2023-06 amending truck routes (Section 106-17)
• First reading of Ordinance #2023-08 to add indoor recreation to C-2 zoning district

The City Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda. The session included several mayoral proclamations and a public hearing regarding a denied tax exemption request.

• Approved adoption of the agenda (unanimous)
• Approved adoption of the consent agenda (unanimous)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

This meeting of the Dover Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals has been canceled because the scheduled appeal was withdrawn. The sole agenda item was an appeal by Khalid Zerrad of Delaware State University regarding a fire alarm fine at 1200 N. DuPont Hwy.

• Meeting canceled due to appeal withdrawal
• Appeal of fire marshal's decision and fines for third preventable fire alarm at 1200 N. DuPont Hwy

City Council Meetings

This is a Town Hall Meeting, not an official City Council meeting. A quorum of council members may be present, but no official action will be taken. The agenda is procedural boilerplate.

• Town Hall Meeting in City Hall Council Chambers
• Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
• No official action will be taken

City Council Meetings

This is a notice that Dover City Council members have been invited to the grand opening of the new Dover Middle School Campus. A quorum of Council may be present, but this is not a formal Council meeting, so no official action will be taken.

• Grand opening of new Dover Middle School Campus at 1 Patrick Lynn Drive, Dover
• Meeting notice for Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
• Quorum of City Council may be present; no official action will be taken

Council Committee of the Whole

This agenda announces that the Council Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for August 29, 2023, is cancelled. The next meeting will be held on September 12, 2023. No business items are listed for this date.

• Meeting cancelled for August 29, 2023
• Next meeting scheduled for September 12, 2023

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors has scheduled a special meeting for August 28, 2023. The agenda includes an executive session regarding personnel matters.

• Executive Session (Personnel)

City Council Meetings

There will be no Regular City Council Meeting held on August 28, 2023. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2023.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss a contract notification regarding Trinity Health Ambulance. The council also plans to recess into an executive session for legal strategy or litigation matters.

• Trinity Health Ambulance Contract Notification to City

City Council held a special meeting to discuss a notification from Trinity Health regarding their ambulance contract. Council authorized the City Manager, city staff, and the Mayor to enter negotiations.

• Authorized City Manager, city staff, and Mayor Christiansen to enter negotiations regarding Trinity Health ambulance contract (7-0)

Home Events

The City of Dover Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 21, 2023, has been cancelled. There are no new applications for consideration at this time.

Historic District Commission

The August 17 meeting of the Historic District Commission is cancelled due to lack of agenda items.

Board of Adjustment

The regular Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 16, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review several proposals including electric vehicle fleet grants, zoning amendments, and utility program applications. The meeting also includes discussions on water/wastewater asset management and HVAC upgrades.

• Acceptance of $488,802.32 Energize Delaware Grant for Local Government Electric Vehicle Fleets
• Application for $11,197.68 DNREC Delaware Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program
• Proposed Ordinance #2023-06 amending truck routes in Chapter 106
• Proposed Ordinance #20SB-08 amending Central Commercial Zone (C-2) zoning
• Contract award for Wellhead Redevelopment Program to A.C. Shultes of Delaware, Inc.

The committee received progress reports on the Schutte Park dog park and upcoming playground projects. Water/Wastewater Director Jason Lyon provided updates on the Meeting House Branch project and discussed proposed revisions to truck routes. No substantive actions were taken by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee.

• Adopted agenda for Council Committee of the Whole (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda for Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda for Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will review several committee reports, including resolutions for a Verizon franchise renewal and various water-related grant applications. The agenda also includes a $264,994 change order for Little League site improvements and discussions regarding sanitation vehicle purchases.

• Proposed Resolution No. 2023-11: Verizon Franchise Renewal
• $264,994 change order to Grassbusters Landscaping Co., Inc. for Dover Little League Site Improvements
• Resolution for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant and Rezatec sole source designation
• Authorization for Department of Public Works to purchase two sanitation vehicles
• Declaration as Surplus and Disposition of the former Dover Post Office

Council unanimously approved a franchise renewal for Verizon and authorized several grant applications for drinking water and water quality improvements. A change order for Dover Little League site improvements was also approved.

• Approved Verizon Franchise Renewal (unanimous roll call)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-09 for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant (unanimous roll call)
• Approved Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 Grant for Water Quality Improvements FY24 (unanimous roll call)
• Approved grant application for Carbon Column Replacement and PFAS Treatment Feasibility Study & Design (unanimous roll call)
• Approved $264,994 change order to Grassbusters Landscaping Co., Inc. for Dover Little League Site Improvements (unanimous roll call)
• Approved minutes from July 24, 2023 meeting (unanimous)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors is holding a special meeting to review a loan application. The review includes an application from Otis Brooks for Tastee’s Chicken and Seafood.

• Review of $5,000 Revolving Loan Fund application for Tastee’s Chicken and Seafood

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet to review quarterly performance reports from Milliman, Inc. The meeting also includes the election of chairs for the General Employee Pension Plan Board and the OPEB Board.

• Quarterly performance reviews for General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans
• Election of Chairs for General Employee Pension Plan Board
• Election of Chairs for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Board
• Review of Quarterly Expenditures Report for the General Employee Pension Plan
• Selection of a November meeting date

The joint boards accepted quarterly performance reviews and current portfolio allocations for the General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans. The boards also elected new chairs and a vice chair for the pension boards.

• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review and Scenario A allocations for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review and Scenario A allocations for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review and Scenario A allocations for OPEB Plan (unanimous)
• Elected Mr. Gedney as Chair of the General Employee Pension Plan Board (unanimous)
• Elected Ms. Kober as Vice Chair of the General Employee Pension Plan Board (carried, Mr. Anderson voted no)
• Elected Ms. Poole as Chair of the Other Post-Employment Benefits Board (unanimous)
• Approved future meeting date of November 2, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved General Employee Pension Plan Executive Session for August 22, 2023 (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review several grant applications for water quality and planning. The committee will also consider a change order for landscaping at the Dover Little League site.

• Proposed Resolution No. 2023-11 regarding Verizon Franchise Renewal
• $264,994 change order to Grassbusters Landscaping Co., Inc. for Little League Site Improvements
• Grant application for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant
• Grant application for Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 for water quality improvements
• Disposition of the former Dover Post Office property

The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee recommended several water quality grants and a $264,994 change order for Little League site improvements. The committee also recommended renewing the Verizon franchise agreement and declaring the former Dover Post Office as surplus for disposition.

• Recommended accepting Verizon Franchise Renewal (unanimous)
• Recommended approving Application for Drinking Water Matching Planning Grant (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 Grant for Water Quality Improvements (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Emerging Contaminants Grant for Carbon Column Replacement and PFAS study (unanimous)
• Recommended $264,994 change order to Grassbusters Landscaping Co., Inc. for Dover Little League Site Improvements (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of disposition for former Dover Post Office surplus property (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will consider several committee reports, including a presentation on an electric rate study and recommendations for the Dover Code of Ordinances. The agenda also includes discussions regarding grant approvals for water system security and participation in a regional safety action plan.

• Presentation: Electric Rate Study by New Gen Strategies & Solutions
• Approval: Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) for water system and well sites security project
• Discussion: Dover Code of Ordinances citation recommendations
• Commitment: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Municipal Collaborative Initiative
• Resolution No. 2023-10: TEFRA approval for 2023 NFA PHI Capital Projects (Westminster Village)

City Council approved recommendations from the Board of Assessment Appeals to grant tax exemptions for several properties. These include three lots for Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity and a property for Capitol Baptist Church.

• Approved tax exemptions for Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity at 101 N. West St., 39 S. New St., and 29 S. Governor’s Ave. (unanimous roll call vote, Boggerty absent)
• Approved tax exemption for Capitol Baptist Church of Dover at 1305 New Burton Rd (unanimous roll call vote, Boggerty absent)
• Approved minutes from June 12, June 13, June 22, and June 26, 2023 meetings (unanimous)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review a new application for an informational kiosk sign at 43 The Green. The body will also discuss a revised request regarding six-foot metal fencing for the new Kent County Family Court project.

• Sign permit review for a 9-square-foot cork board kiosk at 43 The Green
• Fencing revision for the new courthouse at South Governors Avenue and West Water Street
• Welcoming new member Ellen H. Richardson and reappointments of Ann B. Horsey and Mary T. Mason
• Review of 2022 and 2023 application and architectural review certificate summaries

The Historic District Commission approved a sign permit for an informational kiosk at 43 The Green, provided the materials are upgraded from plastic to black metal or painted preserved wood. The commission also approved the agenda and the May 18, 2023, meeting minutes.

• Approved Sign Permit #23-987 for informational kiosk at 43 The Green, conditioned on using black metal or painted preserved wood (4-0)
• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved May 18, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will consider a variance application to reduce the minimum lot area required for keeping chickens. The request involves changing the requirement from 10,890 SF to 10,018 SF for the property located at 59 Sherwood Court.

• Variance Application #V-23-02: reduction in minimum lot area for chickens at 59 Sherwood Court
• Adoption of February 15, 2023 meeting minutes
• Resolution honoring Col. Arthur G. Erickson

The Board discussed a variance request to reduce the minimum lot area required for keeping chickens from 10,890 to 10,018 square feet. The minutes do not record a final decision or vote on the application.

• Approved agenda as amended (4-0)
• Approved February 15, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will meet to elect a new Chair. The board will also consider an appeal regarding a registration fee for a vacant building at 27 Spruance Road.

• Election of Chair
• Appeal of registration fee for 27 Spruance Road (Celina Brown)

The Board of Appeals denied an appeal regarding the vacancy status of 27 Spruance Street. The board upheld the Building Inspector's decision to classify the property in its second year of vacancy.

• Elected Mr. Anderson as Chair (Unanimous)
• Denied appeal for 27 Spruance Street and upheld second-year vacant building registration fee of $750 (Unanimous)

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission will meet to receive updates on park projects, maintenance crew activities, and the Dover Police Park Report. The agenda also includes discussions regarding Delaware Livable Lawns and riparian buffer requirements for the causeway.

• Dover Police Park Report Update
• Riparian Buffer for the causeway requirements update
• Silver Lake Park Projects & Maintenance Crew updates
• Mayor’s Regatta & Lake Draw Down dates

The Commission established the annual lake draw down dates and discussed park security and environmental programs. No formal votes were recorded; the meeting focused on staff reports and requests for future guidelines.

• Set Lake Draw Down dates for October 9 – 20, 2023
• Requested Bryn Wambaugh follow up with Public Works Director regarding invasive species on the causeway
• Requested suggestions for a new framework/guideline for naming parks

Library Commission

The Commission will review previous meeting minutes and receive updates on staffing, security, and various organizational reports. The agenda also includes an update regarding the Fiscal Year 2024 library budget.

• FY24 Library Budget update
• Staffing status discussion
• Library security discussion
• Kent County Levy Court report on Library Tax Districts

The Commission approved the minutes from the May 16, 2023 meeting. Members discussed library statistics, staffing changes, and security incidents, including the use of Naloxone and a patron ban. No new policies or budget expenditures were decided during the session.

• Approved May 16, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Home Events

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several development applications, including a new building for Delaware State University and office construction on Mont Blanc Boulevard. The commission will also consider a minor subdivision plan for residential lots and elect new officers.

• Conditional Use Application for 'The Hive' business and event center at 28 W. Loockerman Street
• Site Development Plan for a new 14,512 SF Early Childhood Innovation Center at 1200 N. Dupont Hwy
• Site Development Plan for two 19,800 SF office buildings at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard
• Minor Subdivision Plan to divide properties at 1542 & 1554 North Little Creek Road into four lots
• Nomination and election of Planning Commission Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Council Committee of the Whole

There is no Council Committee of the Whole meeting held on July 11, 2023. The next meeting is scheduled for July 25, 2023.

City Council Meetings

There is no regular City Council meeting held on July 10, 2023. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 24, 2023.

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will meet to review and comment on several applications before they reach the Planning Commission. The meeting focuses on agency reviewer comments regarding new construction, site developments, and subdivision plans.

• Conditional Use Application for 'The Hive' business and event center at 28 W. Loockerman St
• Site Development Plan for a new 14,512 SF Delaware State University ECIC building at 1200 N. Dupont Hwy
• Site Development Plan for two 19,800 Sq Ft office buildings at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard
• Minor Subdivision Plan to divide two properties into four lots at 1542 & 1554 North Little Creek Road

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Board of Directors will hold its annual meeting to review May minutes and receive staff updates. Discussions include the FY 24 annual budget, workplan updates, and property updates regarding Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing.

• FY 24 Annual Budget review
• FY 24 annual document and workplan updates
• Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing property updates
• Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan Priorities discussion

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing three applications for site development and land subdivision. The meeting includes technical reviews of a new university building, professional medical office construction, and a residential subdivision.

• Site Development Plan for a new 14,51 .+/- SF Delaware State University ECIC building at 1200 N Dupont Hwy
• Site Development Plan for two 19,800 Sq Ft office buildings at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard
• Waiver Request to eliminate loading spaces for Walker Road Professional Center
• Minor Subdivision Plan to divide 35,592 SF +/- of land into four new single-family dwelling lots at 1542 & 1554 North Little Creek Road

City Council Meetings

This notice informs the public that City Council members may be present at a training session. No official council business or voting will occur during this time.

• Land Use Law Training for City Council members

Board of Adjustment

Members of the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Historic District Commission are scheduled to attend a Land Use Law training session. While a quorum of these boards may be present, this is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken.

• Land Use Law Training session on June 27, 2023

General Employee Pension Plan Board

The General Employee Pension Plan Board will hold a special meeting to review cost of living adjustments (COLA) and ordinances. The board will also conduct a discussion regarding plan expenditures.

• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) review
• Review of Ordinances
• Discussion of Expenditures

The Board approved a study to analyze the impact of cost of living adjustments (COLA) between 3% and 10%. Members also voted to receive quarterly expenditure reports and hold an executive session regarding pension ordinances.

• Approved COLA actuary study for 3% to 10% increments (unanimous)
• Approved request for expenditure reports from pension funding on a quarterly basis (unanimous)
• Approved motion to meet executively to discuss ordinances regarding specific individuals (unanimous)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole meeting originally scheduled for June 27, 2023, was cancelled.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a final reading on the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget ordinances. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding the Electric Fund Budget and discussions on various committee reports.

• Final reading of Ordinance #2023-05 for the FY 2023/2024 City of Dover Budget
• Public hearing for the Electric Fund Budget
• Approval of Homeland Security Grant Program funds for water system and well sites security
• Discussion on removing properties from the 10-Year Tax Abatement Program
• Presentation of an Electric Rate Study

Council voted to return 18 properties to the tax rolls and authorized the tax office to remove future abatements administratively. The council also held a public hearing on the Electric Fund Budget and discussed the impact of Senate Bill 110 on the 2024 budget.

• Approved returning 18 properties to tax rolls at state-assessed value (Unanimous)
• Approved allowing tax office to transfer or remove abatements administratively (Unanimous)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (Unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will discuss the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget and revenue alternatives. The meeting may include other policy matters but is primarily procedural.

• Proposed FY24 Budget Discussion

The council held a discussion regarding the proposed FY24 budget, focusing on electric rates, enterprise funds, and the potential for increasing sanitation and stormwater fees. No formal votes were taken on the budget proposal during this meeting.

• Approved adoption of the agenda (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for June 21, 2023 has been cancelled.

Home Events

The Planning Commission will continue reviewing the development application for College Road Apartments and hold a public hearing on Eden Hill Farm TND's revised residential plan. The meeting also includes adopting minutes from May.

• Conditional Use Application C-23-02 for The Hive at 28 W. Loockerman Street postponed
• Continued review of S-23-06 College Road Apartments development application
• Public hearing on Eden Hill Farm TND's revised residential plan (S-23-12)

The Planning Commission voted to continue the review of a site development plan for two 6-story apartment buildings. The commission is considering a request to reduce required parking from 867 to 683 spaces. A dispute regarding the ownership of Raymond Street remains unresolved.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-1)
• Approved May 15, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Voted to continue review of S-23-06 College Road Apartments application (5-1)

Historic District Commission

The City of Dover Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for June 15, 2023, has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, 2023, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for June 13, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2023.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet to consider a potential land sale and other unspecified matters in executive session.

• Potential Land Sale

The City Council held a special meeting that included an executive session to discuss site acquisitions for publicly funded capital improvements or real property sales and leases. No formal actions were taken during the session.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into Executive Session (unanimous)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review several items including a new public space naming policy and a regional road safety grant initiative. The meeting also includes a presentation on an electric rate study and discussions regarding security grants for water system sites.

• Consideration of a Public Space Naming Policy
• Presentation of an Electric Rate Study by NewGen Strategies and Solutions
• Approval of Homeland Security Grant Program funds for water system and well site security
• Discussion regarding Dover Code of Ordinances citations
• Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Municipal Collaborative Initiative

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval for a reimbursement grant to fund video surveillance and fencing for the water system and well sites. Additionally, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee voted to form an Ad Hoc committee to develop a public space naming policy.

• Recommended approval of Homeland Security Grant Program for Water System and Well Sites Security Project (Unanimous)
• Authorized sole source designation for Advantech (Unanimous)
• Approved formation of an Ad Hoc committee to create a Public Space Naming Policy (Unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will discuss setting electric, water, and wastewater rates and tariffs for Fiscal Year 2024. The meeting also includes a first reading of the Proposed Ordinance #2023-05 regarding the FY 2023/2024 City of Dover Budget.

• Setting of Electric, Water, and Wastewater Rates and Tariffs for Fiscal Year 2024
• First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2023-05 (FY 2023/2024 City Budget)
• Public Hearing setting for Electric Fund Budget on June 26, 2023
• Review of Pension Benefits Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
• Discussion regarding Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Program

The City Council approved the creation of a formal continuing liaison appointment by the Council President to the Dover Human Relations Commission. The council also approved the meeting minutes from May 22, 2023, and adopted the meeting agenda.

• Approved creation of a formal Council President liaison to the Human Relations Commission (Unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda as amended (Unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda (Unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved minutes of the May 22, 2023 Regular Council Meeting (Unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review and comment on a revised plan for the Eden Hill Farm Traditional Neighborhood Design project. This meeting focuses on agency reviewer questions regarding the draft report before the Planning Commission considers the application on June 20, 2023.

• Eden Hill Farm TND: Proposal to increase total unit count from 665 to 725 dwelling units
• Eden Hill Farm TND: Revision of Phase 4, 5 & 6 areas including lot configurations and open space
• Eden Hill Farm TND: Conversion of Lot 11 from Open Space to Townhouse Lots
• Eden Hill Farm TND: Creation of 6.12 acres of Signers Park Open Space and a 5.28-acre multi-family lot
• Eden Hill Farm TND: Abandonment of certain street and alley rights-of-way and adjustment of Red Haven Way alignment

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals will consider an appeal regarding a registration fee related to the property maintenance code. The appeal involves the property located at 65 Chatham Court.

• Appeal of registration fee for 65 Chatham Court (Quio Jiang, Daniel Lin Properties, LLC)

Board of Assessment Appeals Committee

The Board of Assessment Appeals Committee will meet to consider several requests for property tax exemptions and reductions. The meeting includes reviews for non-profit organizations, a senior citizen reduction appeal, and a commercial appeal.

• Exempt requests for Central DE Habitat for Humanity (101 N West St., 39 S New St., and 29 S Governors Ave.)
• Exempt request for Capitol Baptist Church of Dover (1305 New Burton Rd.)
• Exempt request for Children and Families First DE INC. (195 Willis Rd.)
• Exempt requests for Elizabeth W Murphy School Inc. (20 Pennsylvania Ave. and 535 S State St.)
• Senior Citizen Reduction Appeal for 27 Fieldstone Ct and commercial appeal for 155 Greentree Dr.

The Board approved tax exemptions for several non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and a local church. One school received a conditional one-year exemption pending zoning verification, and a senior citizen tax reduction request was denied.

• Approved consent agenda including new value for 155 Greentree Dr. (unanimous)
• Approved tax exemptions for Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity at 101 N West St, 39 S New St, and 29 S Governors Ave for 2 years (4-0)
• Approved tax exemption for Capitol Baptist Church of Dover at 1305 New Burton Rd (4-0)
• Approved tax exemption for Children and Families First DE Inc. at 195 Willis Rd (4-0)
• Approved conditional one-year tax exemption for Elizabeth W. Murphy School Inc. at 20 Pennsylvania Ave and 535 S State St (4-0)
• Denied Senior Citizen Tax Reduction for Suzanne Cerro at 27 Fieldstone Ct. (4-0)

City Council Meetings

The Special Council Meeting for Budget Review scheduled for June 1, 2023, has been canceled.

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing two major applications. This includes a conditional use request for a professional office and event space, as well as a revised implementation plan for the Eden Hill Farm TND project.

• Conditional Use Application C-23-02: Converting 2,493 SF at West Loockerman Street to an office and event space
• Eden Hill Farm TND Revision: Increasing total dwelling units from 665 to 725
• Eden Hill Farm TND Revision: Creating Signers Park Open Space of 6.12 acres
• Eden Hill Farm TND Revision: Creating a 5.28-acre multi-family lot and 2.18 acres of open space near the railroad corridor

City Council Meetings

The Special Council Meeting for Budget Review scheduled for May 31, 2023, has been canceled.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a series of special meetings to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The sessions include presentations on the General Fund, Electric Revenue Fund, Water Fund, and Wastewater Fund.

• Presentation of Fiscal Year 2024 Recommended Budget
• Review of General Fund revenue enhancement
• Discussion of Water and Wastewater Fund revenues and rates
• Review of Capital Improvement Programs for various funds
• Update on Van Sant and McKee

The City Council held a special meeting to review the recommended Fiscal Year 2024 budget and related highlights. Staff discussed electric rate studies, general fund budget balance policies, and personnel costs. No formal votes or final approvals were recorded in the provided text.

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Board of Directors will review minutes from the April meeting and receive staff updates regarding by-law edits and nominations. The agenda includes updates on specific properties and the Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan.

• Proposed edits to By-Laws
• Property updates for EZ Pass, DMH, and 120 S. Governor’s Ave.
• Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan Update/Priorities
• New Grant Application for Community Reinvestment Fund

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will discuss the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Program and review Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Budget Amendments. The meeting also includes a quarterly briefing on MPO projects and an update from the Dover Human Relations Commission.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Program
• Review of Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Budget Amendments
• Quarterly briefing on Dover/Kent County MPO projects
• Dover Human Relations Commission update

The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee recommended establishing a formal council president liaison for the Human Relations Commission and accepting the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Program. The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee received a quarterly update on MPO projects with no action taken. City Manager Dave Hugg reported a projected $15 million deficit in the general fund.

• Recommended creating a formal council president liaison for the Human Relations Commission (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2023 Audit Program (unanimous)
• MPO Quarterly Briefing: no committee action required

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will review a resolution supporting the creation of library tax districts in Kent County. The meeting also includes several presentations and numerous recommended appointments to various city boards and committees.

• Resolution No. 2023-08: Supporting the Creation of Library Tax Districts in Kent County
• Presentation: Certificate of Appreciation for Sade Truierm regarding ARPA funding requests
• Presentation: APPA Reliable Public Power Provider Platinum Designation for Electric Department
• Appointments to Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals
• Appointments to the Election Board, Planning Commission, and Silver Lake Commission

Council adopted a resolution supporting the establishment of library tax districts in Kent County, provided Dover residents are not assessed a library tax. The body also approved numerous mayoral and council appointments to various boards and commissions.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-08 supporting Kent County library tax districts (Unanimous)
• Approved appointments to Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals, Election Board, Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Public Library Advisory Commission, and Silver Lake Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved appointments for City Chaplain, City/County Committee, Council Committee chairs, and various civilian committee members (Unanimous)
• Approved appointments to Downtown Dover Partnership, Economic Development Committee, Pension Plan Boards, and Kent County Board of Directors (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 8, 2023, Council President Candidates Meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 8, 2023, Regular Council Meeting (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from February 14, 2023, Economic Development Committee Meeting (Unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review a referral for a 6-foot vinyl fence project at 147 S. New Street. The commission will also discuss application and review processes for the Historic District Zone.

• Fence Permit #23-781: 6-foot vinyl fence at 147 S. New Street
• Review of Application and Review Processes for Architectural Review Certification and H (Historic District Zone) Designation

The Commission discussed a permit application for a 6-foot white vinyl fence at 147 S. New Street. Members expressed concerns that vinyl is not a recommended material for the Historic District due to its modern appearance and contrast with old brick buildings. The minutes end before a final vote or decision on the permit is recorded.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved January 19, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The regular Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 2023, has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

Library Commission

The commission will review previous minutes and discuss several ongoing matters including staffing status and library security. The agenda also includes a report regarding Kent County Levy Court Library Tax Districts.

• Staffing status discussion
• Library security discussion
• Kent County Levy Court report on Library Tax Districts

Home Events

The Planning Commission will consider a one-year extension for the Bay Pointe Apartments project. The commission will also hold a public hearing regarding a revised site development plan for a 99-space parking lot at Landing Square.

• One-year extension request for Bay Pointe Apartments (1080 and 1106 Bay Road) to permit a 54,105 SF apartment building
• Public hearing for Landing Square (560 and 600 Bay Road) regarding a revised site development plan for a 99-space parking lot
• Waiver request for reduction of Arterial Street Buffer at Landing Square

The Planning Commission approved a one-year extension for a conditional use site plan at Bay Pointe Apartments. The commission also reviewed a proposal to convert a planned restaurant space into a parking lot at Landing Square.

• Approved one-year extension for C-21-04 Bay Pointe Apartments site plan (8-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (8-0)
• Approved April 17, 2023 meeting minutes (8-0)

DDP Merchant Committee

The committee is meeting to review February minutes and discuss upcoming promotional activities. The agenda includes updates on the Downtown Dover App and planning for the May Merchant Window Contest.

• Merchant Window Contest (May)
• Downtown Dover App development update
• Dover Days event planning
• FY 24 meeting schedule review

DDP Design Committee

The DDP Design Committee will review façade grant applications and the Crosswalk Art Pilot Project. The meeting also includes updates from Biggs and the Art League.

• Façade Grant Application(s)
• Crosswalk Art Pilot Project
• Biggs Update
• Art League Update
• New Banners

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet to adopt the agenda and previous meeting minutes. The meeting includes a presentation from June E. Clarke of Delaware State University regarding Hospitality and Tourism Management.

• Presentation: Delaware State University – Hospitality and Tourism Management

The committee received a presentation from Delaware State University regarding its Hospitality and Tourism Management program. The discussion focused on workforce development, the skills gap caused by pandemic retirements, and the need for local internships to retain students in Dover. No formal legislative actions were taken.

• Approved agenda
• Adopted minutes from February 14, 2023 meeting

Council Committee of the Whole

The agenda states that no Council Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on May 9, 2023. The notice is purely procedural, with no items for discussion or decision.

City Council Meetings

This special meeting is focused on the selection of Council President candidates. The session will include opening statements and a question and answer period for the candidates.

• Opening statements from Council President candidates
• Question and answer session regarding Council President candidates

The Council held a special meeting to determine the Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2023/2024. Candidates Mr. Anderson and Mr. Hare were nominated and provided opening statements and answers to questions from other members.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimously)
• Accepted Mr. Hare and Mr. Anderson as nominees for Council President (unanimously)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold an annual meeting to elect a Council President/Vice-Mayor and hear the State of the City message. The agenda includes a final reading for a zoning change at 2161 Forrest Avenue and a review of ARPA funding recommendations.

• Election of Council President/Vice-Mayor
• Zoning change for 2161 Forrest Avenue from R-10 to RM-2
• Approval of the 2023 CDBG Five Year Consolidated Plan
• Proposed ARPA budget of $499,610.82 for housing and community service projects
• Annual staff appointments including Chief Building Inspector and City Solicitor

The City Council held its annual meeting to administer oaths of office and elect leadership. William Hare was elected as Council President/Vice-Mayor via secret ballot. The Mayor also issued several community proclamations.

• Administered Oaths of Office for Mayor Robin R. Christiansen and Council members Pillsbury, Lewis, Arndt, and Sudler
• Approved adoption of the agenda (unanimous)
• Approved adoption of the consent agenda (unanimous)
• Elected William Hare as Council President/Vice-Mayor for 2023/2024

Home Events

The Dover Days Committee is meeting to review the April 19 minutes and discuss a proposed change to committee by-laws regarding the registered agent. The board will also receive updates on sponsorship, vendor reports, insurance, and various committee activities.

• Vote on April 19 minutes
• Proposed by-law change for Registered Agent designation
• Budget review
• Vendor report summary from Ron Barisano
• Event insurance update

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will meet to review and comment on a site development plan for a 99-space parking lot. This meeting focuses on questions regarding the draft DAC report for the project, which will later be considered by the Planning Commission.

• Review of Site Development Plan S-23-10 for a 99-space parking lot and site improvements at 560 and 600 Bay Road
• Proposed change from a previously proposed 6,400 SF restaurant to a parking lot area
• Request for a waiver to reduce the Arterial Street Buffer

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet to review market commentary. The meeting includes a review of quarterly performance reports ending March 31, 2023, and a discussion on the history of the General Employee Pension Plan COLA.

• General Employee Pension Plan quarterly performance review
• Police Pension Plan quarterly performance review
• OPEB Plan quarterly performance review
• Review of the History and Background of the General Employee Pension Plan COLA

The joint boards approved quarterly performance reviews for the General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans. Members also requested an actuary study to determine the financial impact of a proposed 5% cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for the General Employee Pension Plan.

• Approved Quarterly Performance Review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Quarterly Performance Review for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Quarterly Performance Review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)
• Requested actuary study on the impact of a proposed 5% COLA for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Adopted Police Pension Retirement Committee minutes from February 09, 2023 (unanimous)
• Adopted OPEB Board minutes from February 09, 2023 (unanimous)
• Adopted General Employee Pension Plan Board minutes from February 09, 2023 (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing a revised site development plan for Phase 3A of the Landing Square development at 560 and 600 Bay Road. The applicant proposes a 99-space parking lot instead of a previously proposed 6,400 SF restaurant, and requests a waiver to reduce the arterial street buffer. The meeting is open to the public in person and virtually.

• Site development plan S-23-10 for a 99-space parking lot at 560 and 600 Bay Road
• Waiver request for reduction of arterial street buffer
• Property zoned C-4 (Highway Commercial Zone), owned by BAYROADCAP, LLC
• Previous approvals: Phase 2 final plan (Feb 25, 2021) and minor subdivision SB-22-03 (recorded May 24, 2022)

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, 2023, has been postponed. No new date has been set.

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board is holding its regular monthly meeting to approve prior minutes, hear a police report, and receive executive committee updates on budget and nominations. The board will also discuss Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan priorities and may enter executive session on personnel matters.

• Police report
• Budget update
• Nomination committee update
• Executive session on personnel
• Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan priorities discussion

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will consider a proposed budget of $499,610.82 for housing and community service projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with a staff recommendation for approval. They will also review and discuss a draft proposal for restructuring Planning and Inspections. Public comments are welcomed on any item.

• ARPA proposed budget totaling $499,610.82 for housing and community service projects
• Staff recommendation to approve the ARPA budget
• Review and discussion of draft proposal for restructuring Planning and Inspections

The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee approved a proposed budget for Housing and Community Service Projects using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The committee also voted to discharge the subcommittee evaluating ARPA funding requests from nonprofits.

• Approved $499,610.82 budget for Housing and Community Service Projects (unanimous)
• Discharged the Joint Subcommittee to Evaluate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Request from Nonprofits (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is holding its regular April 24, 2023 meeting, with key items including approval of memorandums of understanding for a wage equity study implementation and certification of the 2023 municipal election results. The agenda also includes routine consent items like minutes, reports, and several public hearings.

• Approval of Memorandums of Understanding for Wage Equity Study implementation
• 2023 Regular Municipal Election Results
• US 13 Speed Reduction and pedestrian safety study
• Traffic calming options for Governors Boulevard, Ross Street, and N. Bradford Street
• Purchase of two police motorcycles (sole source vendor)

The City Council unanimously accepted the 2022 Police Department Annual Report and approved the minutes from the April 10 meeting. The Mayor issued a proclamation declaring April 28, 2023, as Arbor Day. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee recommended accepting the Silver Lake Commission’s Annual Report.

• Approved adoption of the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved adoption of the consent agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted the 2022 Police Department Annual Report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the April 10, 2023, Regular Council Meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of the Silver Lake Commission’s Annual Report (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The City of Dover Board of Adjustment has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, 2023. No specific agenda items were decided or discussed at this cancelled session. The next scheduled meeting is set for Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 9:00 AM.

• Meeting cancellation notice posted on April 11, 2023

Home Events

The Planning Commission approved a one-year extension for the Bayhealth Staff Parking Lot Expansion. The commission also voted to raise a pending application for the College Road Apartments from the table for further review.

• Approved one-year extension for S-20-10 Bayhealth Staff Parking Lot Expansion (7-0)
• Approved April 17, 2023 Agenda (7-0)
• Approved March 20, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Voted to raise S-23-06 College Road Apartments application from the table (6-1)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole is reviewing a $2,067,557 contract with Kent Construction for a new building and spray pad at Dover Park. The committee will also discuss a proposed speed reduction on US 13 and traffic calming options for three local streets. Additionally, the body will review a CDBG grant application and a sole-source purchase of police motorcycles.

• Award $2,067,557 contract to Kent Construction for Dover Park building and spray pad (RFP #23-0009PR)
• Support US 13 speed reduction from 45 MPH to 40 MPH between Scarborough Road and N State Street
• Select traffic calming options for Governors Boulevard, Ross Street, and N Bradford Street
• Award $321,669 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to sub-grantees
• Approve sole-source purchase of two police motorcycles from Rommel Harley Davidson in Smyrna, DE

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended a $2.06M contract for a building and spray pad at Dover Park. A proposal to reduce speed limits on US 13 from 45 to 40 MPH was denied. The committee also approved traffic calming measures for several boulevards and streets.

• Approved $2,067,557.00 contract to Kent Construction for Dover Park building and spray pad
• Delayed Schutte Park Skate Project to FY 25 to seek additional funding
• Denied proposed speed reduction from 45 MPH to 40 MPH on US 13 (5-5)
• Approved traffic calming option 1D for Governors Blvd, Ross St, and N Bradford St
• Approved Rail Haus Beer Garden Waiver Request
• Recommended City Manager help Maranatha's Church find a suitable site for their mission
• Approved updated Donated Sick Leave Policy
• Approved $321,669 in CDBG funds for sub-grantees

City Council Meetings

City Council decided to bring all employees up to the minimums established by a wage study effective May 1st. The decision also includes a placement of 1.5% per year.

• Approved bringing all employees to wage study minimums plus 1.5% per year effective May 1st (5-1)

City Council Meetings

City Council denied requests to amend comprehensive plan maps to allow the potential annexation of two parcels for a solar farm. The council approved two resolutions for lead service line inventory bonds and approved the annexation and rezoning of a property at 273 Acorn Lane.

• Denied amendments to Map 13-1 and 13-2 for Calpine Holdings solar project (2-4-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-03 for up to $60,000 in water and sewer revenue bonds for lead service line inventory (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-04 for up to $115,000 in water and sewer revenue bonds for lead service line inventory/replacement at Brandywine Court Condominiums (unanimous)
• Approved Annexation Resolution No. 2023-05 for 0.611 acres at 273 Acorn Lane (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance #2023-03 rezoning 273 Acorn Lane to R-8 One Family Residence Zone (unanimous)
• Deferred Arbor Day Proclamation to April 25th meeting (unanimous)
• Approved waiver for alternative lot configuration and reduced frontage for stormwater management lot at Jefferson Terrace (unanimous)
• Denied waivers for elimination of sidewalk requirements and increased percentage of lots on cul-de-sac at Jefferson Terrace (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review two applications that will later go to the Planning Commission. The first is a request to rezone an 11.9973-acre parcel from one-family to medium-density residential. The second is a site development plan for a 37,107 square foot warehouse and bakery. Public comment is not accepted at this meeting; it is available at the subsequent Planning Commission meeting.

• Rezoning application Z-23-01 for Jireh Christian Center Inc. at 2161 Forrest Avenue (11.9973 acres) from R-10 to RM-2 zoning.
• Site Development Plan S-23-09 for Byler’s Warehouse at 651 Garrison Oak Drive (37,107 SF) including a bakery.
• Waiver requests for Byler’s Warehouse include reduction of parking requirements and partial elimination of upright curbing.
• Meeting is limited to agency reviewers and applicants; public comment is deferred to the April 17 Planning Commission meeting.

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing two applications: a rezoning request for a 12-acre parcel at 2161 Forrest Avenue and a site development plan for a warehouse and bakery at 651 Garrison Oak Drive. The committee will provide recommendations on these items, which include specific zoning changes and waiver requests for parking and curbing.

• Rezoning application Z-23-01 for 11.9973 acres at 2161 Forrest Avenue from R-10 to RM-2 zoning
• Site Development Plan S-23-09 for a 37,107 SF Warehouse & Bakery at 651 Garrison Oak Drive
• Waiver requests for Byler’s Warehouse include reduction of parking requirements and partial elimination of upright curbing
• Jireh Christian Center parcel is subject to COZ-1 Corridor Overlay Zone
• Byler’s Warehouse site is subject to SWPOZ Source Water Protection Overlay Zone Tier 2

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover City Council Committee of the Whole will consider a request for waivers for the Ekaman Subdivision, which involves subdividing 4.2311 acres into six lots. The committee will also review the creation of an Economic and Community Development Fund and an update on the movement of Conduit Bonds. Additionally, the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee will review first steps for Loockerman Street changes and follow up on school district safety concerns.

• Waiver request for Ekaman Subdivision (Wyoming, LLC) to create alternative lot configuration and reduce frontage on a public street
• Waiver request to eliminate sidewalk requirement on Monroe Terrace for a residual lot
• Waiver request to allow increased percentage of lots on a cul-de-sac for the conceptual subdivision
• Creation of an Economic and Community Development Fund
• Update on the movement of Conduit Bonds

The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee approved one waiver for a stormwater management lot configuration but denied waivers for sidewalk elimination and cul-de-sac lot percentages. Other items regarding Loockerman Street changes and a new development fund required no committee action.

• Approved waiver for alternative lot configuration and reduced frontage for stormwater management lot (carried, 1 no vote)
• Denied waiver for elimination of sidewalk requirements on Monroe Terrace (0-8)
• Denied waiver for increased percentage of lots on a cul-de-sac (0-8)

City Council Meetings

The Council voted to set the Electric Purchased Power Adjustment to $0.00 for the remainder of the fiscal year. Other key actions included awarding water main and street alley contracts and approving a one-year ambulance service extension.

• Removed Electric Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA) effective April 1, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved $415,800 contract to Teal Construction for West Street East Alley water main replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved $413,294 contract to Grassbusters Landscaping Co., Inc. for FY 2023B Street and Alley Program (Unanimous)
• Approved one-year extension of ambulance service contract with St. Francis (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-02 to participate in national opioid settlements (Unanimous)
• Approved cash-in-lieu amount for active recreation plan at Dover Apartments at Leipsic Road (Unanimous)
• Approved active recreation plan for College Road Apartments at Railroad Avenue/Grove Street (Approved with 2 no votes)
• Appointed Jaclyn K. Hale to the Dover Public Library Advisory Commission (Unanimous)

City Council Meetings

City Council conducted a workshop to review preliminary FY24 budget projections, economic updates, and bond ratings. No formal votes were taken on budget items, but officials discussed potential utility rate increases and the establishment of a community outreach office.

• Adopted the workshop agenda by unanimous consent

Library Commission

The Commission approved carrying forward the 2020 board slate for officers until July 2023. Members reviewed pandemic-era circulation statistics, security reports, and a proposed shift from reciprocal borrowing to library tax districts. The Friends of Dover Library approved a $12,000 desk purchase for Adult Services.

• Approved carrying 2020 board slate forward to July 2023
• Placed January 21, 2020 minutes on file without approval
• Friends of Dover Library approved $12,000 desk purchase for Adult Services

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings and reviews on several development applications, including a 385-unit apartment complex, a car wash, an annexation request, and a subdivision plan. They will also consider two requests for one-year extensions of prior approvals for a child care center and a warehouse. The meeting includes routine items like minutes approval and updates.

• Public hearing for College Road Apartments: two 6-story buildings, 385 units, at Railroad Avenue/Grove Street
• Continued review of Tidal Wave Auto Spa car wash at 245 N. Dupont Highway
• Annexation and rezoning request for 273 Acorn Lane (RS-1 to R-8)
• Extension request for JJ's Learning Experience 2 child care center at 756 South Little Creek Road
• Extension request for warehouse at 1255-1257 College Park Drive

The Planning Commission tabled a site development plan for the College Road Apartments due to concerns over right-of-way ownership and traffic safety. The commission approved a conceptual subdivision plan for the Ekaman Subdivision and recommended an annexation request for 273 Acorn Lane.

• Tabled S-23-06 College Road Apartments (385 units) pending right-of-way outcome (6-2)
• Approved SB-23-01C Ekaman Subdivision conceptual plan (7-0)
• Approved SB-23-01C waivers for alternate lot configuration and increased cul-de-sac lots (7-0)
• Denied SB-23-01C waiver to eliminate sidewalk on Monroe Terrace frontage (7-0)
• Recommended approval to City Council for AX-23-02 annexation and rezoning at 273 Acorn Lane (8-0)
• Approved S-23-05 Tidal Wave Auto Spa site development and lot consolidation plan (7-0)
• Granted one-year extension for C-21-02 JJ’s Learning Experience 2 child care center (6-0)
• Granted one-year extension for C-21-03 Warehouse Building at College Business Park Lot D (7-0)

Historic District Commission

The City of Dover Historic District Commission has cancelled its meeting scheduled for March 16, 2023, at 3:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items. The next scheduled meeting will be held on April 20, 2023.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for April 20, 2023

Board of Adjustment

The City of Dover Board of Adjustment has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, 2023. No specific reasons for the cancellation are provided in the notice. The next scheduled meeting is set for Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 9:00 AM.

• Meeting cancelled: March 15, 2023
• Next meeting: April 19, 2023

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will review one specific property maintenance case. The item involves a sanitation violation at 630 River Road under the International Property Maintenance Code. No other substantive decisions, contracts, or ordinances are listed on the agenda.

• Review of sanitation violation at 630 River Road (Aubrey Hudson) under Section 302.1 of the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for March 14, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for April 11, 2023. No specific agenda items were discussed or decided at this cancelled session.

• Meeting cancellation notice issued for March 14, 2023
• Next meeting scheduled for April 11, 2023

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole is scheduled to review a staff recommendation to award a $415,800 contract to Teal Construction for water main replacement on West Street East Alley. The body will also accept the 2023 Dover Integrated Resource Plan prepared by The Energy Authority. Additionally, the committee will review cash-in-lieu amounts and active recreation plans for two apartment developments and consider a resolution to participate in national opioid settlements.

• Award contract to Teal Construction for West Street East Alley water main replacement (ITB #23-0010WW) for $415,800
• Accept the 2023 Dover Integrated Resource Plan as prepared by The Energy Authority
• Review Cash-in-lieu Amount for Active Recreation Plan – Dover Apartments at Leipsic Road (Planning Reference #S-22-09)
• Review Active Recreation Plan – College Road Apartments at Railroad Avenue/Grove Street (Planning Reference #S-23-06)
• Adopt Proposed Resolution No. 2023-02 Authorizing the City of Dover to Participate in New National Opioid Settlements

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding a water main replacement contract and accepting a 2023 Integrated Resource Plan. The committee also approved a cash-in-lieu payment for recreation and a resolution to participate in national opioid settlements.

• Recommended awarding West Street East Alley Water Main Replacement contract to Teal Construction for $415,800 (Unanimous)
• Recommended accepting the 2023 Dover Integrated Resource Plan (Unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of Cash-in-lieu Amount for Active Recreation Plan at Dover Apartments at Leipsic Road (Unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of Active Recreation Plan for College Road Apartments at Railroad Avenue/Grove Street (Approved; Rocha and Hare voted no)
• Recommended adoption of Resolution No. 2023-02 to participate in New National Opioid Settlements (Unanimous)

City Council Meetings

City Council held a special meeting and entered an executive session to discuss strategy regarding the Delaware Thunder Hockey Team. Following the session, Council authorized city leadership to enter negotiations with the team.

• Authorized City Manager, city staff, and Mayor Christiansen to engage in negotiations with the Delaware Thunder Hockey Team (7-0)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will vote on a consent agenda that includes approving a $600,000 grant for a city-wide camera program and a $375,000 grant to hire three police officers. The body will also award a $553,015 contract for Mirror Lake drainage improvements and consider two annexation requests. One annexation request is on hold, while the other at 273 Acorn Lane is recommended for approval.

• Approve $600,000 COPS Office grant for city-wide camera program
• Approve $375,000 COPS Office grant to hire three police officers
• Award $553,015 contract to Gateway Construction, Inc. for Mirror Lake Drainage Basin Improvements
• Award contract to Miller Environmental Group for Hazard Response Services
• Consider annexation of 273 Acorn Lane (AX-23-02)

City Council approved two COPS Office grants for a city-wide camera program and the hiring of three police officers. The council also awarded contracts for hazard response services and drainage basin improvements. Additionally, an annexation request for 273 Acorn Lane was approved.

• Approved $600,000 COPS Office grant application for city-wide camera program
• Approved $375,000 COPS Office grant for hiring 3 police officers
• Awarded hazard response services contract to Miller Environmental Group
• Awarded $553,015 Mirror Lake Drainage Basin Improvements contract to Gateway Construction, Inc.
• Approved annexation request for 273 Acorn Lane
• Deferred annexation request for Calpine Holdings, LLC parcels on White Oak Road
• Scheduled 2023 Property Assessment Appeals for June 5-9, 2023
• Approved February 27, 2023 meeting minutes

City Council Meetings

The City Council of Dover, Delaware, is holding a special meeting on March 6, 2023, primarily to enter an executive session. The agenda lists the discussion of personnel matters, which are closed to the public pursuant to state law. No specific decisions, dollar amounts, or public hearings are detailed in the provided text.

• Executive session for personnel matters under 29 Del. C. §10004 (b)(9)

The City Council met for a special session and entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken during the meeting.

• Adopted the agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into Executive Session for personnel matters (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

Dover City Council members are invited to attend a 1st District Town Hall Meeting at Maple Dale Country Club on March 2, 2023. The notice clarifies that while a quorum may be present, this is not an official Council meeting, so no official action will be taken.

• 1st District Town Hall Meeting scheduled for March 2, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Location: Maple Dale Country Club, 180 Maple Dale Circle
• No official action will be taken at this meeting

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review three applications involving land annexation, a large-scale apartment development, and a new subdivision plan. The meeting includes technical reviews of site plans for residential density and street improvements.

• Annexation and rezoning request for 0.611 acres at 273 Acorn Lane
• Site development plan for College Road Apartments featuring two 6-story buildings and 385 units
• Lot consolidation of four parcels totaling 31.08 acres near Railroad Avenue and Grove Street
• Conceptual subdivision plan for Ekaman Subdivision to create six lots on 4.2311 acres
• Street construction and improvements proposed for Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will discuss and potentially approve several items, including a $600,000 COPS grant application for a city-wide camera program and a $375,000 COPS grant award for hiring three police officers. They will also consider awarding a contract for hazard response services and a contract for Mirror Lake drainage improvements. Two annexation requests are on the agenda, one of which is on hold. The meeting includes presentations and discussions on various topics, with no final votes expected as it is a committee meeting.

• COPS grant application for $600,000 for city-wide camera program
• COPS grant award of $375,000 for hiring 3 police officers
• Award contract to Miller Environmental Group for hazard response services
• Award contract to Gateway Construction, Inc. for Mirror Lake Drainage Basin Improvements for $553,015
• Annexation request for 273 Acorn Lane (AX-23-02) with utility services available

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended approval for two police grants totaling $975,000 and a $553,015 drainage project. The committee also approved a hazard response services contract and one property annexation, while deferring another annexation request.

• Recommended approval of $600,000 COPS grant for city-wide camera program (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of $375,000 COPS grant to hire 3 police officers (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding hazard response services contract to Miller Environmental Group (unanimous)
• Recommended awarding Mirror Lake Drainage Basin Improvements contract to Gateway Construction, Inc. for $553,015 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of annexation for 273 Acorn Lane (unanimous)
• Deferred annexation request for Calpine Holdings, LLC parcels on White Oak Road (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda, presentations, and reports. The main substantive item is a request to reschedule the public hearing and final reading of Proposed Ordinance #2023-01, which involves comprehensive plan amendments for two Calpine Holdings properties on White Oak Road. The council will also hear reports on the Robbins Hose Company, the Downtown Dover Master Plan, and a recreation plan review.

• Resolution No. 2023-01 - Ralph L. Taylor, Jr.
• Reschedule public hearing for Ordinance #2023-01 (Comprehensive Plan Amendments) to April 10, 2023
• Amendments to Map 13-1 and 13-2 for two Calpine Holdings parcels (144.83 and 104.06 acres) on White Oak Road
• Review of Active Recreation Plan for Leander Lakes III Apartments at 2285 Forrest Avenue
• Downtown Dover Partnership presentation on next steps of Downtown Dover Master Plan

City Council approved a revised active recreation plan for the Leander Lakes III Apartments at 2285 Forrest Avenue. The council also authorized staff to pursue a RAISE grant and coordinate with other government entities on downtown development. A public hearing for comprehensive plan amendments was rescheduled to April 10, 2023.

• Approved Active Recreation Plan for Leander Lakes III Apartments (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to pursue RAISE grant (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to develop resolution and coordinate with government entities for downtown development (Unanimous)
• Referred Memorial Park idea to Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred Loockerman Street temporary changes to Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-01 recognizing Ralph J. Taylor, Jr. (Unanimous)
• Accepted 2022 Annual Report of the Downtown Dover Partnership (Unanimous)
• Rescheduled Public Hearing for Proposed Ordinance #2023-01 to April 10, 2023 (Unanimous)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership board meets to review routine items (minutes, police report, property updates) and act on the Critical Improvements Program, with a recommendation on four applicants: Rail Haus beer garden, a proposed food mart, a food opportunity with two apartments, and Coney Island Grill with two apartments. The board will also hear updates on the annual report, funding request to the city, and the strategic master plan.

• CIP recommendation for Rail Haus beer garden (92 Ventures LLC)
• CIP recommendation for proposed food mart (J & G Holdings)
• CIP recommendation for food opportunity and two apartments (Otis Brooks)
• CIP recommendation for Coney Island Grill and two apartments (Zil Properties LLC)
• Updates on DDP Annual Report, funding request to City, and Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Dover Economic Vitality Committee (listed as the Economic Development and Restructuring Committee in the meeting title) will meet via Zoom on February 21, 2023. The agenda includes public comments and a business retention item: a REAP application for Otis Brooks of Tastee’s Chicken & Sea Food Restaurant. The rest of the agenda is procedural (welcome, introductions, other business, adjournment), and an executive session may be held at the chair’s discretion.

• REAP application for Otis Brooks, Tastee’s Chicken & Sea Food Restaurant (business retention item)
• Public comments period
• Executive session may be held at the chair’s discretion

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three new site development applications: a 200-unit apartment complex on Forrest Avenue, a car wash on N. Dupont Highway, and an office building on W. Division Street. They will also consider amendments to the Comprehensive Plan annexation maps for two Calpine Holdings properties on White Oak Road, and vote on a one-year extension for a previously approved master plan on Lafferty Lane. The meeting includes routine items like minutes approval and reports.

• S-23-04: 200-unit Leander Lakes III Apartments, 25 acres, Forrest Ave, 450 parking spaces
• S-23-05: 3,690 SF Tidal Wave Auto Spa car wash at 245 N. Dupont Highway, 24 vacuum spaces
• S-23-03: 6,226 SF two-story office building at 223 W. Division Street, waiver for upright curbing
• MI-23-01: Comprehensive Plan map amendments for two Calpine Holdings parcels (144.83 and 104.06 acres) to Priority Annexation Area and Public & Private Utilities
• S-21-03: Request for one-year extension of master plan approval for three lots at Secure Storage on Lafferty Lane

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is holding a special meeting with a short-notice agenda. The only substantive item is a recess into executive session to discuss strategy on collective bargaining or pending litigation, and personnel matters. No public action is listed except potential action resulting from the closed session.

• Executive session under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(4) for strategy on collective bargaining or litigation
• Executive session under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9) for personnel matters
• Potential action resulting from executive session

The City Council met for a special session and entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters and potential litigation. No official actions were taken resulting from these discussions.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into Executive Session (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission cancelled its February 16, 2023 meeting due to lack of agenda items. The next scheduled meeting is March 16, 2023.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for March 16, 2023

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will consider a variance application from Horizon Property Investments, LLC regarding multiple addresses on Kerbin Street. The request involves reducing minimum lot widths and increasing maximum lot coverage to allow for a minor subdivision into three separate parcels.

• Variance V-23-01: reduction of minimum lot width at 519 Kerbin Street from 70 feet to 66.5 feet
• Variance V-23-01: reduction of minimum lot width at 527 Kerbin Street from 70 feet to 62.94 feet
• Variance V-23-01: increase in maximum permitted lot coverage at 533 Kerbin Street from 35% to 44%
• Resolution honoring the service of Mr. William Hufnal to the Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment approved a variance request to allow a single parcel on Kerbin Street to be subdivided into three separate lots. The approval allows for reduced minimum lot widths and increased lot coverage for the resulting parcels.

• Approved variance V-23-01 for 519, 527, 533, and 533A Kerbin Street (5-0)
• Approved reduction of minimum lot width from 70 feet to 66.5 feet at 519 Kerbin Street (5-0)
• Approved reduction of minimum lot width from 70 feet to 62.94 feet at 527 Kerbin Street (5-0)
• Approved reduction of minimum lot width from 70 feet to 67.8 feet at 533 Kerbin Street (5-0)
• Approved increase in maximum permitted lot coverage from 35% to 44% at 533 Kerbin Street (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved October 20, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Accepted resolution honoring William Hufnal into the record

Economic Development Committee

The committee will hear a presentation on workforce development from the West End Neighborhood House. The meeting also includes an update regarding the Downtown Dover Master Plan.

• West End Neighborhood House Workforce Development Presentation
• Downtown Dover Master Plan Update

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover Council Committee of the Whole will hold two committee meetings: Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement will review the Active Recreation Plan for the Leander Lakes III apartments at 2285 Forrest Avenue, and Legislative, Finance, and Administration will hear a presentation on the Downtown Dover Master Plan next steps. No formal action is required on the master plan item.

• Review of Active Recreation Plan for Leander Lakes III Apartments at 2285 Forrest Avenue (Planning Reference #S-23-04)
• Downtown Dover Partnership presentation on next steps of Downtown Dover Master Plan

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended accepting the revised active recreation plan for the Leander Lakes III Apartments. Additionally, the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee authorized staff to pursue a RAISE grant and coordinate a TIF resolution.

• Recommended accepting revised Active Recreation Plan for Leander Lakes III Apartments (Unanimous)
• Recommended referring Memorial Park idea to Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to develop a TIF resolution and coordinate with other governmental entities (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to pursue RAISE grant for review by February 27, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Recommended referring Loockerman Street temporary changes to Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee (Unanimous)
• Requested staff report in 30 days on the status of conduit bonds (Unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a regular meeting with several reports and routine consent items. The most consequential items are first readings of two ordinances to annex and rezone properties on White Oak Road and Acorn Lane, which will be referred for public hearings. The council will also select polling places for the 2023 municipal election and confirm a police pension election.

• First reading of Ordinance #2023-02 to rezone two Calpine Holdings parcels (144.83 and 104.06 acres) on White Oak Road to IPM-2 (Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone)
• First reading of Ordinance #2023-03 to rezone 273 Acorn Lane (0.611 acres) from RS-1 to R-8 (One Family Residence Zone)
• Selection of Elks Lodge #1903, 200 Saulsbury Road, as polling place for 1st and 2nd Districts and Mayor
• Confirmation of Police Pension Election for Retired Lieutenant Timothy Mullaney, Sr. (three-year term to January 31, 2026)
• Waiver request for lot frontage at 631 Ridgely Street (East Carolina Supply Warehouse) to subdivide 28.65 acres

City Council approved the allocation of nearly $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to sub-grantees for Covid-19 response projects. The council also designated the Elks Lodge #1903 as the polling place for the 2023 municipal elections. Two annexation and rezoning requests were referred to committees for further review.

• Awarded $499,610.82 in ARPA funds to sub-grantees for Covid-19 projects (unanimous)
• Designated Elks Lodge #1903 as polling place for 1st District, 2nd District, and Mayor (6-1)
• Approved subdivision waiver for East Carolina Supply Warehouse at 631 Ridgely Street (unanimous)
• Referred annexation/rezoning of two parcels on White Oak Road to Utility Committee and Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Referred annexation/rezoning of 273 Acorn Lane to Utility Committee and Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Accepted 2022 Annual Report of the Downtown Dover Partnership (unanimous)
• Accepted 2022 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and Community Development (unanimous)
• Deferred Robbins Hose Company 2022 Annual Report to February 27, 2023 meeting (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Athletic League (PAL) Committee is holding a regular meeting to discuss program updates, old business, and strategic planning. The agenda is subject to change, and public comments are welcome on any item.

• PAL program updates and new business
• Old business review
• Strategic planning discussion
• Announcements

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Board approved budgets for three upcoming events. The board also decided to change the registration process for the 'A Day In Their Boots' program to a first-come, first-served basis on the morning of the event.

• Approved budget not to exceed $2,500 each for Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Academy, and Football Combine (Unanimous)
• Decided 'A Day In Their Boots' registration will be first come, first serve on the morning of the program

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Development Partnership Merchant Committee is meeting to discuss upcoming promotions and events, including a February merchant window contest, a St. Patrick's Day parade, and a merchant mixer scheduled for February 20 at La Baguette. The agenda also includes updates on the Downtown Dover gift card program, the Capital Key February offer, and the DDP Master Plan. The meeting is largely procedural, covering routine business such as approving December minutes and taking public comments.

• Merchant Window Contest scheduled for February
• Merchant Mixer on February 20 at La Baguette (confirmed)
• St. Patrick's Day parade planning
• Downtown Gift Cards Dover program update
• Capital Key February offer update

Home Events

The City of Dover's Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board met virtually to review quarterly financial reports. Staff recommended the acceptance of performance reviews for the General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans for the quarter ending December 31, 2022, prepared by Milliman, Inc. The agenda included procedural items such as the adoption of minutes from the November 10, 2022 meeting and market commentary.

• Acceptance of General Employee Pension Plan quarterly performance report (Q4 2022)
• Acceptance of Police Pension Plan quarterly performance report (Q4 2022)
• Acceptance of OPEB Plan quarterly performance report (Q4 2022)
• Adoption of minutes from the November 10, 2022 meeting

The Joint Pension and OPEB boards accepted investment performance reviews for the quarter ending December 31, 2022. The boards also voted to require a study and presentation on the possibility of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the General Employees’ Pension Plan at the next meeting.

• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for the General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for the Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for the OPEB Plan (unanimous)
• Approved request for a study and presentation on a possible COLA increase for the General Employees’ Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from November 10, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee (DAC) met to review and comment on applications ahead of the February 21, 2023 Planning Commission meeting. Items included a withdrawn daycare application, a new office building, a 200-unit apartment complex, a car wash, and comprehensive plan amendments tied to a proposed annexation. The meeting was held in person and virtually; public comment was not accepted.

• C-23-01 TLC Childcare, LLC at 901 S State Street — withdrawn by applicant on February 3, 2023.
• S-23-03 NeighborGood Partners — two-story 6,226 SF office building at 223 W. Division Street; waiver request for elimination of upright curbing; tree mitigation plan.
• S-23-04 Leander Lakes III Apartments — eight 3-story garden-style buildings plus one 2-story 8-unit building, 200 total units, 450 parking spaces, on 25 acres at 2285 Forrest Avenue; minor subdivision to create two lots.
• S-23-05 Tidal Wave Auto Spa — 3,690 SF car wash with 24 vacuum spaces at 245 N. Dupont Highway; lot consolidation of two parcels totaling 2.15 acres.
• MI-23-01 Comprehensive Plan Amendments 2023 — two parcels on White Oak Road (144.83 and 104.06 acres) proposed for Category 2 Priority Annexation Area and Public & Private Utilities land use classification, tied to Annexation Application AX-23-01.

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee is meeting to discuss downtown improvements, including updates on the Dover Public Library, Biggs, Art League, and the Holiday Window Decorating Contest, as well as downtown banners. They will also consider a new conceptual project by Del Tech students. The meeting is largely procedural, with approvals of agenda and minutes, and public comment.

• Dover Public Library update
• Biggs update
• Art League update
• Holiday Window Decorating Contest update
• Del Tech Student Design Conceptual Project

Home Events

The Special Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for February 6, 2023, has been cancelled. No meeting will take place at the listed time and location.

• Meeting cancelled

Election Board

The Dover Election Board is meeting to discuss and select polling places for the 2023 Regular Municipal Election. The meeting is the only substantive item on the agenda, with the rest being procedural. Public participation is available via WebEx.

• Selection of Polling Places for the 2023 Regular Municipal Election

The Election Board designated the Elks Lodge at 200 Saulsbury Road as the single polling place for the 2023 Regular Municipal Election. The board also scheduled an audit of the election results for April 19, 2023.

• Approved one polling place at the Elks Lodge (unanimous)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing several site development applications and comprehensive plan amendments. Items include a 200-unit apartment project, a new car wash facility, and updates to the city's annexation maps.

• Leander Lakes III Apartments: construction of 200 units across eight buildings at 2285 Forrest Avenue
• Tidal Wave Auto Spa: construction of a 3,690 SF car wash and 24 vacuum spaces at 245 N. Dupont Highway
• NeighborGood Partners Division Street Office: construction of a 6,226 SF office building at 223 W. Division Street
• TLC Childcare, LLC: conversion of a dwelling into a large family day care at 901 S State St
• Comprehensive Plan Amendments: reclassifying two Calpine Holdings, LLC parcels near White Oak Road as Priority Annexation Areas

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council is holding a special meeting, primarily to recess into executive session to discuss an update on potential litigation. The meeting was posted with less than seven days' notice due to the timing of the information. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Executive session under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(4) for strategy on potential litigation
• Update on potential litigation
• Potential action resulting from executive session

The City Council held a special meeting that included an executive session to discuss potential litigation. Following that session, the Council voted to strike a proposed ordinance.

• Adopted the agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into Executive Session (unanimous)
• Struck proposed ordinance 2022-26 (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council is holding a special meeting to consider one item: a budget reallocation. The proposal involves shifting funds from budget item #778 to purchase a replacement for vehicle #749. Staff recommends approval of this reallocation to acquire a readily available replacement vehicle.

• Approval of budget reallocation from #778 to purchase replacement for vehicle #749

City Council approved a budget reallocation to purchase a replacement vehicle for #749. Electric Director Paul Waddell reported price increases for several vehicles, noting the cost for #778 rose to $286,000 from an original budget of $214,400.

• Approved reallocation of budgeted funding for #778 to purchase a replacement for #749 (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

This is a special City Council meeting with two agenda items: a constituent's concerns about the loitering ordinance language and a constituent's safety concerns regarding Irish Mikes Pub. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no listed votes, contracts, or dollar amounts.

• Constituent's Loitering Ordinance Language Concerns
• Constituent's Safety Concerns Regarding Irish Mikes Pub

City Council held a special meeting to discuss a proposed loitering ordinance aimed at removing criminal penalties and profiling language from the existing state-mirrored code. No formal vote was recorded; the session consisted of public testimony and council discussion regarding homelessness, downtown safety, and business impacts.

• No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was for public discussion

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board meeting scheduled for January 25, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2023.

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals will consider two appeals related to property maintenance code violations. The items involve challenges to registration fees for vacant buildings.

• Appeal of registration fee for 406 Governors Avenue
• Appeal of registration fee for 293 Pine Valley Road

The Board upheld a building inspector's decision to declare 406 Governors Avenue as vacant for a second year. A separate appeal regarding 293 Pine Valley Road was tabled pending the filing of permits and an exemption request.

• Upheld decision to declare 406 Governors Avenue in its second year vacant (3-0)
• Tabled appeal for 293 Pine Valley Road pending permit filings and exemption grant (3-0)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership board is holding a special meeting to receive an update on the Master Plan from Mosaic Development Partners. No board action is required, and the agenda includes public comment.

• Master Plan update by Mosaic Development Partners
• Public comment period
• Adoption of agenda

City Council Meetings

A quorum of City Council may be present at a special meeting of the Downtown Dover Partnership. This is not an official meeting of the City Council, and no official action will be taken.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review a request for a subdivision waiver at 631 Ridgely Street and receive updates on MPO projects. The committee will also discuss American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations and presentations from community groups.

• Proposed award of $499,610.82 in ARPA funds to sub-grantees for Covid-19 response projects
• Subdivision waiver request for 631 Ridgely Street to create a lot without frontage on a public street
• Quarterly briefing on Dover/Kent County MPO projects
• Presentation by the Mid-Atlantic Justice Coalition
• Update from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

The Council Committee of the Whole recommended awarding nearly $500,000 in ARPA funds to sub-grantees for Covid-19 response projects. The committee also recommended approval of a subdivision waiver for a warehouse project on Ridgely Street. Other sessions included briefings on regional planning and union priorities.

• Recommended awarding $499,610.82 in ARPA funds to sub-grantees for Covid-19 projects (Unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Subdivision Waiver for East Carolina Supply Warehouse at 631 Ridgely Street to allow a lot without public street frontage (Unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote on consent agenda items including two construction contracts, a $3 million community reinvestment fund allocation plan, and a change order for Well #9. The council will also hold a first reading of a proposed ordinance to amend the 2019 Comprehensive Plan for annexation areas on White Oak Road, with public hearings scheduled for February and March.

• Award $1,037,595.25 contract to Sam's Construction, LLC for FY 2023 Street and Alley Program
• Award $148,000 contract to Gateway Construction, Inc. for Williams Park Storm Pipe Replacement
• Approve $3M Community Reinvestment Fund project allocation plan
• Approve $19,500 change order from AECOM, Inc. for Well #9
• First reading of Ordinance #2023-01 for Comprehensive Plan amendments for Calpine Holdings properties on White Oak Road

City Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including a street and alley repaving program and a storm pipe replacement. The council also accepted $3M in Community Reinvestment Funds for water main and sewer projects and updated its energy risk management policy.

• Approved $1,037,595.25 contract to Sam’s Construction, LLC for FY 2023 Street and Alley Program (Unanimous)
• Approved $148,000 contract to Gateway Construction, Inc. for Williams Park Storm Pipe Replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management to increase limit to $40M (Unanimous)
• Accepted $3M from Community Reinvestment Fund for water main, sewer, and street projects (Unanimous)
• Approved $19,500 change order for AECOM, Inc. regarding Well #9 (Unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Theresa L. Whalen to Dover Public Library Advisory Commission (Unanimous)
• Accepted draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Unanimous)
• Referred Proposed Ordinance #2023-01 regarding Comprehensive Plan amendments to Planning Commission

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission meets January 19, 2023, to approve prior minutes, hear staff reports, and hold a public hearing on a parking lot reconfiguration at 34 The Green (Shank Shack, LLC). The project requires an Architectural Review Certificate and is tied to the future Kent County Family Courthouse redevelopment. The agenda also includes updates on historic preservation grants and the Certified Local Government program.

• Public hearing and review of HI-23-01: parking lot improvements at 34 The Green, zoned RGO with Historic District Overlay, associated with Kent County Family Courthouse project
• Adoption of minutes from November 10, 2022
• Summary of applications for 2021 and 2022
• Summary of Architectural Review Certificates for 2022
• Historic Preservation Grant Opportunities update

The Historic District Commission approved an architectural review certificate for parking reconfiguration and landscaping at 34 The Green. Members also discussed the potential removal of two blocks of Loockerman Street from the Historic District.

• Approved parking lot reconfiguration and improvements at 34 The Green (3-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment has cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for January 18, 2023. The next meeting is set for February 15, 2023. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting: February 15, 2023

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership held a special meeting to discuss a Master Plan update presented by Mosaic Development Partners. The agenda included standard procedural items and a public comment period. No specific decisions, dollar amounts, or ordinances were listed in the provided text.

• Discussion of Master Plan update by Mosaic Development Partners

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission meets to review a water and wastewater presentation and address environmental concerns on the lake. Key topics include the impact of the growing cormorant population on trees and the city's planting requirements along State Street Extended. The body also considers requests to trap snapping turtles and allow residential irrigation sourcing from Silver Lake, alongside updates on park projects and maintenance.

• Report on tree devastation caused by growing cormorant population on the lake
• Discussion of city tree removal and planting requirements along State Street Extended
• Request to trap snapping turtles
• Request to allow residential irrigation sourcing from Silver Lake
• Update on Silver Lake Park Projects and Maintenance Crew

City Council Meetings

Dover City Council members are invited to attend a special meeting of the Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors. The notice clarifies that this is not a meeting of the City Council, so no official action will be taken by the Council.

• Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors Special Meeting at 35 Loockerman Plaza

Home Events

The City of Dover Planning Commission will review a request to extend approval for the Cassidy Commons manufacturing project and hold a public hearing for a new warehouse development on Ridgely Street. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as the adoption of minutes and reports on 2022 applications. No final decisions on the new applications are guaranteed, as they are subject to review and public comment.

• Request for one-year extension of approval for C-21-01 Cassidy Commons at 101-1001 Cassidy Drive for six additional manufacturing/warehousing buildings.
• Public hearing for S-23-01 East Carolina Supply Warehouse at 631 Ridgely Street, proposing a 42,400 SF warehouse on a subdivided parcel.
• Review of waiver requests for the Ridgely Street project, including partial elimination of curbing and reduced parking requirements.

The Planning Commission approved a site development and subdivision plan for a new warehouse on Ridgely Street and granted a one-year extension for the Cassidy Commons project.

• Approved one-year extension for C-21-01 Cassidy Commons site plan (8-0)
• Approved S-23-01 East Carolina Supply Warehouse site development and minor subdivision plan (8-0)
• Approved Performance Standards Review for 631 Ridgely Street (8-0)
• Approved parking requirement reduction for 631 Ridgely Street from 53 to 27 spaces (8-0)
• Approved subdivision waiver to create a lot without public street frontage at 631 Ridgely Street (8-0)
• Approved revised meeting agenda (8-0)
• Approved December 19, 2022 meeting minutes (8-0)

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2023, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2023. No specific design projects or decisions were discussed at this cancelled session.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting scheduled for February 8, 2023

Economic Development Committee

The committee heard a presentation from Donny Legans regarding the Rail Haus Beer Garden project. No formal votes or decisions were made concerning the project during the meeting.

• Approved the agenda and minutes as presented

Council Committee of the Whole

The Utility Committee recommended awarding two construction contracts and amending the energy risk management policy. The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee decided to seek public input on traffic calming options for Governors Boulevard. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee recommended accepting the draft FY 2022 audit report.

• Recommended awarding FY 2023 Street and Alley Program contract to Sam’s Construction, LLC for $1,037,595.25 (Unanimous)
• Recommended awarding Williams Park Storm Pipe Replacement contract to Gateway Construction, Inc. for $148,000 (Unanimous)
• Recommended approving amendments to the Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management (Unanimous)
• Recommended seeking public input and further research on low-impact and CTF-funded traffic calming for Governors Blvd, Ross St, and Bradford St (Unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of the draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for FY 2022 (Unanimous)
• Accepted the Dover Public Library Brand Guide report (Unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the annexation and rezoning of three parcels on the north side of West Denneys Road. The meeting also includes a final reading for ordinances amending industrial park regulations and changing zoning designations for these properties.

• Public hearing for rezoning three parcels near West Denneys Road to RM-2 Medium Density Residence Zone
• Proposed Ordinance #2022-21 regarding Industrial park manufacturing zone (IPM2) amendments
• Final reading and adoption of Rezoning Ordinance #2022-25 for West Denneys Road parcels
• Adoption of Annexation Resolution No. 2022-08
• Presentation: Certificate of Congratulations for Dover High School Football Team

Council adopted a zoning text amendment for the Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone and approved the annexation and rezoning of three parcels on West Denneys Road for medium-density residential use. The meeting also included the adoption of November 2022 monthly reports and the December 2022 meeting minutes.

• Adopted Ordinance #2022-21 amending Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone (IPM2) text (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2022-08 to annex three parcels on West Denneys Road (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance #2022-25 rezoning three parcels on West Denneys Road to RM-2 (unanimous)
• Approved December 12, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted November 2022 monthly reports via consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review agency comments regarding a site development and minor subdivision plan. This meeting focuses on questions related to the draft DAC report for an application by Clara Ridgly Project, LLC.

• Subdivision of 28.65 acres into Parcel A (4.928 acres) and a Residual Parcel (23.726 acres)
• Proposed construction of a 42,400 SF warehouse on Parcel A
• Waiver requests for partial elimination of curbing, reduced parking requirements, and a subdivision waiver for a lot without frontage
• Performance Standards Review for the site development plan