Dover public meetings in 2025

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing four site development applications for technical feedback. These items are anticipated to be scheduled for public hearings at the Planning Commission meeting on January 20, 2026.

• Bayhealth Medical Center (640 South State Street): Master Plan for 22.55 acres including a 6-story overbuild, 5-story parking garage, and surgical pavilion
• R.E. Pierson Regional Headquarters (30 Lafferty Lane): 9,900 SF office and 9,600 SF garage on 5.284 acres
• The Enclave Apartments (Walker Road): Two 3-story buildings totaling 48 units on 6.08 acres
• DuPont Plaza (747 North DuPont Highway): Revised Master Plan for a retail center with four buildings totaling 44,366 SF

City Council Meetings

The Police Advisory Board workshop scheduled for December 18, 2025, was cancelled because a quorum was not met. The agenda had included reviews of membership applications for Mr. Otis Harris and Dr. Katera Moore.

• Membership application review for Mr. Otis Harris
• Membership application review for Dr. Katera Moore

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for December 18, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were presented, so no decisions or discussions will take place. The next meeting is set for January 15, 2026.

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Economic Vitality Committee will discuss several updates to the downtown Dover master plan, including the Mobility Center and the status of 120 S. Governor’s Ave. They will hear about upcoming groundbreaking in October, streetscape and water/wastewater infrastructure work, and updates from working groups such as the Critical Improvements Program and the new recruitment incentives program. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Mobility Center updates, including EDiS contractor orientations and BID sessions at The Hive, 28 W. Loockerman St.
• Groundbreaking scheduled for October (project unspecified)
• Status update on 120 S. Governor’s Ave. property
• Streetscape and water/wastewater infrastructure improvements
• Presentation of new recruitment incentives under the REAP program

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet to review the draft 2026 schedule of deadlines and meetings. The board will also continue discussions regarding draft Rules of Procedure.

• Draft 2026 Schedule of Deadlines and Meetings
• Draft Rules of Procedure for Board of Adjustment

The Board approved the meeting agenda, prior meeting minutes, and the 2026 schedule of deadlines and meetings, each by a 5-0 vote. Members also elected Mr. Senato as Chair and Mr. Coburn as Vice Chair, both unanimously. The Board began discussion of Draft Rules of Procedure but did not adopt them at this meeting.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved training session minutes of September 17, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved regular meeting minutes of October 15, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved 2026 Schedule of Deadlines and Meetings (5-0)
• Elected Mr. Senato as Chair (5-0)
• Elected Mr. Coburn as Vice Chair (5-0)
• Discussed Draft Rules of Procedure – no vote taken

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will adopt its agenda and approve minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will receive reports on assessment, community programs, school programs, by‑law updates, and finance. The meeting includes an open discussion period for public comments. No specific actions beyond routine approvals are listed.

• Adoption of agenda
• Approval of October 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• Assessment report (Ms. Mullen and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• Community programs report (Mr. Faust and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• School programs report (Mr. Lott, Ms. White and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)

The Dover Human Relations Commission adopted its agenda after Ms. Brinkley moved and Mr. Faust seconded the motion, with unanimous approval. The commission also adopted the minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting after Mr. Faust moved and Ms. Mullen seconded, again unanimously approved.

• Adopt agenda (unanimously carried)
• Adopt minutes from Oct 21, 2025 meeting (unanimously carried)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will not hold its scheduled meeting on December 16, 2025. Consequently, no appeals, rezoning decisions, or code enforcement matters will be considered at this time.

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review a revised site development plan and architectural review certification for the Old Post mixed‑use project at 55 Loockerman Plaza. The revision proposes increasing apartments from 36 to 42, adding a four‑story 43,092 SF building, and demolishing the rear warehouse. The commission will also adopt minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting and present a draft schedule of deadlines and meetings for 2026.

• Adoption of minutes from the October 20, 2025 Planning Commission meeting
• Presentation of a draft schedule of deadlines and meetings for 2026
• Public hearing and review of the revised site development plan for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza (mixed‑use, 42 residential units, demolition of rear warehouse, new 4‑story addition)
• Consideration of a revised parking strategy statement and active recreation area plan for the same project
• Discussion of requests for extension of Planning Commission approval (old business)

DDP Design Committee

The DDP Design Committee discussed updates on the Tiny Art Project, reviewing concepts submitted by local artists and setting payment terms of $250 upfront and $250 upon completion. The committee requested property owners to respond on location approvals by November 20, with a possible extension to December 15. A brief WinterFest update was also provided, and no new business was introduced.

• Review of Tiny Art Project concepts from local artists
• Decision to pay artists $250 upfront and $250 upon project completion
• Request for property owner responses on site approvals by Nov 20 (extendable to Dec 15)
• WinterFest update
• Status update on 32 W. Loockerman St. metal art project (funds in hand, permit pending)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for December 9, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The committee will reconvene on January 13, 2026.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will hear reports from several standing committees, including a recommendation to award a $2,110,312 contract to Richard E. Pierson Construction Company for water quality improvements. A proposed ordinance to amend fire‑prevention fees will be forwarded to the full council for approval. The meeting also includes a review of the revised Active Recreation Plan for The Old Post and a safety request to stripe East Loockerman Street. A quarterly budget review will be presented with no committee action required.

• Award contract to Richard E. Pierson Construction Co., Inc. for Water Quality Improvements Project (ITB #26-0005WW) – $2,110,312.
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-25 to amend Appendix F – Fees and Fines, Chapter 46 – Fire Prevention and Protection (to be forwarded to council).
• Review and staff recommendation to approve Revised Active Recreation Plan – The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza.
• Safety Advisory recommendation to seek funding to stripe East Loockerman Street from South Edgehill Avenue to North Little Creek Road.
• Quarterly Budget Review presented by City Manager (no committee action required).

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee approved the revised active recreation area plan for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza, following staff recommendation and subject to outlined conditions. The motion to accept the recommendation was moved by Councilman Rocha, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried unanimously. The committee also adopted its agenda without opposition.

• Approved revised active recreation area plan for The Old Post (unanimously)
• Adopted committee agenda (unanimously)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will adopt the agenda, approve routine consent items, and consider several contract awards totaling over $1.7 million, including a $874,256 Street & Alley Program contract. Council members will also hear a sole‑source procurement for an Infrastructure Modernization Project up to $295,000 and the first readings of two rezoning ordinances affecting 7 Nixon Lane and 1624 N Little Creek Road. Additional items include proposed stormwater and pedestrian‑safety ordinances slated for later discussion.

• Award contract to Grassbusters Landscaping Co. for FY 2026 Street & Alley Program, $874,256
• Award contract to Pierce Fence Company for security fence replacement at Water Treatment Plant, $216,650
• Award contract to A-Del Construction for Pump Station #7 upgrades, $636,548
• Approve sole‑source procurement for Infrastructure Modernization Project, not to exceed $295,000 using CISA grant funds
• First reading of rezoning ordinance changing 7 Nixon Lane from RS‑1 to R‑8 zoning

The regular City Council meeting was held on December 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Council members, staff, and the mayor were present and an Open Forum allowed residents to comment on public‑safety and homelessness issues. No formal motions, votes, or approvals were recorded in the minutes. The council did not take any official action on Proposed Ordinance #2025‑21.

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council's Police Athletic League (PAL) session scheduled for Dec 3, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No funding requests, PAL updates, or Dover Community Policing Foundation by‑law discussions were decided. Public comments and announcements were not taken.

• Request for funding for upcoming PAL events (not acted on)
• PAL updates (not acted on)
• Dover Community Policing Foundation by‑laws discussion (not acted on)
• Announcements (not acted on)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board will discuss its budget report and several grant updates, including a $1 million request from the Longwood Foundation. The meeting also covers pending contracts such as the EDiS Design Build amendment #2 and a Year 3 consulting agreement for the Property Development Director. Additional topics include property updates, the Downtown Dover Master Plan, and event planning for WinterFest in January.

• Longwood Foundation $1M grant request (private)
• EDiS Design Build amendment #2 pending
• Property Development Director consulting agreement (Year 3)
• Mobility Center lot consolidations and pre‑bid meeting
• WinterFest Downtown Dover – January 16‑17

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review a revised site development plan and architectural certification for The Old Post project. The committee will focus on questions regarding the draft DAC report and comments. This review precedes a Planning Commission meeting on December 15, 2025.

• S-25-07 Revised: Mixed-use redevelopment of 1.267 acres at 55 Loockerman Plaza
• Proposed increase in apartment unit count from 36 to 42 units
• Proposed 43,092 SF four-story building addition
• Review of Revised Parking Strategy Statement and Active Recreation Area Plan
• Adaptive re-use of 4,560 SF front portion for restaurant, retail, or business space

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will consider the revised site development plan and architectural review certification for The Old Post mixed‑use project at 55 Loockerman Plaza. The review includes increased apartment units, a new building addition, a revised parking strategy, and an active recreation area plan. The application is slated for a public hearing before the Planning Commission on December 15, 2025.

• Review of Revised Site Development Plan Application for The Old Post (55 Loockerman Plaza)
• Review of Revised Architectural Review Certification for The Old Post
• Review of Revised Parking Strategy Statement and Active Recreation Area Plan
• Project located in C‑2 zone, subject to SWPOZ and Historic District overlays
• Public hearing scheduled for Planning Commission on December 15, 2025

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review bids for water plant security, pump station upgrades, and the FY 2026 Street and Alley Program. The body will also discuss updates to the city's stormwater and pedestrian safety ordinances.

• Contract for FY 2026 Street and Alley Program to Grassbusters Landscaping Co., Inc for $874,256
• Contract for Pump Station #7 Upgrades to A-Del Construction for $636,548
• Contract for Water Treatment Plant security fence replacement to Pierce Fence Company for $216,650
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-17 to amend the Stormwater Ordinance
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-21 regarding pedestrian safety

The Committee adopted its meeting agenda by a unanimous vote. No other substantive actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. The meeting included district reports and a Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee briefing that was informational only.

• Adopted Committee agenda (unanimously carried)
• Adopted Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee agenda (unanimously carried)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will consider final readings of two ordinances regarding finance and traffic. The body will also vote on the 2026 fire line officers for the Robbins Hose Company.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-18: Adding Sec. 2-427 regarding New Vehicle Billable Rates
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-20: Adding Sec. 106-18 regarding Strictly Enforced traffic and vehicles
• Election of 2026 Fire Line Officers for Robbins Hose Company
• Proclamation for National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

Council President Neil presided as the council adopted the meeting agenda by unanimous roll‑call vote. The consent agenda and the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously. By unanimous vote the council accepted the Robbins Hose Company No. 1 fire line officers for 2026. The council proclaimed November 2025 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, with the mayor presenting the proclamation.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved October 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Accepted Robbins Hose Company No. 1 fire line officers for 2026 (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Proclaimed November 2025 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month (no vote recorded)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet for a special session to conduct an executive session. The body will discuss strategy and personnel matters.

• Strategy session regarding collective bargaining or litigation
• Discussion of personnel matters

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing on a revised redevelopment plan for the Old Dover Post Office property. The body will also review a fence permit application and elect its Chair and Vice-Chair.

• Revised application for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza: proposed increase from 36 to 42 apartment units and a 43,092 SF building addition
• Fence Permit #25-1463 at 55 Kings Hwy SW: proposal for a 6-foot vinyl fence
• Resolution honoring Mary Mason for service to the Commission
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Update on FFY2024 and FFY2025 Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Applications

The commission approved its agenda and the August 21, 2025 meeting minutes, each by a 4‑0 vote. It then adopted a resolution honoring former member Mary T. Mason for her service, also by a unanimous 4‑0 vote. No final action was taken on the fence permit application, which was discussed but not voted on.

• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adopted resolution honoring Mary T. Mason (4-0)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding violations of the Dangerous Building Ordinance. Staff recommends declaring specific properties dangerous and ordering their demolition or repair by December 22, 2025.

• Public hearings for dangerous building violations at 29 S. New Street
• Public hearings for dangerous building violations at 111 S. Queen Street
• Public hearings for dangerous building violations at 303 W. Division Street
• Public hearings for dangerous building violations at 415 W. Division Street

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Advisory Board will consider a revised resolution to create up to two designated seats for city high‑school students on the board. The board will also review student membership applications for Lillyrose Granger and Ayrue Lin, and consider a mayor‑recommended appointment of Melynda A. Cameron. Standard items include public comment, adoption of the agenda and minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting.

• Revised Resolution 24-01 – allow up to two city high‑school students designated seats on the Police Advisory Board
• Membership application review for students Lillyrose Granger and Ayrue Lin
• Membership appointment recommended by Mayor Christiansen – Melynda A. Cameron
• Adoption of agenda
• Adoption of September 18, 2025 meeting minutes

The Police Advisory Board unanimously approved a revision to Resolution 24-01, permitting up to two high‑school students to hold designated seats on the board. The board also accepted two student applicants, LillyRose Granger and Ayrue Lin, pending criminal‑history checks and mayoral approval, and appointed Melynda A. Cameron to a three‑year term ending May 31 2028. The agenda and the September 18, 2025 minutes were adopted without dissent.

• Revised Resolution 24-01 to permit up to two high‑school students on the board (unanimously carried)
• Accepted LillyRose Granger as a student member pending criminal check and mayoral approval (unanimously carried)
• Accepted Ayrue Lin as a student member pending criminal check and mayoral approval (unanimously carried)
• Accepted Melynda A. Cameron as a board member for a modified three‑year term ending May 31 2028 (unanimously carried)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimously carried)
• Adopted the minutes from September 18 2025 (unanimously carried)

Board of Adjustment

The regular Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled for Nov. 19, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for Dec. 17, 2025

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will adopt the meeting agenda and approve the minutes from its October 21, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will receive reports on the city’s assessment, community programs, school programs, by‑law updates, and finance. An open discussion period will follow the reports before adjournment.

• Adoption of agenda
• Approval of minutes from the October 21, 2025 meeting
• Assessment report (Ms. Mullen and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• Community Programs report (Mr. Faust and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• School Programs report (Mr. Lott, Ms. White and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)

Home Events

The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Taskforce will discuss a proposed outreach initiative with peer‑to‑peer organizations and consider committee recommendations. The meeting also includes briefings on preparing a high‑quality grant proposal and on the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission's grant distribution process, both of which do not require committee action.

• Preparation of a high‑quality grant proposal (no committee action required)
• Grant distribution briefing by the Delaware Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission (POSDC) (no committee action required)
• OUD Taskforce and Peer‑to‑Peer Organizations Outreach Initiative (committee action required)

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Athletic League Committee will discuss the Dover Community Policing Foundation by-laws, set a date for a strategic planning session, and introduce Corporal Jordan Marucci as the new PAL coordinator. The meeting will also include PAL updates and general announcements.

• Discussion of Dover Community Policing Foundation by-laws
• Set date for strategic planning session
• Introduction of Corporal Jordan Marucci as new PAL coordinator
• PAL updates
• Announcements

The Police Athletic League board set the strategic planning session for January 7, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. It also established a regular meeting cadence on the first Wednesdays of February, May, August and November at noon. Agenda amendments were adopted to approve the October 20, 2025 minutes and to reorder the agenda for officer presentations.

• Scheduled strategic planning session for Jan 7 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
• Established regular PAL board meetings: first Wednesdays of Feb, May, Aug & Nov at noon
• Adopted agenda amendment to approve Oct 20 2025 meeting minutes
• Adopted agenda amendment to reorder agenda for officer presentations

Home Events

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for November 17, 2025, has been cancelled. The notice states there are no new applications for consideration at this time.

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee will discuss an update on the CPTED metal project at 32 W. Loockerman St., including funding status and permit progress. Members will consider the Tiny Art Project, including recruiting three local artists and reviewing submitted applications. The committee will also address the Paint Dover October virtual exhibition and select leadership (Chair/Co‑Chair) for FY 2026.

• Update on 32 W. Loockerman St. CPTED metal project – funds in hand, permit status
• Tiny Art Project – seeking three local artists
• Review of artist applications for Tiny Art Project
• Paint Dover October virtual exhibition planning
• Selection of Chair/Co‑Chair leadership for Design Committee FY 2026

Council Committee of the Whole

The City Council Committee of the Whole will not meet on November 11, 2025. The next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2025.

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will discuss a public hearing on the rezoning of Bayhealth Medical Center's 1.0053‑acre parcel at 600 South State Street. The council will consider the recommendation to award the SCADA Equipment Upgrade contract to Avista for $480,613. Several proposed ordinances—including new vehicle billable rates and traffic enforcement measures—will be forwarded for council approval. Additional items include routine committee reports and consent agenda actions.

• Public hearing on rezoning Bayhealth Medical Center property at 600 South State Street from RGO to IO zone
• Recommendation to award SCADA Equipment Upgrade contract to Avista for $480,613 (RFP #26-0002WW)
• Sole source procurement approvals for Cartanza RTU/RTAC Replacement (Project EE2602) and ABB to SEL Relay Replacement (Project EE2615)
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-18 to add Sec. 2-427 new vehicle billable rates
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-20 to add Sec. 106-18 strictly enforced traffic regulation

Council removed Item #14 from the consent agenda after a 7‑yes, 1‑no, 1‑abstain vote. The amended consent agenda was then adopted unanimously. Mayor Christiansen proclaimed GIS Day for November 19, 2025 and Geography Awareness Week for November 16‑22, 2025. The council gave final reading approval, by title only, to the rezoning ordinance for the Bayhealth Medical Center property at 600 South State Street, changing it from RGO to IO, with a unanimous vote.

• Removed Item #14 from consent agenda (7 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain)
• Adopted amended consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Proclaimed GIS Day Nov 19, 2025 and Geography Awareness Week Nov 16‑22, 2025
• Approved final reading of rezoning ordinance #2025-15 for 600 South State Street (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a special meeting featuring an executive session to discuss the Infrastructure Modernization Project. The session is closed to the public to protect information technology infrastructure and security details.

• Infrastructure Modernization Project

The council adopted the meeting agenda by unanimous vote. It then approved a motion to recess into an executive session, also unanimously. The executive session ran from 5:20 p.m. to 6:02 p.m. No formal actions were taken during the session.

• Adopt agenda (unanimous)
• Recess into executive session (unanimous)

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will adopt the agenda and minutes, review quarterly performance and expenditure reports for the pension plans, and examine investment policy updates. A key item is the discussion of a one-time 10% pension increase for police retirees. The board will also set the date for the next meeting, typically in February.

• Quarterly performance reviews for employee, police, and OPEB plans (ending Sep 30, 2025)
• Discussion of a one-time 10% pension increase for police retirees
• Investment policy reviews for the three pension plans
• Quarterly expenditure report review for the general employee pension plan
• Scheduling the next joint board meeting (usually in February)

The board amended the agenda to remove three investment‑policy items and adopted the revised agenda unanimously. It accepted the Market Commentary and the Quarterly Performance Reviews for the General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans. The board unanimously approved a 5% one‑time increase in Police Pension benefits effective July 1 2026 and a second 5% increase effective July 1 2027, and will forward the request to City Council. The board also accepted the General Employee Pension expenditure report and set the next meeting for February 12 2026.

• Amended agenda to delete Items #7‑9 (investment policy reviews) – unanimous
• Adopted revised agenda – unanimous
• Adopted minutes of Aug 7 2025 meeting – unanimous
• Adopted minutes of Oct 14 2025 Police Pension Committee meeting – unanimous
• Accepted Market Commentary – unanimous
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for General Employee Pension Plan – unanimous
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for Police Pension Plan – unanimous
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for OPEB Plan – unanimous

Home Events

Dover City Council members are invited to attend a presentation on the St. Jones Watershed at the Silver Lake Commission Meeting. The event is held at City Hall and no official Council action will be taken.

• DNREC presentation on St. Jones Watershed
• Silver Lake Commission Meeting
• City Hall Conference Room at 15 Loockerman Plaza

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission will discuss updates on Dover police, community stormwater, DNREC testing of Silver Lake and its watershed, and the sub‑watershed implementation plan. The commission will note the city’s decision to decline a recreational water sampling offer at Silver Lake. Additional items include park project updates, a capital station update, and setting the quarterly meeting schedule.

• Dover Police Update (Officer Killen)
• Community Stormwater Report (B. Wambaugh)
• Silver Lake and Watershed testing (DNREC presentation)
• Recreational Water Sampling Offer at Silver Lake – city decision to decline
• Silver Lake Park Projects & Maintenance Updates, including Master Plan

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Staff and Applicant Development Advisory Committee meetings scheduled for October 29 and November 5, 2025, are cancelled. The cancellations are due to a lack of agenda items and no new applications filed for the review cycle.

City Council Meetings

This notice informs the public that a quorum of the City of Dover Police Advisory Board may be present at a Town Hall Meeting on November 4, 2025. The document states this is not an official meeting of the Advisory Board and no official action will be taken.

• Town Hall Meeting at Dover Public Library on 11/4/25 at 5:30 PM

Home Events

The Blue Ribbon Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Taskforce is meeting to define the committee's purpose and fiduciary duties. The group will discuss abatement goals, the biopsychosocial model, and traffic safety laws. The meeting includes a review of Team Dover's Phase 1 recommendations for the Mayor and City Council.

• Review of Team Dover's Phase 1 recommendations
• Discussion of abatement goals
• Review of traffic safety laws
• Establishment of committee fiduciary duties

The Mayor's Blue Ribbon Opioid Use Disorder Taskforce met on Oct. 29, 2025 to review settlement fund guidelines, grant processes, and proposed recommendations. Members presented strategies, asked questions, and identified next steps, but no votes, approvals, or denials were recorded.

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee will meet to discuss the Tiny Art Project, a metal project at 32 W. Loockerman St., and the outcomes of Paint Dover. The meeting will also include an open house for master plan updates.

• Update on 32 W. Loockerman St. metal project
• Tiny Art Project seeking three local artists
• Paint Dover October 15-19 outcomes
• Open House for master plan updates at The Hive
• Election of FY 2026 Design Committee leadership

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Staff Development Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Oct. 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM is cancelled because no new development applications were filed. The Applicant Development Advisory Committee meeting set for Nov. 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM is also cancelled for the same reason. The Planning Commission meeting tentatively set for Nov. 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM may be cancelled if there are no items to consider.

• Staff DAC meeting on Oct. 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM cancelled (no new applications)
• Applicant DAC meeting on Nov. 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM cancelled (no new applications)
• Planning Commission meeting tentatively set for Nov. 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM may be cancelled if no agenda items

Council Committee of the Whole

The Utility Committee will consider staff recommendations to award Avista a $480,613 contract for a SCADA equipment upgrade. The committee will also review sole source procurements for Cartanza RTU/RTAC replacement (Project EE2602) and ABB to SEL relay replacement (Project EE2615). Additionally, the Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee will forward several proposed ordinances, including new vehicle billable rates and stricter traffic enforcement measures, for council approval.

• Award contract to Avista for SCADA Equipment Upgrade, RFP #26-0002WW, $480,613
• Sole source procurement for Cartanza RTU/RTAC Replacement (Project EE2602)
• Sole source procurement for ABB to SEL Relay Replacement (Project EE2615)
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-18 to establish new vehicle billable rates
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-20 to add strict enforcement traffic provisions

The Dover City Council Committee of the Whole met on October 28, 2025. Members present included Council President Neil and several councilors, the mayor, and civilian members. The committee unanimously adopted the meeting agenda. All other items were presented for information only and no actions or votes were taken.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will vote on Resolution No. 2025‑11 to authorize the City Manager to submit an application to the Delaware State Housing Authority for a pilot program that provides technical assistance on zoning and land‑use reform to support affordable housing. The meeting also includes adoption of the agenda, routine consent items, and several committee recommendations such as a revised Cross Connection Control Program, a $619,565 fuel pump and island upgrade, a $69,574.98 employee salary‑increase proposal, and the sale of three excess properties under Resolution No. 2025‑10. Additional items include a deferred public‑safety funding request and approval of overtime for police officers at council meetings.

• Resolution No. 2025‑11: authorize application for affordable‑housing zoning assistance pilot
• Fuel Pump and Island Upgrade proposal – $619,565 from 1st State Petroleum (RFP #26‑0001WH)
• Non‑Bargaining Step Proposal – average 2% salary increase costing $69,574.98, effective Jan 2026
• Sale and disposition of three excess properties under Resolution No. 2025‑10
• Revised Cross Connection Control Program – removal of moratorium for commercial customers

The council adopted the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by unanimous roll‑call votes. The minutes from the October 13, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Adopted consent agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved minutes of Oct 13, 2025 meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)

City Council Meetings

The City of Dover is notifying the public that Police Advisory Board members may attend an Information Session & Meet and Greet hosted by NOCAP on October 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the space adjacent to Holy Trinity UAME Church on S. New Street. The event is not a board meeting, and no official action will be taken.

• Information Session & Meet and Greet sponsored by NOCAP on Oct 25, 2025, 1:00‑2:30 PM at space adjacent to Holy Trinity UAME Church on S. New Street

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board will meet to receive updates from the police and staff, review grant opportunities including a $1 million request from the Longwood Foundation, and discuss progress on the Downtown Dover Master Plan. The agenda includes a briefing on the Mobility Center groundbreaking scheduled for October 14, 2025, and a property update for 120 S. Governors Ave. The board will also cover legislative updates and public comment before adjourning.

• Longwood Foundation $1M grant request
• Mobility Center groundbreaking (Oct 14 2025)
• Property update for 120 S. Governors Ave.
• Downtown Dover Master Plan updates
• Police report

DDP Merchant Committee

The Dover Merchant Committee will meet to confirm its leadership and review a summary of upcoming merchant activities, including the Downtown Business Directory, Capital Key Value Card, Yiftee Downtown Gift Card program, Small Business Saturday, and WinterFest. The agenda includes discussion of a $100 promotional support from the Chamber of Commerce. A brief update on the Master Plan will also be presented, followed by public comments.

• Confirm leadership of the Committee (Chair/Co-Chair)
• Review confirmed merchant activities (Downtown Business Directory, Capital Key Value Card, Yiftee Downtown Gift Card program, Small Business Saturday, WinterFest)
• Discuss Chamber of Commerce Benefits & Opportunities support promo $100
• Master Plan brief update
• Public comments

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will adopt the meeting agenda and approve the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will receive reports and updates on assessment, community and school programs, by‑law revisions, and finance. The commission will then open the floor for public discussion before adjourning.

• Adopt agenda
• Approve minutes from September 16, 2025 meeting
• Assessment report (Ms. Mullen and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• Community programs update (Mr. Faust and Dr. Mishoe Sudler)
• By‑law review (Dr. Mishoe Sudler and Ms. White)

The commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda. It also unanimously adopted the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting. A motion to defer all committee reports and updates to the next meeting was unanimously carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m. after no objections.

• Adopt agenda (unanimous)
• Adopt minutes from Sep 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Defer committee reports/updates to next meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting at 6:41 p.m. (no objection)

Home Events

The Planning Commission will consider two one‑year extensions for existing industrial projects at 451 and 250 Garrison Oak Drive. It will hold a public hearing on a rezoning request for Bayhealth Medical Center’s 600 South State Street parcel, changing it from RGO to IO. Additional public hearings will review a master plan for the Blue Hen Corporate Center pad sites on Bay Road and a proposed LivSmart Extended Stay Hotel at 530 and 540 Bay Road. The meeting also includes updates on education programs and committee appointments.

• One‑year extension request for S-23-20 Cold Storage Warehouse at 451 Garrison Oak Drive
• One‑year extension request for S-23-21 BHD Operations Facility at 250 Garrison Oak Drive
• Public hearing on rezoning Bayhealth Medical Center property at 600 South State Street (RGO to IO)
• Public hearing on Blue Hen Corporate Center Pad Sites Master Plan (three parcels on Bay Road)
• Public hearing on LivSmart Extended Stay Hotel project at 530 and 540 Bay Road

City Council Meetings

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Committee will conduct a first reading of the Dover Community Policing Foundation by-laws. The body will also set dates for a second reading and future quarterly meetings.

• First reading of Dover Community Policing Foundation by-laws
• Scheduling of second reading for by-laws
• Scheduling of quarterly meetings
• PAL updates

The board moved to table the first reading of the Dover Community Policing Foundation bylaws, and the motion was unanimously carried. A date of November 17, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. was set for the next regular meeting. Members agreed that PAL event updates will be emailed to the board, and meetings will be held more frequently than quarterly.

• Tabled the By‑Law First Reading (unanimously carried)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for November 17, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
• Agreed to send PAL event schedules and updates by email
• Decided to hold meetings more frequently than quarterly

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Advisory Board meeting will begin with a public comment period. The board will adopt the agenda, consider citizen complaints, and review membership applications for Denise Dudley, Melynda A. Cameron, and Otis Harris. Additional topics include youth matters and announcements before adjourning.

• Public comment period
• Adoption of agenda
• Citizen complaints
• Membership application review (Denise Dudley, Melynda A. Cameron, Otis Harris)
• Youth

The board unanimously adopted its agenda. It approved Denise Dudley and Melinda Cameron as new members, subject to criminal history checks and mayoral approval. The board also unanimously amended Resolution 24-01 to allow more than one high‑school student seat on the board.

• Adopt agenda (unanimous)
• Accept Denise Dudley and Melinda Cameron as members, pending criminal checks and mayoral approval (unanimous)
• Amend Resolution 24-01 to permit multiple high‑school student seats (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for October 16, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for November 20, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items
• Next meeting scheduled for November 20, 2025

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will consider Application #V-25-05 for Bayhealth Medical Center, requesting two variances: raising the height limit from 150 ft to 175 ft for a new 10‑story hospital tower, and reducing a 10‑ft front‑yard setback. The board will also adopt minutes from August 20, 2025 and a September 17, 2025 training session, and pass a resolution honoring Mr. Kishor C. Sheth. The meeting includes standard procedural items and a reminder of the next meeting on November 19, 2025.

• Adopt minutes of August 20, 2025 meeting
• Adopt minutes of September 17, 2025 training session
• Resolution honoring Mr. Kishor C. Sheth for service to the board
• Review Application #V-25-05: variance to increase height to 175 ft for Bayhealth tower
• Review Application #V-25-05: variance to reduce 10‑ft front‑yard setback

Home Events

The Special Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee will meet on October 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the City Hall Conference Room, Dover. The committee will review the police pension plan and discuss a proposed one-time 10% pension increase, with input from Milliman, Inc. and the Bolton Group. The agenda also includes adoption of the agenda, adoption of minutes, and adjournment.

• Review of Police Pension Plan
• Discussion of one-time 10% pension increase with Milliman, Inc. and the Bolton Group
• Adoption of agenda
• Adoption of minutes
• Adjournment

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet on Oct. 14, 2025 to adopt its agenda and minutes from prior meetings. The committee will hear a proposal for the Booted and Suited Career Academy pilot program. Mayor’s announcements will be presented, the next meeting date will be set, and the session will adjourn.

• Adopt agenda
• Adopt minutes from Oct. 15, 2024 and Mar. 11, 2025 meetings
• Booted and Suited Career Academy pilot program proposal
• Mayor's announcements
• Set next meeting date (Dec. 9, 2025)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will consider several approvals, including a $619,565 contract for a fuel pump and island upgrade from 1st State Petroleum. It will also vote on a non‑bargaining step proposal that raises employee salaries by an average of 2% at a cost of $69,574.98, and approve the transfer of three excess properties under Resolution No. 2025‑10. Additional items include revisions to the Cross Connection Control Program and amendments to the Energy Commodity Risk Management policy.

• Approve $619,565 Fuel Pump and Island Upgrade contract (RFP #26-0001WH) from 1st State Petroleum
• Approve non‑bargaining step proposal: 2% average salary increase costing $69,574.98, effective Jan 2026
• Approve transfer of three excess properties under Resolution No. 2025‑10 for the Capital City 2030 Plan
• Adopt revisions to the Cross Connection Control Program, removing moratorium for commercial customers
• Approve amendments to the Governing Policy for Energy Commodity Risk Management

The Council Committee of the Whole adopted its agenda by unanimous vote. The Utility Committee also adopted its agenda unanimously. No other formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded; members presented reports and discussed program details.

• Adopted Council Committee of the Whole agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Utility Committee agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss emergency response technology and potentially take action following an executive session. The meeting will be held at City Hall and is accessible via WebEx.

• Executive session to discuss emergency response technology
• Potential action resulting from executive session
• Meeting held at City Hall, 15 Loockerman Plaza
• Public participation via WebEx
• Agenda items subject to change

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet to discuss budget amendments and project carry-forward balances. The body will also review a Bayhealth expansion plan and the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall meeting.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-16: Budget amendments totaling $22,222,063 for Fiscal Year 2026
• Bayhealth Expansion Plan presentation
• Annual Review of Investment Policy
• Review of the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall Meeting
• Appointment of William Ardito to the Silver Lake Commission

The council adopted the October 13 agenda by unanimous vote. The consent agenda items were also approved unanimously. The minutes from the September 22 meeting were approved without dissent. No other formal actions were taken.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Adopted consent agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved September 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous roll‑call vote)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss strategy sessions, including legal advice and collective bargaining, in an executive session. The meeting will be held at City Hall with a virtual option via WebEx.

• Strategy session on collective bargaining and legal advice
• Executive session pursuant to Delaware law
• Meeting held at City Hall, 15 Loockerman Plaza
• Virtual participation via WebEx available

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review and comment on three applications to prepare for the Planning Commission meeting on October 20, 2025. This meeting is limited to agency reviewers and project applicants; public comment is not accepted at this stage.

• Z-25-01: Rezoning of 1.0053 acres at 600 South State Street from RGO/SWPOZ to IO/SWPOZ for Bayhealth Medical Center, Inc.
• S-25-14: Site Development Plan for a 5-story, 113-room Hilton LivSmart Extended Stay Hotel at 530 and 540 Bay Road
• S-25-15: Site Development Plan for a 4,816 SF 7-Eleven with fuel pumps at 736 and 738 N. DuPont Highway and 1021 & 1027 N. State Street
• Waiver requests for S-25-14 regarding Arterial Street Buffer reduction and Loading Berth elimination
• Waiver requests for S-25-15 regarding Arterial Street Buffer reduction and partial Upright Curbing elimination

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing three development applications for technical feedback. These items are anticipated for public hearing at the Planning Commission on October 20, 2025.

• Z-25-01: Rezoning of 1.0053 acres at 600 South State Street from RGO/SWPOZ to IO/SWPOZ for Bayhealth Medical Center, Inc.
• S-25-14: Site plan for a 5-story, 113-room Hilton LivSmart Extended Stay Hotel at 530 and 540 Bay Road
• S-25-15: Site plan for a 4,816 SF 7-Eleven with fuel pumps at 736 and 738 N. DuPont Highway and 1021 & 1027 N. State Street
• Waiver requests for S-25-14 regarding arterial street buffer reduction and loading berth elimination
• Waiver requests for S-25-15 regarding arterial street buffer reduction and partial elimination of upright curbing

City Council Meetings

The City of Dover Police Advisory Board members have been invited to attend three upcoming events. The events are: Dover Police Municipal Graduation at Dover Middle School on 9/19/25 at 5:30 PM; a Community Lounge with Neighborgood Partners on 9/25/25 at 5:30 PM; and a Town Hall Meeting at the Dover Public Library on 11/4/25 at 5:30 PM. The notice states that no official action will be taken because the board will not be in a formal meeting.

• Dover Police Municipal Graduation – Dover Middle School – 9/19/25, 5:30 PM
• Community Lounge – Neighborgood Partners – 9/25/25, 5:30 PM
• Town Hall Meeting – Dover Public Library – 11/4/25, 5:30 PM

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board will receive a FY 26 financial management report and budget update. It will discuss several grant awards, including an EPA $1M award, a State of Delaware bond $5M award, and a $5M Congressionally Directed Spending request. An executive session will cover a property update, and the board will consider Downtown Dover Master Plan priorities such as the Mobility Center and the 120 S. Governors Ave. project.

• FY 26 Financial Management Report and budget update
• EPA $1M award
• State of DE Bond FY 26 $5M award
• Congressionally Directed Spending $5M request (Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester)
• Mobility Center groundbreaking on Oct 14

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee is meeting to establish its FY 2026 workplan and leadership. The body will also receive updates on downtown art projects and a master plan open house.

• FY 2026 Workplan and leadership selection
• Update on metal project at 32 W. Loockerman St. by Brian (Harry) Bachman
• Update on Tiny Art Project
• Paint Dover event scheduled for October 15-19, 2025
• Master plan updates open house at The Hive, 28 W. Loockerman St. on November 13

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will adopt its agenda, hear a review of the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall meeting and a Bayhealth expansion presentation, both without required action. It will then consider Proposed Ordinance #2025-16 to approve budget amendments totaling $22,222,063 for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting will also include an annual review of the city’s investment policy with staff recommending approval of the changes.

• Adoption of the meeting agenda (procedural)
• Review of the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall meeting (no action required)
• Bayhealth Expansion Plan presentation (no action required)
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-16 – approval of $22,222,063 FY 2026 budget amendments
• Annual Review of Investment Policy – staff recommends approval

The Committee of the Whole adopted its agenda by a unanimous vote. No other motions were approved, denied, or tabled. The remaining time was spent reviewing a town‑hall report and discussing youth, public‑safety, and abandoned‑building issues without any formal decisions.

• Adopted agenda – unanimous

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will adopt the agenda and consent items, then discuss several committee reports. Key actions include a proposed ordinance to rezone the Bayhealth Medical Center parcel at 600 South State Street, approval of $316,000 in cybersecurity grants, and a change order for the Meeting House Branch drainage improvement design. The council will also review the Economic Development Fund application and set dates for public hearings on the ordinance.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-15 to rezone Bayhealth Medical Center property at 600 South State Street from RGO to IO zone
• Small Local Cybersecurity Grant Program approvals totaling $316,000 for FY26 projects
• Change Order approval for Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project design scope amendments
• Review and potential approval of an Economic Development Fund application
• First reading referral of the ordinance with public hearing scheduled for Oct 20, 2025 and final council hearing Nov 10, 2025

The council unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and the routine consent agenda. It also adopted six proclamations honoring police officers, Constitution Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, efforts to end domestic and sexual violence, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Cybersecurity Awareness Month. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted proclamation designating September 20, 2025 as Thank A Police Officer Day
• Adopted proclamation designating September 17‑23, 2025 as Constitution Week
• Adopted proclamation designating September 15‑October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month
• Adopted proclamation designating September 27, 2025 as GFWC Delaware International Day of Service to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
• Adopted proclamation designating September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• Adopted proclamation designating Cybersecurity Awareness Month

City Council Meetings

The City of Dover Police Advisory Board has been invited to three upcoming events. The notice states that no official action will be taken as these are not formal meetings of the Board.

• Dover Police Municipal Graduation at Dover Middle School on 9/19/25
• Community Lounge at Neighborgood Partners on 9/25/25
• Town Hall Meeting at Dover Public Library on 11/4/25

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Advisory Board meeting will open with a public comment period, adopt the agenda and the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting, and consider citizen complaints. The board will review applications for new members, specifically Denise Dudley, Melynda A. Cameron, and Otis Harris. Additional items include discussion of youth matters, a review of the member biography template, and updates on community meetings before adjourning.

• Adopt agenda for the meeting
• Adopt minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting
• Consider citizen complaints
• Review and approve membership applications for Denise Dudley, Melynda A. Cameron, and Otis Harris
• Discuss youth matters and community meeting updates

The Police Advisory Board unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting. The board also approved a standardized biography template for membership applications, with a 300‑500 word limit and prompts for consistency. Discussion continued on outreach strategies and the pending review of new membership applications, but no vote on those applications was taken.

• Adopt agenda – unanimous
• Adopt August 21, 2025 minutes – unanimous
• Approve member biography template (300‑500 words, prompts) – unanimous

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for September 18, 2025 was cancelled because no agenda items were submitted. The commission will reconvene at its next meeting on October 16, 2025.

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment met on September 17, 2025 for a training session. Members reviewed city ordinances, state code provisions, their roles and responsibilities, meeting conduct, and draft rules of procedure. No agenda items requiring a decision were scheduled.

• Training on City Ordinances and State Code Provisions
• Training on Role and Responsibilities of Board of Adjustment Members
• Training on Conduct of Meetings
• Discussion of Draft Rules of Procedure

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will hold a virtual meeting to adopt the agenda and minutes from the August 19, 2025 session. The body will also receive reports on assessment, community programs, school programs, by-laws, and finance, followed by open discussion.

• Adoption of August 19, 2025 meeting minutes
• Reports on Assessment, Community Programs, School Programs, By-laws, and Finance
• Open Discussion on new business
• Meeting held via WebEx with public comment opportunities

The Dover Human Relations Commission voted to approve the meeting agenda, with the motion carried unanimously. It also adopted the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting, again by unanimous vote. No other formal actions or votes were recorded; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports and public comments.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimously carried)
• Adopted August 19, 2025 minutes (unanimously carried)

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will meet to consider a revised site development plan for the Dover Mobility Center Garage and a mixed-use building at 120 S. Governors Avenue. The agenda also includes a public hearing for a subdivision plan and the adoption of previous meeting minutes.

• Public Hearing: Revised Dover Mobility Center Garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue
• Public Hearing: Mixed Use Building at 120 S. Governors Avenue
• Public Hearing: Ekaman Subdivision Conceptual Plan
• Adoption of Minutes from July 21, 2025
• Deferral of Site Development Master Plan S-25-12

Economic Development Committee

The September 9, 2025 Economic Development Committee meeting was cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2025.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will adopt the agenda and hear reports from each council district. It will consider a change order to amend the engineering design scope for the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project. The committee will also recommend approval of Small Local Cybersecurity Grant Program grants totaling $316,000 for FY26. Additional items include discussion of a non‑bargaining step proposal and review of an Economic Development Fund application.

• Approval of change order for Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project (engineering design scope amendment)
• Approval of Small Local Cybersecurity Grant Program grants totaling $316,000 for FY26
• Review and approval of application for the Economic Development Fund
• Discussion of Non‑Bargaining Step Proposal
• Adoption of the meeting agenda

The Committee adopted the meeting agenda by unanimous consent. No other motions or votes were recorded during the session.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will meet on September 8, 2025, to adopt proclamations, hear committee reports, and vote on routine and non-controversial items. Key decisions include authorizing budget reallocations for park improvements and approving a $73,947 vehicle purchase for water services. The council will also discuss state-mandated utility service policies and review the fiscal year 2025 audit program.

• Reallocation of funds for Dover Park Building Improvement, Splash Pad, and ADA Accessible Playground projects
• Purchase of a $73,947 truck for Water Service Person from Hertrich Fleet Services, Inc.
• Approval of revisions to the 2025 Electric Service Handbook
• Discussion of Delaware House Bill 62 on utility service termination policies
• Adoption of ordinance amending compensation for elected officials

The council adopted the regular agenda and the consent agenda by unanimous roll‑call votes. The minutes from the August 11, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. A proposal to fund a Safer, Greener, Cleaner City was deferred to the next Committee of the Whole meeting by unanimous consent. The mayor also proclaimed Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and Recovery Month.

• Adopt regular agenda (unanimous roll‑call)
• Adopt consent agenda (unanimous roll‑call)
• Approve August 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous roll‑call)
• Defer Safer, Greener, Cleaner City funding proposal (unanimous consent)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet for a special session. The primary purpose is to enter an executive session for a strategy session involving legal advice or collective bargaining.

• Executive session strategy session pursuant to 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(4)

The council unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and recessed into an executive session. In that session members unanimously approved a motion to have the city solicitor retain an independent third‑party firm to assess the allegation involving the mayor and chief of police. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Adopted agenda (unanimously carried)
• Recessed into executive session (unanimously carried)
• Approved hiring third‑party firm to assess mayor and police allegation (unanimously carried)
• Adjourned meeting (no objection)

Historical

The Dover City Council has been invited to attend a Pre-Construction Welcome Weekend at the Well Life Center. The event is scheduled for September 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., and no official Council action will be taken.

• Pre-Construction Welcome Weekend at Well Life Center
• 300 W. Loockerman Street
• Saturday, September 06, 2025, starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Notice that no official action will be taken

Home Events

The Security Ad Hoc Committee will meet virtually to discuss security measures for City Council meetings. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion on Security for City Council Meetings

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review and comment on four project applications. These items will later be considered by the Planning Commission on September 15, 2025.

• Ekaman Subdivision: Conceptual plan for five residential lots and one residual lot on Jefferson Terrace
• Dover Mobility Center Garage: Revised plan for a four-story parking garage with 329 spaces at 133 S. Governors Avenue
• The Governor: Site plan for a 169,080 SF mixed-use building with 120 apartments and retail at 120 S. Governors Avenue
• Blue Hen Corporate Center Pad Sites: Master plan for four 8,000 SF buildings and 450 parking spaces on Bay Road

City Council Meetings

Members of the City of Dover Police Advisory Board are invited to a town hall meeting regarding policing in Dover. The notice states this is not an official meeting of the Advisory Board and no official action will be taken.

• Town Hall Meeting on policing at Dover Public Library, September 2, 2025

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Dover Development Advisory Committee (DAC) will review four development applications at its August 27 meeting. Items include a 5-lot subdivision, a revised 329-space parking garage, a 169,080 SF mixed-use building with 120 apartments, and a master plan for four 8,000 SF buildings at Blue Hen Corporate Center. The meeting is held in-person and virtually.

• Ekaman Subdivision: 5 residential lots on 4.5754 acres near Jefferson Terrace (SB-25-02)
• Dover Mobility Center Garage: 329-space parking garage at 133 S. Governors Ave (S-25-01)
• The Governor Mixed Use Building: 169,080 SF with grocery, retail, 120 apartments at 120 S. Governors Ave (S-25-11)
• Blue Hen Corporate Center Pad Sites: Master plan for four 8,000 SF buildings on 23.61 acres (S-25-12)

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for August 26, 2025, at City Hall Council Chambers (15 Loockerman Plaza) has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for September 9, 2025.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet for a special session primarily to conduct a strategy session in executive session. This session involves legal advice or opinions regarding collective bargaining or pending and potential litigation.

• Executive session strategy session regarding collective bargaining or litigation

City Council Meetings

The Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for August 25, 2025, will not be held. The next meeting is scheduled for September 08, 2025.

Historic District Commission

The Dover Historic District Commission will hold an in-person and virtual meeting to review a revised application for a four-story parking garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue. The body will also approve minutes from the previous month and receive updates on recent applications.

• Review of Dover Mobility Center Garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue
• Adoption of July 17, 2025 minutes
• Summary of 2024 and 2025 applications
• Summary of 2025 Architectural Review Certificates
• Welcome of new member Kathleen M. Baker

The Historic District Commission unanimously approved the meeting agenda (4-0) and the minutes from the July 17, 2025 meeting (4-0). The commission reviewed the revised Dover Mobility Center Garage application but did not take any formal action or vote on it. No other substantive decisions were made during this meeting.

• Agenda approved (4-0)
• July 17 minutes approved (4-0)

City Council Meetings

The Police Advisory Board will consider a final reading of revised by-laws and final approval for advertisements and a survey to educate the public about the board. The meeting also includes a report on high risk patrol procedures from Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr.

• Final reading of revised by-laws
• Final approval on advertisements and survey for community engagement
• High risk patrol procedures presentation by Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr.
• Discussion on placing board member biographies and pictures on the department website

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Calvary Baptist Church to enlarge a monument sign at 2285 Forrest Avenue. The meeting is open to in-person and virtual attendance via Webex.

• Application #V-25-04: Calvary Baptist Church seeks sign variance to increase area from 12 SF to 70 SF and height from 7 ft to 13 ft 7 in at 2285 Forrest Avenue

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will meet to approve minutes from June 17, 2025, and receive reports from various committees. The session includes an open forum for public comment and a period for new business discussion.

• Approval of June 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Assessment committee update
• Community Programs committee update
• School Programs committee update
• By-laws and Finance committee updates

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission meeting scheduled for August 18, 2025, at City Hall Council Chambers was cancelled because no new applications required review. The next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2025.

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee will hold a walkaround meeting in downtown Dover to review photos of deferred maintenance or blemishes collected by members. From these, the committee will select 6–10 suitable sites for a tiny art project, funded by $3,000 in artist payments ($500 each). The walkaround is limited to 90 minutes.

• Walkaround downtown to select 6–10 sites for tiny art project
• Funding: $3,000 total for six artists ($500 each)
• $500 payments per artist
• Photos of deferred maintenance/blemishes required by Aug. 11
• Next meeting: September 10 via Zoom

Economic Development Committee

The scheduled August 12, 2025 meeting of the Dover Economic Development Committee has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for September 9, 2025.

Committee Minutes

The City of Dover Council Committee of the Whole will discuss and likely vote on reallocating unspent funds from the Schutte Park Skate Park project to complete three Dover Park projects: building improvements, a splash pad, and an ADA-accessible playground. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee will also consider revisions to the Electric Service Handbook and a state-mandated utility service policy.

• Reallocate $X from Schutte Park Skate Park project to Dover Park Building Improvement, Splash Pad, and ADA Playground projects
• Approve revisions to 2025 Electric Service Handbook
• Discuss Delaware House Bill 62 on utility service termination policies
• Accept Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Program
• Presentation on city investments by Edward Jones Investments

The Committee of the Whole deferred the proposal for funding a Safer, Greener, Cleaner City of Dover by unanimous consent. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee approved a budget reallocation authorizing the City Manager to amend the budget for park projects, passing with a 9‑2 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Deferred Safer, Greener, Cleaner City of Dover funding proposal (unanimous consent)
• Approved parks budget reallocation authorizing City Manager to amend budget (9-2 vote)

City Council Minutes

The Dover City Council will meet to adopt a consent agenda of routine items and consider a resolution authorizing the sale of three lots at Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park. The body will also hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance regarding official compensation.

• Resolution authorizing sale of three lots at Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-13 amending official compensation
• Appointment of City Solicitor Daniel A. Griffith
• Discussion on Open Forum Improvements
• Review of safety concerns on East Loockerman Street

The City Council met on August 11, 2025 with Council President Neil presiding. An open forum allowed residents to voice concerns about policing, budget impacts, and community safety, but the council noted it was not in official session and could not take formal action. No votes, approvals, or denials were recorded during this meeting.

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet to review actuary updates and quarterly performance. The boards will consider staff recommendations to accept performance and investment policy reports from Milliman, Inc.

• Actuary Report from Bolton Group for the Police Pension Plan
• Quarterly Performance Reviews for the quarter ending March 31, 2025
• Quarterly Performance Reviews for the quarter ending June 30, 2025
• Investment Policy Statement (IPS) and Asset Allocation Review
• General Employee Pension Plan Quarterly Expenditures Report

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board adopted the agenda and prior meeting minutes without dissent. They accepted the Actuary Report and the quarterly performance reviews for the Police Pension Plan, General Employee Pension Plan, and OPEB Plan. The board also approved three Investment Policy recommendations, approved two recommendations in Section IV, and added the word “relative” to the rebalancing range language, all unanimously.

• Adopted agenda (unanimously carried)
• Adopted Police Pension Plan minutes of Jan 29 2025 (unanimously carried)
• Adopted OPEB minutes of Jan 29 2025 (unanimously carried)
• Adopted minutes of May 8 2025 meeting (unanimously carried)
• Accepted Actuary Report for Police Pension Plan (unanimously carried)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for Police Pension Plan (unanimously carried)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimously carried)
• Approved three Investment Policy recommendations, approved two recommendations in Section IV, and added the word “relative” to rebalancing ranges (unanimously carried)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Applicant Development Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for August 6, 2025, is cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items and no new applications filed for the review cycle.

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The board will discuss the FY 2026 budget and a ground use agreement for 120 S. Governors Ave. The meeting includes training on nonprofit governance and the roles of the organization's three nonprofit entities.

• FY 2026 budget
• Ground Use Agreement for 120 S. Governors Ave. (Donated Properties)
• Conflict of Interest Procedure
• Governance training regarding Main Street Dover, Downtown Dover Partnership, and Capital City Transformation Alliance, Inc.

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission will meet to review the Silver Lake Master Plan and a related resolution. The body will also discuss water quality, riparian buffers, and a lake draw down.

• Silver Lake Master Plan
• Silver Lake Resolution
• Silver Lake water quality update
• Riparian buffers discussion follow up
• Silver Lake draw down

The commission approved the meeting minutes with minor changes. Because a quorum was not present, no other votes were taken. The commission approved the Silver Lake Master Plan and allocated $75,000 for FY26. The City of Dover scheduled the lake draw‑down week for October 6‑17 2025.

• Minutes approved with minor changes
• Approved Silver Lake Master Plan funding $75,000
• Set Silver Lake draw‑down week Oct 6‑17 2025
• Staff to contact DNREC for lake testing procedures
• Staff to contact Fisheries for water quality data

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Staff Development Advisory Committee meeting on July 30, 2025, and the Applicant Development Advisory Committee meeting on August 6, 2025, are cancelled. These cancellations are due to a lack of agenda items and no new applications filed for the review cycle.

City Council Meetings

The City Council is meeting for a special session to discuss personnel matters in executive session. The agenda consists of procedural items and a closed-door discussion regarding employee competency and abilities.

• Executive session regarding personnel matters

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review proposed changes to official compensation and employee military leave policies. The body will also discuss safety concerns on East Loockerman Street and speed reducer options for Lincoln Park.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-13 regarding compensation and expenses for mayor, council, and other officials
• Request for speed humps/reducers in Lincoln Park
• Proposed amendments to Military Leave in the Employee Handbook
• Review of safety concerns on East Loockerman Street
• Establishment of an Ad Hoc Security Committee

The Council Committee of the Whole adopted its agenda by a unanimous vote. The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee also adopted its agenda unanimously. No other motions were recorded as decided during the meeting.

• Adopt Council Committee of the Whole agenda (unanimous)
• Adopt Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will review a proposal to award a drainage improvement engineering contract for Boggs Drive. The meeting includes quarterly reviews of the Capital Investment Plan and city revenue.

• Contract award to Verdantas for Boggs Drive Drainage Improvement Engineering Support ($67,600)
• Quarterly Review of the Capital Investment Plan (April, May, and June)
• Quarterly Revenue Report as of June 30, 2025
• Proposed cancellation of August 25 and 26, 2025, meetings

The council unanimously adopted the regular meeting agenda. The consent agenda was also adopted by unanimous roll‑call vote. The minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously with the mayor’s written consent. No other formal actions were taken.

• Adopt agenda – unanimous vote
• Adopt consent agenda – unanimous roll‑call vote
• Approve minutes of July 14, 2025 meeting – unanimous approval (Mayor’s written consent)

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission meeting scheduled for July 22, 2025, has been canceled.

Home Events

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a site development plan for two new warehouse buildings. The body will also conduct its annual meeting to elect officers and appoint subcommittees.

• Public hearing for S-25-10 Dover Industrial Phase 2: two warehouses totaling 178,000 SF at 350 Lafferty Lane
• Review of Performance Standards Application and Tree Mitigation Plan for 350 Lafferty Lane
• Annual Meeting for nomination and election of officers and subcommittee appointments
• Department of Parks & Recreation alert regarding Silver Lake Dam valve opening scheduled for October 6-17, 2025

Historical

City Council members are invited to attend a Department of Justice (DOJ) and Leaders in Transition (L.I.T) Town Hall Meeting. The notice states this is not a meeting of the Council and no official action will be taken.

• Town Hall Meeting at Sankofa Cultural Arts Center, 39 S. West Street

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing and review a recommendation for an architectural review certification. The body will also review activity summaries for 2024 and 2025.

• Public hearing for HI-25-02: 169,080 SF four-story mixed-use building at 120 S Governors Avenue
• Proposal for 120 apartment units, grocery, retail, restaurant, and child day care at 120 S Governors Avenue
• Summary of Applications for 2024 and 2025
• Summary of Architectural Review Certificates for 2025

The Historic District Commission approved the meeting agenda by a 3‑0 vote. It also adopted the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting, again by a 3‑0 vote. No other actions were decided; a new mixed‑use project was presented for review but no vote was taken.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved May 15, 2025 minutes (3-0)

City Council Meetings

The Police Advisory Workshop scheduled for April 17, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of quorum.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to review a variance request for a property at 506 Pear Street. The board will decide whether to allow a swimming pool to be closer to the property line than current zoning laws permit.

• Application #V-25-03: Request to reduce minimum side property line setback from 15 feet to 10 feet for an above-ground swimming pool at 506 Pear Street

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025.

Historical

Members of the Dover City Council are invited to a demonstration of the Virtra Training System at the Dover Police Department. This is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken.

• Virtra Training System demonstration at 400 South Queen Street

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review June 2025 council reports. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee will evaluate a proposal for drainage improvement engineering support.

• Proposed contract award to Verdantas for Boggs Drive Drainage Improvement Engineering Support (RFP #25-0022WW) for $67,600

The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee recommended awarding the Boggs Drive Drainage Improvement Engineering Support contract to Verdantas for $67,600. Council members moved to approve the staff recommendation, seconded it, and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting agenda was also adopted unanimously, with no other substantive actions taken.

• Approved $67,600 Boggs Drive Drainage Improvement contract to Verdantas (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss a request for the extension of pay benefits. This item will be discussed during an executive session to protect personal privacy.

• Request for Approval of Extension of Pay Benefits

City Council Meetings

The City Council will consider a final reading of Proposed Ordinance #2025-12 regarding realty transfer tax definitions and real estate tax abatement qualifications. The body will also vote on appointments to the Board of Assessment Appeals.

• Final reading of Proposed Ordinance #2025-12 amending Chapter 102 regarding Realty Transfer Tax and Abatement of Real Estate Taxes
• Appointments to the Board of Assessment Appeals for William Garfinkel and John G. Davis, Jr.

The council approved a motion to increase the Open Forum speaking limit from two minutes to four minutes. The motion passed by roll‑call vote with five members in favor (Boggerty, Arndt, Rocha, Sudler, Lewis) and three against (Hall, Anderson, Pillsbury). No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Extended Open Forum public comment time to four minutes (5‑3 vote)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review a site development plan for two warehouse buildings at 350 Lafferty Lane. The committee will discuss the draft DAC report and comments before the application moves to the Planning Commission on July 21, 2025.

• S-25-10 Dover Industrial Phase 2: Site Development Plan for two warehouses (Building B: 45,000 SF; Building C: 133,000 SF)
• Review of Performance Standards Application and Tree Mitigation Plan for 350 Lafferty Lane

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing a site development plan for Phase 2 of the Dover Industrial project. The committee will consider a Performance Standards Review Application and Tree Mitigation Plan for the site.

• S-25-10 Dover Industrial Phase 2: Site plan for two warehouse buildings (45,000 SF and 133,000 SF) at 350 Lafferty Lane
• Review of Performance Standards Application and Tree Mitigation Plan for 19.74 acres zoned M (Manufacturing Zone)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will meet to review a specific code violation. The board will consider an appeal regarding citations and fines for a property located at 715 Vine Street.

• Appeal of citation and fines for 715 Vine Street regarding roofs and drainage (Section 304.7)

The board adopted its agenda unanimously. It upheld the appeal for 715 Vine Street and removed the $100 citations, closing the case. The meeting was then adjourned at 3:08 p.m.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Uphold appeal and remove $100 citations for 715 Vine Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:08 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet in executive session to discuss potential land acquisition and an emergency response plan. The body may take action based on the results of these private discussions.

• Executive session regarding potential land acquisition
• Executive session regarding emergency response plan

City Council Meetings

The Police Advisory Board will meet to discuss its by-laws and membership. The board will also review suggestions for community engagement and public education regarding the board's role.

• Discussion of board by-laws
• Discussion of board membership
• Review of community engagement and research regarding brochures and advertisements
• Adoption of March 20, 2025 meeting minutes

The board voted to amend the agenda to allow a brief recess for a group photo, and that motion passed unanimously. Members also accepted the revised By‑Laws (first reading) and approved the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes, each with unanimous support. The board discussed plans for a public survey and recruitment brochures, which will be presented for final approval at the July meeting.

• Amended agenda to allow brief recess for board photo – unanimously carried
• Accepted revised By‑Laws (first reading) – unanimously carried
• Approved minutes of the March 20, 2025 Police Advisory Board meeting – unanimously carried
• Planned presentation of survey, brochures, QR codes, and timeline for final approval at July meeting

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Board of Directors meeting scheduled for June 25, 2025, has been cancelled.

Council Committee of the Whole

The meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2025.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will vote on the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget ordinance and several taxation amendments. The meeting includes a presentation from the Delaware Arts Alliance and a report on the Downtown Development District relaunch.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-11: Fiscal Year 2025/2026 City of Dover Budget Ordinance
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-12: Amending Realty Transfer Tax definitions and Real Estate Tax abatement qualifications
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-10: Adding Sec. 2-426 regarding Credit Card Processing Fees
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-09: Amending valuation and assessment in Chapter 102
• Appointment of Justina Brinkley to the Dover Human Relations Commission

The regular City Council meeting was held on June 23, 2025, with Council President Neil presiding. An Open Forum allowed residents to voice concerns about the budget, tax increases, electric revenue transfers, public safety, and requests for surveillance cameras and fences. The minutes record no motions, approvals, denials, or votes. Consequently, the council took no formal decisions during this meeting.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet to review a variance request regarding the number of chickens permitted on a residential property. The board will also vote on the approval of minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting.

• Application #V-25-02: Request to increase chicken limit from 5 to 20 (or at least 14) at 196 Merion Road

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The committee will review updates on the downtown Master Plan and receive reports from various working groups. Discussions will include infrastructure, site readiness, and business retention strategies.

• Master Plan Open House on June 26 at The Hive, 28 W. Loockerman St.
• Updates on 120 S. Governor’s Ave. name and conceptuals
• Discussion on streetscape and water/wastewater infrastructure
• Retention Expansion Assistance Program (REAP) application
• New recruitment strategies and incentives program

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for June 18, 2025, has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.

DDP Merchant Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss membership composition, leadership roles, and the workplan for fiscal year 2026. The group will also review a summary of confirmed merchant activities and a Master Plan update.

• FY 2026 Committee Workplan
• Selection of Committee Chair/Co-Chair
• Chamber of Commerce Benefits & Opportunities support promo for HOLA non-profit at 445 Bank Lane ($100)
• Planning for Small Business Saturday (Nov. 2025) and Fire & Ice Festival (Jan. 2026)
• Master Plan brief update

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will meet to elect a Commission Chair and Vice Chair. The body will also receive updates from committees regarding assessments, community and school programs, by-laws, and finance.

• Election of Commission Chair
• Election of Commission Vice Chair
• Approval of March 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Committee updates on assessments, community programs, school programs, by-laws, and finance

The Dover Human Relations Commission approved its agenda for the June 17 meeting after a motion by Mr. Faust was seconded by Mr. Lott and carried unanimously. The commission also adopted the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting after a motion by Mr. Faust was seconded by Mr. Fleming and carried unanimously. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimously carried)
• Adopted March 18, 2025 minutes (unanimously carried)

Home Events

The Planning Commission will receive presentations on the relaunch of the Downtown Development District program and an update from the Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination. The body will also review progress on the implementation of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan.

• Presentation on Dover's Downtown Development District (DDD) Program Relaunch
• Presentation by Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC)
• Progress update on the 2019 Comprehensive Plan

The commission voted 8‑0 to approve the meeting agenda and also 8‑0 to approve the May 19, 2025 meeting minutes. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded; the session featured a presentation on the Downtown Development District relaunch.

• Approved agenda (8-0 vote)
• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes (8-0 vote)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The board will meet to discuss priorities for the Downtown Dover Master Plan and hold an executive session regarding a specific property. The meeting includes updates on legislation and a notice for an upcoming public open house.

• Executive session regarding Property #1
• Downtown Dover Master Plan Priorities
• Open House scheduled for June 26 at The Hive on Loockerman (28 w. Loockerman)

City Council Meetings

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Committee is meeting to discuss the migration of the league to a community foundation.

• Discussion on migrating the Police Athletic League to a community foundation

The board decided the Police Athletic League will remain in its current structure while moving a portion of the roughly $60,000 balance to the CenDel Foundation to open a fund. Dr. Chanda Jackson moved to execute documents with CenDel to create the City of Dover Community Policing Fund and transfer the required $10,000, which was seconded by Mr. Baird and passed unanimously. The merger of PAL into a Dover Community Policing Foundation will be discussed at a future PAL meeting.

• PAL to stay in current structure; portion of approx $60,000 transferred to CenDel fund (decision)
• Approved $10,000 transfer to CenDel to establish City of Dover Community Policing Fund (unanimous)

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee is meeting to discuss aesthetic and safety enhancements for the downtown business district. The body will review specific property updates, public art projects, and the committee's workplan for the 2026 fiscal year.

• Update on 32 W. Loockerman St. frontage near the bus stop
• Proposed metal project by Brian (Harry) Bachman regarding Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
• Grants awarded from DDOA and Make Delaware Beautiful
• Funding and locations for the Tiny Art Project
• Planning for Paint Dover event on October 9-12, 2025

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review a proposal to amend the city's taxation code regarding realty transfer taxes and real estate tax abatement qualifications. The committee will also receive a report on the Downtown Development District relaunch.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-12: Amending Chapter 102 regarding Realty Transfer Tax and Abatement of Real Estate Taxes
• Downtown Development District (DDD) Relaunch presentation

The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met and staff recommended approving Proposed Ordinance #2025-12, which updates tax code definitions. Mr. Rocha moved to accept the staff recommendation, Mr. Neil seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The committee also adopted its agenda and adjourned without objection. The Council Committee of the Whole similarly adopted its agenda and adjourned.

• Adopted committee agenda (unanimous)
• Recommended staff approval of Proposed Ordinance #2025-12 (unanimous)
• Adjourned Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting (no objection)
• Adopted Council Committee of the Whole agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned Council Committee of the Whole meeting (no objection)

City Council Meetings

The City Council is convening a special meeting to discuss matters regarding the City Solicitor. The agenda contains only one substantive discussion item.

• City Solicitor Discussion

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for June 10, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2025.

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the Electric Fund Budget and consider the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 City of Dover Budget Ordinance. The body is also deciding on electric, water, and wastewater rates and tariffs for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-11: Fiscal Year 2025/2026 City of Dover Budget Ordinance
• Setting of Electric, Water, and Wastewater Rates and Tariffs for Fiscal Year 2026
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-10: Adding a credit card processing fee recommended at $3.75
• Resolution No. 2025-07: Approval of the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-09: Amending Chapter 102 regarding taxation valuation and assessment

The council unanimously adopted the meeting agenda. The consent agenda was approved by a roll‑call vote of six yes, one no, with two members absent. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous vote)
• Adopted consent agenda (6 yes, 1 no, 2 absent)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a special meeting primarily consisting of an executive session. The body will discuss potential land acquisition and personnel matters.

• Potential land acquisition for publicly funded capital improvements or real property sales/leases
• Personnel matters regarding employee or student competency and abilities

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Applicant Development Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for June 4, 2025, is cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items and no new applications filed for the review cycle.

City Council Meetings

The City Council is holding a special meeting to address the selection of a City Solicitor. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Selection of City Solicitor

Board of Assessment Appeals Committee

The Board of Assessment Appeals will hear requests for tax exemptions from several non-profit organizations. The committee will also review three commercial property appeals.

• Exempt requests for Central DE Habitat for Humanity (106 Willis Rd, 108 Willis Rd, 229 Cecil St, 411 Collins Dr, 423 Collins Dr)
• Exempt requests for Harvest Christian Ministries Inc. (113-155 N DuPont Hwy.)
• Exempt requests for Children Advocacy Center of Delaware (615 S DuPont Hwy.)
• Exempt requests for Dover Interfaith Mission of Housing Inc. (630 W Division St, 1156 Walker Rd)
• Commercial appeals for 1414 N DuPont Hwy, 521 Otis Dr., and 500 W Loockerman St

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Board of Directors will review updates on the Downtown Dover Master Plan and specific properties. The meeting includes reports on Main Street America accreditation and an ARPA accountant update.

• Contract for Rick Ferrell
• Property update for 136 W. Loockerman St.
• Master Plan priorities for Mobility Center and 120 S. Governors Ave.
• Planning for an Open House targeted for Monday, June 23

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Staff Development Advisory Committee meeting on May 28, 2025, and the Applicant Development Advisory Committee meeting on June 4, 2025, are cancelled. Both meetings were cancelled because no new applications were filed for this review cycle.

Ethics Commission

The Dover Ethics Ad Hoc Committee will review a report from Mr. Rodriguez and discuss final recommendations to send to City Council. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed on this procedural agenda.

City Council Meetings

The Council Committee of the Whole Meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, will not be held.

City Council Meetings

The Special Council Meeting for Budget Review scheduled for May 22, 2025, has been canceled. No other items are listed for consideration.

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The committee will review updates on the downtown Dover master plan and reports from various working groups. Discussions include business recruitment strategies and progress on the Downtown Dover Mobility Center.

• Master Plan updates for Mobility Center and 120 S. Governor’s Ave.
• Groundbreaking for Downtown Dover Mobility Center on S. Bradford St. scheduled for October
• Retention Expansion Assistance Program (REAP) application
• New recruitment strategies and incentives program
• Critical Improvements Program (CIP) and Site Readiness updates

City Council Meetings

The City Council is holding a series of special meetings to review the recommended Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Discussions will cover budgetary principles, revenue, expenditures, and the Capital Improvement Program.

• Presentation of Fiscal Year 2026 Recommended Budget
• Review of Capital Improvement Program highlights
• Discussion of unfunded priorities and Council options
• Executive session regarding site acquisitions for capital improvements
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining or potential litigation

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will convene to consider an appeal of a registration fee issued under the city’s vacant-building rules. The sole substantive item is an appeal filed by Joseph & Theresa (Krause) Nicolai regarding 12 Clara Street.

• Appeal of registration fee for 12 Clara Street under Chapter 22, Article XII

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals unanimously approved a motion to defer the $5,000 registration fee for 12 Clara Street until December 31, 2025. If a Certificate of Occupancy is not issued by that date, the fee will be reinstated on January 1, 2026. The motion was moved by Mr. Rocha, seconded by Mr. Neil, and carried unanimously.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Deferred $5,000 registration fee for 12 Clara St until Dec 31 2025; fee reapplied Jan 1 2026 if CO not issued (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The regularly scheduled Board of Adjustment meeting for May 21, 2025, at City Hall Council Chambers has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for June 18, 2025.

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission meeting scheduled for May 20, 2025, has been cancelled.

City Council Meetings

The City Council is holding a special multi-day meeting to review the recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will discuss revenue, expenditures, personnel highlights, and the Capital Improvement Program.

• Presentation of Fiscal Year 2026 Recommended Budget
• Discussion of Revenue and Expenditures
• Review of Capital Improvement Program Highlights
• Discussion of unfunded priorities and Council options

Home Events

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a site development plan for a hospital addition. The body will also consider a request to extend approval for a large apartment complex and a request to withdraw an annexation application.

• S-25-08: Public hearing for a 13,084 SF addition to PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Dover at 1216 and 1240 McKee Road
• S-23-06: Request for a one-year extension for College Road Apartments (385 units) at Railroad Avenue/Grove Street
• AX-25-01: Request to withdraw annexation and rezoning for 2.3096 acres at 582 Acorn Lane

The commission approved its agenda and the April 21 meeting minutes unanimously. It then voted 9‑0 to grant a one‑year extension for the S‑23‑06 College Road Apartments site plan due to pending litigation. Finally, it approved a 9‑0 voice vote to withdraw the AX‑25‑01 annexation and rezoning request for 582 Acorn Lane.

• Approved agenda (8-0 roll call)
• Approved April 21, 2025 minutes (8-0 roll call)
• Approved one-year extension for S-23-06 College Road Apartments (9-0 roll call)
• Approved withdrawal of AX-25-01 Lands of Robert Pellegrino at 582 Acorn Lane (9-0 voice vote)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the Biggs Museum of American Art's expansion. The body will review architectural certifications for selective demolition at two properties on The Green.

• Public hearing for HI-25-03: selective removal of portions of buildings at 15 and 21 The Green
• Proposed dismantling of a fire escape at 15 The Green
• Proposed demolition of a rear two-story addition, basement, and fire escape at 21 The Green
• Summary of Applications for 2024 and 2025
• Summary of Architectural Review Certificates for 2025

The Historic District Commission approved the meeting agenda by a 3‑0 vote and adopted the February 20, 2025 minutes also by a 3‑0 vote. The commission heard a presentation on the Biggs Museum expansion (HI‑25‑03) and discussed the proposed selective removals, but no vote or formal decision on that application was recorded. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Adopted February 20, 2025 minutes (3-0)

City Council Meetings

This meeting of the Dover Police Advisory Board was cancelled because not enough members were present. No items were discussed or decided.

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee meeting scheduled for May 14, 2025, is cancelled. No items will be discussed or decided at this time.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review proposed ordinances regarding taxation and credit card processing. The meeting also includes presentations on social media modernization and community development fund guidelines.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-10: Charge $3.25 per credit card transaction
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-09: Amending Chapter 102 regarding valuation and assessment
• Community Development Fund Guidelines discussion
• Construction Relief Program discussion
• Presentation on Modernizing Social Media by Alex Peal

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for May 13, 2025 has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for June 10, 2025. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled
• Next meeting: June 10, 2025

Board of Adjustment

This is a workshop training session for the Board of Adjustment presented by the Institute for Public Administration of the University of Delaware. No official business will be conducted; the notice is provided because a quorum may be present. The meeting is purely procedural.

• Workshop training on 'Board of Adjustments' from 10:00am to Noon via Zoom with in-person viewing at City Hall.
• No official action will be taken at this event.

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will elect a Council President/Vice-Mayor, hear the State of the City address, and vote on a non-consent resolution urging the Delaware General Assembly to implement a local marijuana tax. The council will also consider consent agenda items including a $103,100 emergency generator contract, a sole-source vendor for an interview room upgrade, and several appointments. A public hearing and final reading for an annexation/rezoning at 582 Acorn Lane have been cancelled at the applicant's request. Final readings will be held for two ordinances: one amending sidewalk maintenance duties and another establishing a Code Board of Appeals.

• Resolution No. 2025-05 urging the Delaware General Assembly to implement a local marijuana tax
• Cancellation of public hearing and final reading for annexation/rezoning of 582 Acorn Lane (2.3 acres, proposed R-8 zoning from RS-1)
• Evaluation of bids: award $103,100 emergency generator contract to Blue Point Contracting
• Request to sole source Axon for interview room upgrade (Police)
• Marijuana taxation proposal discussion authorizing Mayor to assess unified taxation with other municipalities

City Council Meetings

The City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct a candidate review for the City Solicitor position.

• City Solicitor Candidate Review

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet on May 8, 2025, to review quarterly performance reports for the three plans as of March 31, 2025. An actuary update from Bolton Group is on the agenda, along with a COLA update for the General Employee Pension Plan and the election of a chair for that board. The boards will also consider quarterly expenditure reports.

• Quarterly performance reviews for General Employee, Police, and OPEB plans (quarter ending March 31, 2025)
• Actuary report from Bolton Group
• COLA update for General Employee Pension Plan
• Election of Chair for General Employee Pension Plan Board
• Quarterly expenditure reports for Police and General Employee plans

The board unanimously adopted the agenda and the minutes from the January 29, 2025 meeting. It unanimously moved to table the Police Pension Plan quarterly reports and minutes until the August 7, 2025 meeting. The Quarterly Performance Reviews for the General Employee Pension Plan and the Other Post‑Employment Benefits (OPEB) Plan were each accepted unanimously, as was the Actuary Report Review for those two plans. No quorum was present for any Police Pension Plan motions, which will be revisited on August 7, 2025.

• Adopt agenda (unanimous)
• Adopt minutes from Jan 29, 2025 General Employee Pension and OPEB boards (unanimous)
• Table Police Pension Plan quarterly reports and minutes until Aug 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accept Quarterly Performance Review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accept Quarterly Performance Review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)
• Accept Actuary Report Review for General Employee Pension Plan and OPEB (unanimous)
• No quorum for Police Pension Plan motions; reports deferred to Aug 7, 2025
• Schedule next joint board meeting for Aug 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

DDP Merchant Committee

The committee is meeting to review results from a merchant survey and discuss membership composition. The body will also plan its FY 2026 workplan and meeting schedule.

• Results of Merchant survey
• FY 2026 Committee Workplan
• Downtown Business Directory
• Small Business Saturday (Nov. 2025)
• Fire & Ice Festival (Jan. 2026)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will review a site development plan for a hospital addition. The committee will discuss a draft report and comments regarding the project before it moves to the Planning Commission on May 19, 2025.

• S-25-08: Proposed 13,084 SF addition to PAM Rehabilitation Hospital at 1216 and 1240 McKee Road
• Addition of a therapy garden and 64 parking spaces
• Request for partial elimination of upright curbing
• Request for reduction of loading berth requirements

City Council Meetings

This notice informs the public that a quorum of the City of Dover Police Advisory Board may be present at Dover Days on May 2 and May 3, 2025. This is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken.

• Attendance of Police Advisory Board at 92nd Annual Dover Days in the Downtown Historical Area

City Council Meetings

This is a procedural meeting where the Council President, committee chairs, and city officials set the agendas for upcoming Council and Committee meetings. No specific decisions or discussions are listed on this notice.

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing a site development plan application (S-25-08) for a 13,084 square foot addition to the PAM Rehabilitation Hospital at 1216 and 1240 McKee Road. The project includes two additions, 64 new parking spaces, and a stormwater management pond. The applicant seeks waivers for partial elimination of upright curbing and reduction of loading berth requirements. A public hearing before the Planning Commission is scheduled for May 19, 2025.

• Application S-25-08: PAM Rehabilitation Hospital building addition at 1216 and 1240 McKee Road
• Proposed addition of 13,084 SF in two phases: 10,062 SF and 3,022 SF
• Addition of 64 parking spaces and stormwater management pond
• Waivers requested: partial elimination of upright curbing and reduction of loading berth requirements
• Scheduled for Planning Commission public hearing on May 19, 2025

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover City Council Committee of the Whole will consider two committee agendas. The Utility Committee evaluates bids and staff recommends awarding a contract to Blue Point Contracting for an emergency generator at $103,100. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee will discuss a sole source request for Axon to upgrade an interview room and hold a discussion on marijuana taxation proposals.

• Evaluation of bids for Emergency Generator; staff recommends award to Blue Point Contracting, LLC for $103,100
• Request for Sole Source Vendor to upgrade the Interview Room; staff recommends approving Axon as sole source
• Marijuana Taxation Proposal Discussion (committee action not required)

The council unanimously approved awarding the $103,000 emergency generator contract to Blue Point Contracting, LLC. It also unanimously approved using sole‑source vendor Axon to upgrade all interview rooms with new audio‑visual equipment. Both actions were adopted without objection.

• Awarded $103,000 emergency generator contract to Blue Point Contracting, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved sole‑source Axon interview room upgrade (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

This regular meeting includes first readings of two proposed ordinances: one requiring tenants/owners to maintain sidewalks and landscaped areas within street rights-of-way, and another creating a Code Board of Appeals. Council will also consider approving the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and FY2025 Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant funds, contingent on HUD allocation, and a transfer of ARPA grant sub-recipient funds. Several proclamations and quarterly reports are also on the agenda.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-05 amending sidewalk maintenance duties for tenants/owners
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-06 establishing a Code Board of Appeals
• CDBG grant recommendations for FY2025 Action Plan and 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan
• ARPA grant sub-recipient fund transfer approval
• Dover Strong Fund policy criteria development not to exceed $75,000

The council adopted the meeting agenda by unanimous vote. After a member removed Item #21 – Quarterly Revenue Reports, the amended consent agenda was also adopted unanimously. No other formal actions were taken.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous roll call)
• Removed Item #21 – Quarterly Revenue Reports from consent agenda (unanimous roll call)
• Adopted amended consent agenda (unanimous roll call)

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board of Directors meeting scheduled for April 23, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

Municipal

The Silver Lake Commission will hold a regular meeting to review minutes, discuss vacant positions, receive a Dover Police update, and plan for Community Stormwater Day/Earth Day. Members will also hear a presentation on the commission's history and receive an update on Silver Lake Park projects and maintenance. The meeting is largely procedural with no major decisions or proposals expected.

• Dover Police update
• Community Stormwater Day / Earth Day planning
• Silver Lake Park projects & maintenance updates
• History presentation by Mrs. Doyle
• Discussion of vacant commission positions

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for an annexation and rezoning request for a 2.3-acre parcel at 582 Acorn Lane, proposed to change from Kent County RS-1 to City R-8 zoning. The meeting also includes updates on City Council actions, department updates, and a summary of 2024-2025 applications. Upcoming events such as Earth Week, a flood readiness workshop, and an affordable housing webinar will be discussed.

• Public hearing for AX-25-01: Annexation and rezoning of 582 Acorn Lane (2.3096 acres) from RS-1 to R-8; first reading completed March 10, 2025.
• City of Dover Earth Week Events – April 21-25, 2025.
• Creating a Flood Ready Community Workshop on May 6, 2025, sponsored by University of Delaware and DNREC.
• Delaware Affordable Housing Webinar Series – Homelessness and Affordable Housing on May 7, 2025.
• Summary of Planning Commission applications for 2024 and 2025.

The commission voted 9-0 to approve the agenda for the April 21 meeting. It also voted 9-0 to approve the minutes from the March 17 meeting. No other actions or votes were recorded during this session.

• Approved agenda (9-0)
• Approved March 17 minutes (9-0)

Home Events

Members of the Dover City Council are invited to a tour of the Garrison Oak Energy Center on April 18, 2025. The notice states this is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken.

• Tour of Garrison Oak Energy Center at 450 Garrison Oak Drive

City Council Meetings

This meeting of the Dover Police Advisory Workshop was cancelled because not enough members were present to form a quorum. No business was conducted.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for April 17, 2025, was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. A proposed item regarding a mixed-use building was postponed at the applicant's request.

• Postponement of HI-25-02 Mixed Use Building at 120 S. Governors Avenue

Election Board

The City of Dover Board of Elections will meet to audit the results of the 2025 Municipal Election. The results of this audit will be made available for public review.

• Audit of 2025 Municipal Election results

Board of Adjustment

The Dover Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and decide on a variance request from Jason and Page Bebout to reduce the minimum side setback for an above-ground swimming pool from 15 feet to 12 feet at 2 Westover Drive. The board will also adopt minutes from previous meetings held in August and November 2024. The meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2025.

• Variance request V-25-01: reduce side setback from 15 ft to 12 ft for a proposed above-ground pool at 2 Westover Drive (zoned RM-1, PND).
• Adoption of meeting minutes from August 14, 2024.
• Adoption of meeting minutes from November 20, 2024.
• Next meeting tentatively set for May 21, 2025.

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved the meeting agenda (5‑0). It also approved the minutes from the August 14, 2024 and November 20, 2024 meetings, each with a 5‑0 vote. No decision was recorded on the variance application for 2 Westover Drive.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved August 14, 2024 minutes (5-0)
• Approved November 20, 2024 minutes (5-0)

Home Events

The Economic Vitality Committee meeting scheduled for April 16, 2025, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided. The next meeting date is to be determined.

City Council Meetings

This is a public notice that a quorum of the Dover City Council may be present at the Dover Police Department's Promotions & Awards Ceremony. No official council action will be taken at this event.

• Dover Police Department Promotions & Awards Ceremony
• Held at James L. Hutchison Public Assembly Room, 400 S. Queen Street
• Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission meeting scheduled for April 15, 2025, has been canceled.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for April 15, 2025 has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for May 13, 2025. No business was conducted.

Home Events

This is a notice that a quorum of Dover City Council may attend the Kent County Association of Realtors' 2025 Dover City Council Candidate Forum on April 9, 2025, at Dover Middle School. No official Council business will be conducted at this event.

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee will hear an update on the 32 W. Loockerman St. frontage near the bus stop, review a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) metal project proposal, and discuss a grant submitted for 'Make Delaware Beautiful'. The committee will also consider potential projects for FY 2026, select leadership for the new fiscal year, and review conceptual designs for 120 S. Governor’s Ave. at a March 25 open house.

• Update on 32 W. Loockerman St. frontage near bus stop
• CPTED and proposed metal project by Brian Bachman
• Grant submitted for 'Make Delaware Beautiful'
• Potential projects of Design Committee for FY 2026
• Open House for 120 S. Governor's Ave. new conceptuals on March 25, 2025

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee meets to review and comment on an application to annex and rezone 2.3096 acres at 582 Acorn Lane from Kent County RS-1 to City R-8. The meeting is for agency reviewers and applicants; public comment will be taken at the April 21 Planning Commission hearing.

• Annexation request AX-25-01 for 582 Acorn Lane (2.3096 acres)
• Rezoning from RS-1 (Kent County) to R-8 (One Family Residence Zone)
• Property at southeast corner of Acorn Lane and Old White Oak Road
• First reading completed March 10, 2025; Ordinance #2025-08
• Public hearing before Planning Commission scheduled for April 21, 2025

Council Committee of the Whole

The Dover City Council Committee of the Whole will consider recommendations for federal CDBG grants, including a five-year consolidated plan, and receive an update on ARPA sub-recipient funding. Two subcommittees will review multiple ordinances: one requiring tenants or owners to maintain sidewalks and landscaped areas, another establishing a Code Board of Appeals, and one concerning registered sexual offenders. The committee will also discuss a proposed Dover Strong Fund not to exceed $75,000 and review the fiscal year 2023 comprehensive financial report.

• CDBG proposed grant recommendations for fiscal year 2025 action plan and 2025-2029 consolidated plan
• Update on City of Dover ARPA grant sub-recipient funding
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-05 – amending sidewalk maintenance duties for tenants/owners
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-04 – amending provisions on registered sexual offenders
• Dover Strong Fund – proposed $75,000 from utility funds for policy development

The committee approved the 2025‑2029 Consolidated Plan and the Fiscal Year 2025 Action Plan, contingent on receiving HUD funding for the Community Development Block Grant. It also approved the transfer of ARPA grant sub‑recipient funds. Additionally, the committee adopted Proposed Ordinance #2025‑05 (sidewalk maintenance) with Option A and Proposed Ordinance #2025‑06 (Code Board of Appeals) for council consideration.

• Approved 2025‑2029 Consolidated Plan and FY2025 Action Plan (unanimously carried)
• Approved transfer of ARPA Grant sub‑recipient funds (unanimously carried)
• Approved Proposed Ordinance #2025‑05 with Option A warning (unanimously carried)
• Approved Proposed Ordinance #2025‑06 and forwarded to council (unanimously carried)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will meet on April 7, 2025, with a consent agenda that includes a $191,000 contract award for a PFAS treatment feasibility study, a $680,400 fuel pump island upgrade, and an annexation request for 582 Acorn Lane. The meeting also features proclamations for Crime Victim's Rights Week and Arbor Day, a presentation on Earth Week events, and monthly reports from city departments. A public open forum is held 15 minutes before the official start.

• Award of $191,000 contract to Verdantas for PFAS Treatment Feasibility & Design (RFP #25-0016WW)
• Approval of $680,400 proposal from Coastal Pump & Tank for fuel pump island upgrade (RFP #25-0017WH)
• Annexation request for 582 Acorn Lane, owned by Robert Pellegrino, with no utility objections
• Presentation on Efficiency Smart Program and recommendation to include it in FY26 budget
• Review of safety concerns on East Loockerman by Dover Police Department

Council President Anderson presided as Council members adopted the regular meeting agenda and the consent agenda by unanimous roll‑call votes. The minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously. The council voted to place the Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee as the last committee on the agenda, and the Utility Committee agenda was adopted unanimously.

• Adopted regular meeting agenda (unanimous roll‑call)
• Adopted consent agenda (unanimous roll‑call)
• Approved minutes of the March 24, 2025 meeting (unanimous roll‑call)
• Moved Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee to last agenda item (unanimous roll‑call)
• Adopted Utility Committee agenda (unanimous roll‑call)

Home Events

City Council members are invited to attend the Central Delaware NAACP Branch’s Meet the Dover City Council Candidates event. This is not an official meeting of the Council, and no official action will be taken.

• Meet the Dover City Council Candidates event at Dover Public Library, 35 E. Loockerman Plaza

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee will conduct a technical review of an annexation and rezoning request for a 2.3-acre parcel at 582 Acorn Lane, proposed to change from Kent County RS-1 to City R-8 zoning. The meeting is a staff-level review before the application goes to the Planning Commission and City Council. Public participation is available via phone or online.

• AX-25-01: Annexation and rezoning of 2.3096 acres at 582 Acorn Lane from RS-1 to R-8 (One Family Residence Zone)
• Property is at southeast corner of Acorn Lane and Old White Oak Road, proposed Council District 3
• First reading of Ordinance #2025-08 completed March 10, 2025; Planning Commission public hearing April 21, 2025
• Annexation is Category 1 High Priority per Dover's 2019 Comprehensive Plan with Residential Low Density land use designation

Ethics Commission

The City of Dover Ethics Ad Hoc Committee meeting scheduled for March 27, 2025, has been canceled. No business was conducted.

• Meeting canceled; no agenda items were considered

Home Events

City Council members are invited to attend a Delaware League of Local Governments Dinner Meeting. The notice states this is not an official meeting of the Council and no official action will be taken.

• Dinner meeting at Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company on March 27, 2025

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Downtown Dover Partnership Board will review property updates at locations including 136 and 22-24 W. Loockerman St., and discuss priority projects and site-readiness for properties on Bradford and New Streets. Updates on the Mobility Center project, including a March 25 open house and a ground breaking targeting May 2025, will be presented. The board will also hear a police report, hold an executive session, and receive legislative updates.

• Property updates for 136 W. Loockerman St. and 22-24 W. Loockerman St.
• Site-readiness discussion for 148 and 150 S. Bradford St., and 105 & 115 S. New St.
• Mobility Center project open house held March 25, with ground breaking targeted for May 2025
• Police report and executive session on the agenda
• Legislative updates and board member updates

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review proposals for infrastructure upgrades and utility services. The body is considering contracts for fuel pump upgrades and water treatment studies, as well as a property annexation.

• Proposed $680,400 contract with Coastal Pump & Tank for Fuel Pump Island Upgrade
• Proposed $190,000 contract with Verdantas for PFAS Treatment Feasibility Study & Design
• Annexation request for 582 Acorn Lane
• Proposed inclusion of the Efficiency Smart Program into the FY26 budget
• Review of safety data regarding East Loockerman Street

The Council Committee of the Whole adopted its agenda unanimously. The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee and the Utility Committee each adopted their agendas unanimously. No other motions were voted on, and no substantive approvals, denials, or policy actions were recorded.

• Adopted Council Committee of the Whole agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted Utility Committee agenda (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss a potential land acquisition in executive session under state code for preliminary discussions on site acquisitions. Following the closed session, the council may take public action on the matter.

• Potential Land Acquisition (executive session under 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(2))

The council adopted its agenda unanimously. They recessed into an executive session to discuss preliminary matters on potential real‑property acquisition, sale, or lease. In that session, members approved City Manager Hugg to sign a nonbinding term sheet for the discussed property arrangement and to bring it back to the council for final approval. The meeting was then adjourned without objection.

• Adopt agenda (unanimously carried)
• Recess into Executive Session per 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(2) (unanimously carried)
• Approve City Manager Hugg to sign nonbinding term sheet for potential property sale/lease (unanimously carried)
• Adjourn meeting (no objection)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will discuss potential water and wastewater rate changes for July 2025 and review the 2024 Dover Police Department annual report. The body is also considering a new public space naming policy and several infrastructure and security grants.

• Water/Wastewater Rate Study results and recommendations for July 2025 implementation
• Proposed $93,784 bid from Pro Max Fence Systems, LLC for Police Department security fence
• Approval of five Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency grants totaling $99,800
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-07 establishing a Public Space Naming Policy
• Active Recreation Area Plan for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza

The council adopted an amended agenda unanimously. It adopted the consent agenda with six yes votes, one no vote, and one absent member, removing Item #14 Water/Wastewater Rate Study Results and Recommendations. The Cybersecurity Grants Update was accepted unanimously, confirming secured grant funds.

• Adopted amended agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda, vote 6-1-1 (yes‑yes‑yes‑yes‑yes‑yes, no, absent)
• Removed Item #14 Water/Wastewater Rate Study from consent agenda
• Accepted Cybersecurity Grants Update (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Advisory Board will hear a guest presentation on professional standards, then discuss how complaint forms are received and disseminated. Members will also consider the use of non-disclosure clauses in lawsuit settlements involving the police department and brainstorm ways to increase youth participation and public awareness of the board.

• Guest speaker Captain Randy Robbins on the Office of Professional Standards
• Discussion of complaint form content, receipt, and dissemination
• Discussion of non-disclosure clauses in lawsuit settlements involving Dover Police Department
• Ideas for promoting youth participation in local schools (Waverly Debraux)
• Brochures and suggestions to promote and educate the public on the Police Advisory Board (Courtney Ford)

The Police Advisory Board amended the agenda to table item #8 concerning brochures, advertisement, and public education, and the motion passed unanimously. The minutes from the January 16, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. The board accepted a poll form, removing open‑ended questions, also by unanimous vote. The board decided it will attend the Dover Days event.

• Table agenda item #8 (brochures, advertisement, public education) – unanimously carried
• Approve minutes of Jan 16, 2025 meeting – unanimously carried
• Accept poll form (remove open‑ended questions) – unanimously carried
• Board will attend Dover Days event – decided

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission meeting scheduled for March 20, 2025, has been cancelled. The notice states the cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will meet to consider two appeals filed by property owners contesting registration fees issued under the city’s vacant-building ordinance. The board will review the appeals and may take action on the contested fees.

• Appeal of registration fee for 74 Carnoustie Road (Craig Forster)
• Appeal of registration fee for 266 East Sheldrake Circle (Tawana McCutcheon)

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda. After extensive discussion of the vacant‑building definition, the board voted to require the owner of 74 Carnoustie Road to post a “Coming Soon” listing within 30 days and an active listing within 60 days, with a signed realtor agreement. Failure to meet those deadlines will result in the city registering the property as vacant and adding the registration fee to the tax bill.

• Adopt agenda (unanimous)
• Require 74 Carnoustie Road listed 'Coming Soon' within 30 days and active listing within 60 days (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The regular Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for March 19, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2025.

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Economic Vitality Committee will approve November 2024 minutes, receive public comments, and discuss updates on the Master Plan, including the Downtown Dover Mobility Center, the Fire & Ice Festival at The Hive, and an open house for new conceptuals at 120 S. Governor's Ave. Working groups will report on the Critical Improvements Program (N/A), Site Readiness, Unlock the Block (REAP application and recruitment incentives), and marketing. No votes on major actions are listed.

• Mobility Center project between S. Bradford and S. Governor's Ave., with groundbreaking tentatively in May 2025
• Fire & Ice Festival and Open House at The Hive, 28 W. Loockerman St.
• Open House on March 25, 2025 for new conceptuals at 120 S. Governor's Ave.
• Unlock the Block working group to discuss REAP (Retention Expansion Assistance Program) application and recruitment incentives
• Marketing downtown Dover and redevelopment updates from working group

Historical

The commission will consider approving February 19, 2025, minutes and receive committee reports on assessment, community programs, school programs, by-laws, and finance. An open forum allows public comments before the official session, and new business consists of an open discussion. The agenda is primarily procedural with no votes on specific ordinances or expenditures.

• Approval of minutes from February 19, 2025
• Committee reports: Assessment, Community Programs, School Programs, By-laws, Finance
• Open forum for public comments (10 minutes prior to meeting)
• Open discussion under new business

The Dover Human Relations Commission unanimously approved a motion to invite the superintendents of the Capital School District and Caesar Rodney School District to its May meeting. The commission also discussed plans for a community resource event, school programs, and a handout of important phone numbers, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved agenda unanimously (Lott absent)
• Adopted February 19, 2025 minutes unanimously (Lott absent)
• Approved motion to invite Capital and Caesar Rodney superintendents to May meeting (unanimous, Lott absent)

Home Events

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several new development applications, including a church and a mixed-use project. The body will also consider extension requests for existing site plan approvals.

• The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza: Site plan for 36 apartments and commercial space
• New Harvest Baptist Church at 1462 N. Little Creek Road: 11,900 SF place of worship
• McKee Road Apartments at 1385 McKee Road: Minor subdivision of 78.60-acre parcel into three lots
• Tidal Wave Auto Spa at 245 N. DuPont Highway: Request for one-year extension
• Walker Road Professional Center at 101 Mont Blanc Boulevard: Request for one-year extension

Home Events

This is a notice that a quorum of Dover City Council may attend the Municipal Academy Class 8 graduation ceremony at Dover High School. No official business or decisions will be conducted at this event.

• Graduation of Municipal Academy Class 8 on March 14, 2025, at Dover High School

DDP Merchant Committee

This meeting is primarily organizational: the committee will review and approve minutes from December 2024, discuss the composition and leadership of the committee, and set the workplan and meeting schedule for FY2026. No specific financial or regulatory actions are on the agenda.

• Review of December 12, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion on committee membership and leadership going forward
• Approval of Committee Workplan for FY2026
• Setting meeting schedule for FY2026

City Council Meetings

This is a procedural meeting where council leadership and committee chairs set the agendas for upcoming City Council and Committee meetings. No specific decisions or discussions on policy items are listed.

DDP Design Committee

The DDP Design Committee will discuss an update on 32 W. Loockerman Street (frontage near the bus stop), a proposed Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) metal project by Brian (Harry) Bachman, and potential projects and leadership for FY 2026. Public comments and approval of previous minutes are also on the agenda.

• Update on 32 W. Loockerman St. (frontage near bus stop)
• CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) and proposed metal project by Brian (Harry) Bachman
• Potential projects of Design Committee for FY 2026
• Leadership (Chair/Co-Chair) of Design Committee for FY 2026

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will hold three subcommittee meetings. They will discuss the Active Recreation Plan for The Old Post (55 Loockerman Plaza), receive water/wastewater rate study results with a recommendation to bring revised rates for July 2025, review the Training/Conference/Travel Policy, and consider a $93,784 bid for a security fence at the Police Department.

• Review of Active Recreation Plan for The Old Post (55 Loockerman Plaza)
• Water and wastewater rate study results and recommendations for July 2025
• Review of amended Training, Conference, and Travel Policy
• Installation of security fence at Police Department: $93,784 bid from Pro Max Fence Systems LLC

The Council Committee of the Whole met on March 11, 2025, and took several actions. The Utility Committee unanimously authorized the City Manager to bring forward revised water and sewer rates to City Council for implementation in July 2025, based on a rate study. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee unanimously approved the Active Recreation Area Plan for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza, subject to conditions. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee unanimously approved a $93,784 bid for a security fence at the Dover Police Department, funded by Bond Bill grant funds, and referred the Training, Conference, and Travel Policy back to staff for further evaluation.

• Authorized City Manager to bring forward revised water/sewer rates for July 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Active Recreation Area Plan for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza (unanimous)
• Approved $93,784 bid from Pro Max Fence Systems for police department security fence (unanimous)
• Referred Training, Conference, and Travel Policy back to staff for further evaluation (unanimous)

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet to review presentations regarding minority contractor bidding and the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The body will also consider the adoption of minutes from the October 15, 2024 meeting.

• Minority Contractors Bidding Presentation by Bobby Wilson of Carpet for Pennies
• Dover Economic Council DEMEP Presentation by Dr. Robert Rescigno

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will review a proclamation for Women's History Month, adopt routine consent agenda items, and discuss several proposed ordinances. Notable actions include a first reading of a proposed ordinance establishing a public space naming policy, and an annexation/rezoning request for 582 Acorn Lane. Council will also consider conflicting recommendations on waivers for the Cecil Street Townhouses development and accept the Silver Lake Dam inspection report.

• Proclamation for Women's History Month and International Women's Day
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-07: Establishing a Public Space Naming Policy
• Annexation/Rezoning of 582 Acorn Lane from Kent County RS-1 to City R-8 (Ordinance #2025-08)
• Cecil Street Townhouses: conflicting recommendations on waivers for rear access alley and emergency access requirements
• Silver Lake Dam 2024 inspection report acceptance and FY2025 update

The council approved a cash-in-lieu donation for the active recreation area for the Cecil Street townhouses at 207 North West Street, with the amount to be determined after an appraisal. It also approved a staff review of active recreation zoning requirements. After initially denying a waiver to eliminate a rear access alley for the same project, the council later approved both the alley waiver and the alternative use of a residential sprinkler system to satisfy emergency access requirements. The council also approved the Edge at Dover impact fee request, maintaining the standard of one equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) per apartment unit.

• Approved cash-in-lieu donation for active recreation at 207 North West Street (unanimous)
• Approved staff review of active recreation zoning requirements (unanimous)
• Denied rear access alley waiver for Cecil Street townhouses (6-3)
• Approved rear access alley waiver for Cecil Street townhouses (unanimous)
• Approved residential sprinkler system alternative for emergency access (unanimous)
• Approved Edge at Dover impact fee request, one EDU per unit (8-1)
• Approved Request for Qualifications for new city solicitor (unanimous)
• Deferred sidewalk maintenance and code appeals ordinances for one month (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will meet in executive session to discuss potential land acquisition and legal strategy. The meeting may result in official action following the private session.

• Discussion of potential land acquisition
• Strategy session regarding collective bargaining or litigation

The Dover City Council held a special meeting, recessed into executive session, and returned to take three unanimous actions. It authorized the mayor to contact the General Assembly about releasing the city from a codicil on ORPT land in Schutte Park, gave the city manager authority to negotiate lease/purchase arrangements for Lot 7, and accepted amendments to the RFP/RFQ legal process. All votes were unanimous.

• Authorized Mayor to contact General Assembly re: ORPT land codicil in Schutte Park (unanimous)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate lease/purchase of Lot 7 (unanimous)
• Accepted amendments to RFP/RFQ legal process (unanimous)

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The board will hear an appeal from Olivia Smith regarding a registration fee assessed for a property at 851 West North Street under the Vacant Buildings section of the property maintenance code. This is the only substantive agenda item.

• Appeal of registration fee for vacant building at 851 West North Street (Olivia Smith)

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals upheld Code Enforcement's decision that 851 West North Street is vacant, but waived the associated vacant building registration fee for the first year. The motion, made by Mr. Neil and seconded by Mr. Rocha, carried unanimously. The property owner, Olivia Smith, will still be required to register the property and pay the fee in subsequent years if it remains vacant.

• Adopted the meeting agenda unanimously.
• Upheld Code Enforcement's decision to declare 851 West North Street vacant.
• Waived the vacant building registration fee for the first year for 851 West North Street.
• Adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Athletic League (PAL) Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve expenditures for upcoming events and provide an overview of 2024 events. The meeting is largely procedural with no specific dollar amounts or contracts listed on the agenda.

• Discussion/approval of expenditures for upcoming events
• Overview of 2024 events
• Public comments are welcomed on any item

The Dover Police Athletic League board approved spending up to $10,000 for two 2025 events: the 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt (April 19) and the Youth Academy (July 7-11). The motion was made by Kevin Baird, seconded by Dr. Chanda Jackson, and carried unanimously. The board also reviewed 2024 events, which were reported as successful.

• Approved up to $10,000 for Easter Egg Hunt and Youth Academy (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:07 p.m. (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing three project applications to provide comments before they move to the Planning Commission on March 17, 2025. The meeting focuses on questions regarding draft reports for these specific sites.

• C-25-03: Conditional Use Site Plan for an 11,900 SF New Harvest Baptist Church at 1462 N. Little Creek Road
• SB-25-01: Minor Subdivision Plan to divide 78.60 acres into three lots for McKee Road Apartments at 1385 McKee Road
• S-25-07: Site Development Plan for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza, featuring a 31,500 SF addition with 36 apartments
• S-25-07: Review of a Parking Strategy Statement for the Old Post mixed-use project

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing three applications: a conditional use site plan for a church, a minor subdivision for a 384-unit apartment complex, and a site development plan for a mixed-use redevelopment of the historic Dover Post Office. The committee provides technical review before these items go to the Planning Commission for a public hearing on March 17, 2025.

• Conditional Use Site Plan (C-25-03) for New Harvest Baptist Church at 1462 N. Little Creek Road – 11,900 SF church building on 4.67 acres.
• Minor Subdivision Plan (SB-25-01) for McKee Road Apartments at 1385 McKee Road – Dividing 78.6 acres into three lots for a previously approved 384-unit multi-family community.
• Site Development Plan (S-25-07) for The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza – Adaptive reuse of former post office: 36 residential units, commercial space, and parking.
• Parking Strategy Statement for The Old Post project under consideration.
• All applications are scheduled for Planning Commission public hearing on March 17, 2025.

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The board is reviewing contracts for the Critical Improvements Program and Loockerman Street improvements. Members will discuss site readiness for priority projects and updates on the Mobility Center project. The meeting also includes updates on EPA and ARPA grant processes.

• Contract with Rossi Group for Critical Improvements Program
• Proposed contract with City of Dover (KCI) for Loockerman Street Improvements
• Site readiness for 148 S. Bradford St. and 150 S. Bradford St.
• West End property clean up
• Mobility Center project updates and proposed March Open House

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will discuss development plans for the Village of Maple Dale and Cecil Street Townhouses. The body is also reviewing proposed ordinances regarding public space naming, sidewalk maintenance, and sexual offender registration.

• Review of senior citizen housing option at 180 Maple Dale Circle
• Waiver requests for rear access alley and emergency access at 207 N. West Street
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-07 establishing a Public Space Naming Policy
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-05 regarding tenant/owner duty to maintain sidewalks
• Approval of Request for Qualifications for a new City Solicitor

The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee voted 6-3 to reject a waiver that would have eliminated the rear access alley requirement for the proposed Cecil Street townhouses at 207 North West Street. A subsequent motion to approve a residential sprinkler system as an alternative to satisfy the rear emergency access requirement failed 1-7 with one abstention. The Utility Committee voted 8-1 to uphold the standard impact fee of one equivalent dwelling unit per apartment unit for The Edge at Dover, denying a requested reduction.

• Rejected rear access alley waiver for Cecil Street townhouses (6-3)
• Rejected residential sprinkler alternative for emergency access (1-7, 1 abstention)
• Upheld standard EDU impact fees for The Edge at Dover (8-1)
• Approved Active Recreation Area Plan for Village of Maple Dale (unanimous)
• Approved cash-in-lieu request for Cecil Street townhouses recreation (carried, 1 no)
• Accepted Silver Lake Dam annual inspection review (unanimous)
• Forwarded Public Space Naming Policy ordinance (unanimous)
• Deferred sidewalk maintenance and Code Board of Appeals ordinances (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

This is a special meeting of the Dover City Council, posted with less than seven days' notice. The council will recess into executive session under Delaware law to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining or potential litigation. After the closed session, the council may take action on matters discussed. No other public agenda items are listed.

The special meeting was mostly procedural, with the agenda adopted and a recess into executive session for legal strategy regarding the Robbins Hose Fire Company. After the session, council voted unanimously to file an appeal based on a response expected within seven days. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for legal strategy (unanimous)
• Filed appeal on Robbins Hose Fire Company, contingent on response within 7 days (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The City Council will review a recommendation to set polling places for the 2025 Regular Municipal Election. The body will also conduct a final reading of a proposed ordinance regarding Downtown Redevelopment.

• Selection of Elks Lodge #1903, 200 Saulsbury Road, as the polling place for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and At-Large districts
• Final reading of Proposed Ordinance #2025-01 to amend Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment
• Annual report from Robbins Hose Company (Dover Fire Department)

The Dover City Council adopted Ordinance #2025-01, amending Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment, by a 6-2 roll call vote. The ordinance updates the Downtown Development District boundaries and administrative reporting requirements. The council also approved the Elks Lodge #1903 as the polling place for the April 15, 2025 municipal election and accepted the 2024 Dover Fire Department Annual Report.

• Adopted Ordinance #2025-01 amending Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment (6-2)
• Approved Elks Lodge #1903 as polling place for 2025 municipal election (unanimous)
• Accepted 2024 Dover Fire Department Annual Report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 10, 2025 regular council meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing and review for Architectural Review Certification for the redevelopment of the Old Dover Post Office property at 55 Loockerman Plaza. The project involves partial demolition, adaptive reuse of the front 4,560 SF building for commercial space, and a three-story 31,500 SF addition for 36 residential apartments with parking. The commission will also review summaries of 2024 applications and architectural review certificates, and discuss the Certified Local Government program.

• HI-25-01 – Public hearing for Architectural Review Certification for The Old Post redevelopment at 55 Loockerman Plaza
• Project includes demolition of rear warehouse, adaptive reuse of front portion, and new 3-story addition with 36 residential units
• Property owned by City of Dover, equitable owner Old Post, LLC; zone C-2 with H Historic District overlay
• Review of Summary of Applications 2024 and Summary of Architectural Review Certificates for 2024 and 2025
• Old Business: Certified Local Government (CLG) Program and 2019 Comprehensive Plan implementation

The Dover Historic District Commission approved the Architectural Review Certification for the Old Post redevelopment at 55 Loockerman Plaza, a mixed-use project with 36 apartments and commercial space. The vote was 4-0. The commission also approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, and received staff reports on 2024 applications and permits.

• Approved Architectural Review Certification for HI-25-01 The Old Post at 55 Loockerman Plaza (4-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved minutes of December 19, 2024 meeting (4-0)

City Council Meetings

This is a routine Police Advisory Workshop meeting with no specific votes or proposals. The agenda includes public comment, a review of citizen complaints, community engagement research, membership updates, and youth-related matters. All items are discussion-only and procedural in nature.

• Public comment period on any agenda item
• Discussion of citizen complaints
• Community engagement and research review
• Membership updates
• Youth-related topics

The Dover Police Advisory Board held a workshop meeting with no formal votes. Members discussed the citizen complaint process, agreeing to revisit the previously approved Complaint Form and Hearing Procedures at the next meeting and to post current bylaws, membership info, and complaint forms on the Dover Police website. The board also tabled membership discussions and planned community engagement efforts, including a survey and outreach to Dover High School.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Tabled membership discussion until next workshop
• Agreed to revisit Complaint Form and Hearing Procedures at next meeting
• Agreed to post bylaws, membership info, and complaint forms on Dover Police website
• Volunteered to create advertisement brochures for board approval
• Volunteered to reach out to Dover High School for youth engagement

Downtown Dover Partnership Board

The Economic Vitality Committee meeting scheduled for February 19, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted. The next meeting date is to be determined.

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will meet to approve minutes from January 22, 2025, and receive reports from various committees. The body will also discuss commissioner shirts and hold an open discussion session.

• Reports from Assessment, Community Programs, School Programs, By-laws, and Finance committees
• Update on Commissioner Shirts
• Approval of January 22, 2025 meeting minutes

The Dover Human Relations Commission met on February 19, 2025, and approved the purchase of commissioner shirts for $206.60 from Delaware Correctional Industries. The commission also discussed a proposed annual $500 scholarship, a community outreach event, and school bus route changes, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved commissioner shirt order for $206.60 (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted January 22, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The regularly scheduled Board of Adjustment meeting for February 19, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for March 19, 2025.

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three development applications: a conditional use plan for four townhouses at 207 N. West Street, a revised senior housing plan for 48 units at Villages of Maple Dale Phase 3, and a revised implementation plan for Eden Hill Farm TND increasing total units from 725 to 753 and reconfiguring open space and rights-of-way. The commission will also adopt minutes from January 21, 2025, and receive updates on City Council actions and a land use workshop.

• Public hearing on C-25-01 Cecil Street Townhouses: subdivision of 12,158 SF parcel at 207 N. West Street into four townhouse lots (RG-1 zoning), with waivers for alley and rear emergency access
• Public hearing on C-25-02 Villages of Maple Dale Phase 3: revised PND for 48 age-restricted apartment units at 180 Maple Dale Circle (RC zoning), with a waiver for upright curbing and consideration of alternative design standards
• Public hearing on S-25-04 Eden Hill Farm TND: revised implementation plan for phases 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 including lot reconfiguration, expansion of Signers Park from 6.12 to 9.13 acres, abandonment/adjustment of street rights-of-way, and unit count increase to 753 from 725
• Adoption of regular meeting minutes from January 21, 2025
• Introduction to Land Use Administration Workshop on February 26, 2025, presented by University of Delaware

The Dover Planning Commission approved a conditional use and minor subdivision plan for four townhouses at 207 N. West Street, with waivers for the alley and rear emergency access requirements. The commission also approved a revised plan for a 48-unit senior apartment building at Maple Dale and a revised implementation plan for the Eden Hill Farm development. All votes were 5-0 except the townhouse application, which passed 4-1.

• Approved C-25-01 Cecil Street Townhouses at 207 N. West Street with waivers (4-1)
• Approved C-25-02 Villages of Maple Dale Phase 3 senior housing plan (5-0)
• Approved S-25-04 Eden Hill Farm TND revised implementation plan (5-0)
• Approved agenda and January 21, 2025 minutes (5-0)

Council Committee

The City of Dover Election Board is meeting to discuss the selection of polling places for the 2025 municipal election.

• Selection of Polling Places for the 2025 Municipal Election

The Election Board voted unanimously to use one polling location, the Elks Lodge, for the April 15, 2025, municipal election. The recommendation will be presented to the City Council at its February 24 meeting for final approval. The board also scheduled the post-election audit for April 16 and a machine inspection for April 9.

• Adopted meeting agenda unanimously
• Approved single polling place at Elks Lodge (unanimous)
• Scheduled election audit for April 16, 2025
• Scheduled machine inspection for April 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

DDP Design Committee

The Dover Design Committee will hold its regular monthly meeting via Zoom, covering updates on 32 W. Loockerman St. and a CPTED metal project, reviewing holiday window contest results and the Paint Dover! event, and discussing potential projects and leadership for FY 2026.

• Update on 32 W. Loockerman St. (frontage near bus stop)
• CPTED and proposed metal project by Brian (Harry) Bachman
• Holiday window contest prizes: $200 first place, $100 Mayor's Choice, $150 second place, $100 third place, $50 HM Pastries
• Paint Dover! outcome (Oct. 8–10, 12, 13) and virtual exhibit
• Potential projects of Design Committee for FY 2026 and leadership selection

City Council Meetings

The Council President and committee chairs will meet to set the agendas for upcoming Council and Committee meetings. This is a procedural meeting to determine future discussion topics.

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for February 11, 2025, has been cancelled due to impending weather. The next meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

Economic Development Committee

The February 11, 2025 meeting of the Dover Economic Development Committee has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2025. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled; next meeting March 11, 2025

City Council Meetings

The City Council will discuss tax assessment values for Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027 and hold a public hearing on alley abandonment for the Downtown Mobility Center Project. The meeting also includes the resignation of Councilman William F. Hare.

• Public Hearing: Proposed Resolution No. 2025-02 regarding alley abandonment for the Downtown Mobility Center Project
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-01: Amending Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment
• Tax Evaluation: Proposal to use 2020 re-assessment values for 2025 tax bills and adopt Kent County values starting FY 2027
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-02: Project Carry-Forward Budget Balances/Proposed Budget Amendments
• Resignation of Councilman William F. Hare

Council adopted Resolution 2025-02, vacating and abandoning a city alley in the block between South Governors Avenue and South Bradford Street to the adjoining property owners, the Downtown Dover Partnership, to facilitate the Downtown Mobility Center project. The vote was 6 yes, 1 no (Sudler), 1 abstention (Lewis), with Hare absent. Council also accepted the resignation of Councilman William F. Hare, effective February 10, 2025, and waived snow removal fines issued between January 6 and January 28, 2025.

• Adopted Resolution 2025-02 for alley abandonment (6-1-1, Hare absent)
• Accepted resignation of Councilman William F. Hare
• Waived snow removal fines issued Jan 6-28, 2025
• Approved Ordinance 2025-02 for budget carry-forward balances
• Approved DelDOT Dover Freight Plan
• Approved Dover Human Relations Commission Annual Report
• Approved Downtown Dover Partnership Annual Report
• Approved 2025 Transportation Priorities

City Council Meetings

This is a special City Council meeting. The council will immediately recess into executive session to discuss legal strategy regarding pending or potential litigation and confidential personnel matters. No public business or votes are scheduled on the open agenda.

• No public agenda items: meeting consists of going into executive session for strategy and personnel discussions.

The Dover City Council held a special meeting on February 10, 2025, and immediately recessed into executive session to discuss strategy and personnel matters. No formal decisions or votes were made during the open portion of the meeting, and the meeting adjourned without any action.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Recessed into executive session for strategy and personnel discussions (unanimous)
• Adjourned without taking action

Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals

The Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals will hear an appeal by John & Alicia Young of a property maintenance code violation at 204 N. Caroline Place. The violation concerns Section 302.1 (Sanitation) of the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the meeting is otherwise procedural.

• Appeal of property maintenance code violation – 204 N. Caroline Place (John & Alicia Young)

The board heard an appeal from John and Alicia Young regarding a property maintenance citation for using a tire as a trash can anchor at 204 N. Caroline Place. The board voted unanimously to pause enforcement for 30 days, setting a follow-up date of March 6, 2025, to allow the owners to bring the property into compliance. The case was referred back to staff for a follow-up inspection.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Paused enforcement for 30 days, follow-up March 6, 2025, for 204 N. Caroline Place (unanimous)
• Referred case back to staff for follow-up inspection

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee (DAC) will review three applications on February 5, 2025, ahead of the Planning Commission public hearings on February 18. The items include a conditional use and minor subdivision for four townhouses at 207 N. West Street, a revised Phase 3 of Villages of Maple Dale with a 48-unit age-restricted apartment building, and a revised implementation plan for Eden Hill Farm TND that would increase the total unit count from 725 to 753 dwelling units. This is a working meeting for agency reviewers and applicants; no public comment is taken.

• C-25-01: Cecil Street Townhouses – conditional use plan and minor subdivision to create four townhouse lots at 207 N. West Street (RG-1 zone).
• C-25-02: Villages of Maple Dale Phase 3 – revised plan for a three-story, 48-unit age-restricted apartment building near the existing clubhouse (RC zone).
• S-25-04: Eden Hill Farm TND Residential District – revised implementation plan adjusting lot configuration, open space, street rights-of-way, and increasing dwelling units from 725 to 753.

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council holds a workshop to receive staff presentations on economic development and revenue projections, hear from the Downtown Dover Partnership, and get updates from police, fire, and emergency management. Council members will also share goals and hear a state perspective from Representative Keri Evelyn-Harris.

• Economic development presentation by City Manager David S. Hugg
• Revenue projections by Controller Patricia Marney
• Downtown Dover Partnership update from Diane Laird
• Public safety updates from Police Chief Johnson, Fire Chief Carey, and Emergency Management's Kay Sass

Home Events

The Joint General Employee Pension Plan Board, Police Pension Plan Retirement Committee, and OPEB Board will meet to approve prior meeting minutes, review quarterly performance reports for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, presented by Milliman, Inc., and discuss scheduling the next meeting. The boards will also consider a quarterly expenditures report for the General Employee Pension Plan.

• Adoption of minutes from November 7, 2024 and December 3, 2024 meetings
• Quarterly performance review of the General Employee Pension Plan (Q4 2024)
• Quarterly performance review of the Police Pension Plan (Q4 2024)
• Quarterly performance review of the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Plan (Q4 2024)
• Discussion on scheduling the next joint board meeting (typically in May)

The joint pension boards unanimously approved the quarterly performance reviews for the General Employee Pension Plan, Police Pension Plan, and OPEB Plan, and set future meeting dates for May 8, August 7, and November 6, 2025. They also adopted the November 7, 2024 minutes and tabled the December 3, 2024 special meeting minutes until later in the meeting, when they were adopted. Discussions were held on the upcoming special election and concerns about missing quarterly expenditure reports.

• Approved agenda amendment to include special election discussion (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of November 7, 2024 joint meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled minutes of December 3, 2024 special meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for General Employee Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for Police Pension Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted Quarterly Performance Review for OPEB Plan (unanimous)
• Approved future meeting dates: May 8, Aug 7, Nov 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of December 3, 2024 special meeting (unanimous)

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee is reviewing technical plans for three residential projects. These applications are anticipated to move to public hearings at the Planning Commission on February 18, 2025.

• C-25-01: Plan to subdivide 207 N. West Street into four townhouse lots
• C-25-02: Revised plan for 48 senior citizen apartment units at 180 Maple Dale Circle
• S-25-04: Revised implementation plan for Eden Hill Farm TND to increase unit count to 753
• S-25-04: Proposal to expand Signers Park Open Space from 6.12 acres to 9.13 acres
• S-25-04: Proposal to abandon street right-of-way for portions of Bond Street, Red Haven Way, and Eden Hill Boulevard

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will review 2025 transportation priorities and proposed ordinances for downtown redevelopment and the city service mark. The body will also discuss tax evaluation schedules for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 and a transition to the Kronos payroll program.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-01: Amending Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment
• Proposed Ordinance #2025-03: Amending Section 1-18 - City of Dover Service Mark
• Prioritization of City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects
• Proposal to use 2020 re-assessment values for 2025 tax bills and adopt Kent County values starting FY 2027
• Request for permission to obtain quotes for the Kronos Payroll Processing Program

The Council Committee of the Whole voted to waive all snow removal fines issued from January 6 through January 28, 2025, after hearing constituent concerns about the enforcement process. The committee also recommended forwarding two proposed ordinances to the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee that would change the snow removal timeframe from 12 hours of daylight to 24 hours and replace immediate fines with a warning posting. Additionally, the committee approved staff recommendations on transportation priorities, tax evaluation, and the Kronos payroll program, and directed staff to evaluate a proposed road closure on East Loockerman Street.

• Waived snow removal fines issued Jan 6-28, 2025 (carried, Pillsbury no)
• Forwarded proposed snow ordinance changes to LFA Committee (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Transportation Priorities (unanimous)
• Approved using 2020 reassessment values for 2025 tax bills, adopting Kent County values from FY2027 (unanimous)
• Approved proceeding with Kronos payroll program quote under declared emergency (unanimous)
• Forwarded Ordinance #2025-01 (Downtown Redevelopment) to council (unanimous)
• Forwarded Ordinance #2025-03 (Service Mark) to council as amended (unanimous)
• Instructed staff to evaluate proposed East Loockerman Street road closure (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

The Dover City Council will consider adopting $24.7 million in budget amendments for FY2025, a resolution setting a public hearing on an alley abandonment for the Downtown Mobility Center project, a $65,620 contract for engineering support at the White Oak Road pump station, and confirmation of a police pension election. The meeting includes proclamations, committee reports, and quarterly reviews of revenue and capital investment plans.

• Proposed budget amendments totaling $24,744,582 for Fiscal Year 2025 (Ordinance #2025-02)
• Resolution to set public hearing on alley abandonment for Downtown Mobility Center (alley between South Governor's Avenue and South Bradford Street)
• Award of $65,620 contract to Century Engineering for White Oak Road Pump Station Grit Removal System Engineering Support
• Confirmation of Police Pension Election – Retired Sergeant Steve Rogers to three-year term expiring January 31, 2028
• Quarterly Revenue Report and Capital Investment Plan review as of December 31, 2024

Council voted 7-2 to set a public hearing for February 10, 2025, on abandoning an alley for the Downtown Mobility Center project. An amendment to require disclosure of the property's approximate value failed 2-7. Council also approved a $24.7 million budget carry-forward ordinance on first reading and accepted several committee recommendations.

• Set public hearing for Feb. 10, 2025 on alley abandonment for Downtown Mobility Center (7-2)
• Amendment to disclose approximate value of abandoned alley property failed (2-7)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #2025-02, $24,744,582 budget carry-forward amendments
• Accepted Council Committee of the Whole report, including Utility and Legislative/Finance/Admin committee recommendations
• Approved $65,620 contract to Century Engineering for White Oak Road Pump Station grit removal engineering (unanimous)
• Approved Economic Development Fund and Community Development Fund guidelines with added oversight provisions
• Accepted Quarterly Revenue Report and Capital Investment Plan report as of Dec. 31, 2024
• Confirmed Police Pension Election for Retired Sgt. Steve Rogers, 3-year term to Jan. 31, 2028

Home Events

The Dover Human Relations Commission will hold a routine meeting with committee reports on assessment, community programs, school programs, by-laws, and finance. New business includes discussions on meeting structure and the annual report, followed by an open discussion. Public comments are permitted during open forum and on agenda items.

• Discussion of annual report (item #8)
• Discussion of meeting structure (item #7)
• Open forum for public comments prior to official meeting
• Approval of minutes from October 16, 2024 meeting

The Dover Human Relations Commission met on January 22, 2025, and approved two motions: allocating 30 minutes at the next meeting for training by the Delaware Division of Human & Civil Rights, and obtaining price quotes for commissioner shirts not to exceed $30 each. All votes were unanimous, with three members absent. No other substantive decisions were made; committees reported awaiting training before proceeding.

• Approved allocating time at next monthly meeting for Delaware Division of Human & Civil Rights training (unanimous)
• Approved obtaining price quotes for commissioner shirts, not to exceed $30 per shirt (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes from October 16, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

City Council Meetings

This is a procedural meeting where the Council President meets with committee chairs, the Mayor, and staff to set the Council and Committee agendas for upcoming meetings. No specific decisions or discussions on individual items are listed.

Home Events

The Dover Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a site development plan for the Dover Mobility Center Garage, a four/five-story parking structure at 133 S. Governors Avenue with 431 spaces, retail, and office space. The commission will also receive updates on recently adopted recreational marijuana zoning ordinances and discuss various planning workshops and training opportunities. A tree mitigation plan and parking strategy statement are up for consideration.

• Public hearing on S-25-01: Dover Mobility Center Garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue, a 431-space parking garage with retail and welcome space
• Update on adoption of Ordinances #2024-29 and #2024-30 for recreational marijuana land uses and zoning
• Discussion of tree mitigation plan and parking strategy statement for the garage project
• Approval of minutes from December 16, 2024
• Reminder of upcoming Dover/Kent County MPO Safe Streets for All Workshop on January 13, 2025

The Dover Planning Commission approved the site development plan for the Dover Mobility Center Garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue, including the architectural review certification with alternative side yard setbacks, the tree mitigation plan, and the parking strategy statement. The vote was 8-0. The project includes a four/five-story parking garage with 431 spaces, retail, and a welcome center.

• Approved S-25-01 Dover Mobility Center Garage site plan, architectural review, tree mitigation, and parking strategy (8-0)
• Approved agenda as submitted (7-0)
• Approved December 16, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)

Council Committee

The Dover Ethics Commission will meet to review two complaints in executive session, citing personnel privacy exemptions. The complaints are identified as CDEC 01022025-1 and CDEC 01162025-1. Following the closed session, the commission may take action on the complaints.

• Review of Complaint CDEC 01022025-1 in executive session
• Review of Complaint CDEC 01162025-1 (added to agenda)
• Potential action resulting from executive session
• Agenda revised to include item #2

City Council Meetings

The Dover Police Advisory Board will hold a routine meeting on January 16, 2025. The main substantive item is a discussion about conducting workshop meetings instead of separate committee meetings. The board will also adopt minutes from the previous meeting and receive updates from agency chiefs. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions expected.

• Discussion of conducting workshop meetings in lieu of separate committee meetings
• Adoption of minutes from November 21, 2024 meeting
• Updates from agency chiefs
• Public comment period

The Dover Police Advisory Board voted unanimously to replace separate committee meetings with workshop-style meetings on even months, starting February 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The board also approved the November 21, 2024 minutes and amended the agenda to allow a student member to introduce himself. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates from agency chiefs and board member announcements.

• Approved workshop meetings in lieu of separate committee meetings, starting Feb 20, 2025 at 6pm (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 21, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to allow Jason Williams to introduce himself (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The January 16, 2025 Historic District Commission meeting has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items. The next scheduled meeting is February 20, 2025.

Ethics Commission

The Dover Ethics Ad Hoc Committee is meeting to review a draft intake form and discuss updates to Chapter 30, which governs standards of ethical conduct and the Ethics Commission. The committee will also set future meeting dates. Public comments are welcome.

• Review of the Draft Intake Form for ethics complaints
• Review and update of Chapter 30 – Standards of Ethical Conduct and Ethics Commission
• Setting of future meeting dates

DDP Economic Development and Restructuring Committee

The Economic Vitality Committee meeting scheduled for January 15, 2025, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

Board of Adjustment

The regular Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for January 15, 2025 has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held on February 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM.

• Meeting cancelled with no business conducted

Council Committee of the Whole

The Council Committee of the Whole will discuss budget amendments and the selection process for a new City Solicitor. The meeting includes reviews of utility projects and guidelines for economic and community development funds.

• Proposed Ordinance #2025-02 for budget amendments totaling $24,744,582
• Proposed $65,620 contract to Century Engineering for White Oak Road Pump Station grit removal support
• Request to abandon an alley extending north from Minor Street for the Downtown Mobility Center Project
• Review of Economic Development Fund and Community Development Fund guidelines
• Update on the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project

The Council Committee of the Whole met on January 14, 2025, and took several actions. The Utility Committee unanimously recommended accepting staff recommendations to abandon an improved alley for the Downtown Mobility Center project, which would require a public hearing and resolution. The committee also unanimously approved awarding a $65,620 contract to Century Engineering for the White Oak Road Pump Station Grit Removal System Engineering Support. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee approved budget amendments totaling $24,744,582 for Fiscal Year 2025 and adopted Ordinance #2025-02, and approved Economic Development Fund and Community Development Fund guidelines with added conditions. No action was taken on the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project.

• Utility Committee recommended alley abandonment for Downtown Mobility Center project (unanimous)
• Approved $65,620 contract to Century Engineering for White Oak Road Pump Station Grit Removal System Engineering Support (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments totaling $24,744,582 for FY2025 and adopted Ordinance #2025-02 (unanimous)
• Approved Economic Development Fund and Community Development Fund guidelines with added conditions (carried, Lewis abstaining)
• No action taken on Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for January 14, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting will be held on February 11, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled; no business conducted

City Council Meetings

City Council will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 2024-31 to rezone 1.2302 acres at 1216 McKee Road from Commercial and Professional Office (C-PO) to Institutional and Office (IO), both within the Corridor Overlay Zone. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, committee reports, and a sole vendor purchase for HVAC work at the Police Department. Additional items include discussion of the State of Delaware pension, annual review of the investment policy, and an appointment to the Dover Housing Authority.

• Public hearing on rezoning 1216 McKee Road (PAM Cubed Real Estate, LLC) from C-PO to IO with COZ-1 overlay
• Sole vendor purchase approval for HVAC at Dover Police Department from Service Unlimited, New Castle, DE
• Annual review of investment policy with recommendation to approve no changes
• Discussion on State of Delaware pension with HR Director and Deputy Pension Administrator
• Appointment of Enrico LePore to fill remainder of a six-year term on Dover Housing Authority

The Dover City Council unanimously approved Ordinance #2024-31, rezoning 1.2302 acres at 1216 McKee Road from C-PO (Commercial and Professional Office Zone) to IO (Institutional and Office Zone), both subject to COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). The rezoning supports expansion of the adjoining PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital. Council also added a discussion on snow removal to the agenda after resident complaints about un-salted secondary roads, but took no formal action on the matter.

• Approved Ordinance #2024-31 rezoning 1216 McKee Road to IO (unanimous, Boggerty absent)
• Adopted agenda as amended to add snow removal discussion (unanimous, Boggerty absent)
• Adopted consent agenda (unanimous, Boggerty absent)
• Approved minutes of Dec 9, 2024 and Jan 2, 2025 meetings (unanimous, Boggerty absent)
• Approved Dover Housing Authority appointment of Enrico LePore to 2030 (unanimous, Boggerty absent)
• Accepted Council Committee of the Whole report (unanimous, Boggerty absent)
• Accepted monthly reports for November 2024 (unanimous, Boggerty absent)

DDP Design Committee

The Design Committee meeting scheduled for January 8, 2025, is cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Development Advisory Committee (DAC) meets to review and comment on a single application for the Dover Mobility Center Garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue. The proposed structure is a four/five-story parking garage with 431 spaces, retail, and office space, located in the C-2 Central Commercial and H Historic District zones. This is an applicant meeting; formal public comment will be taken at the Planning Commission public hearing on January 21, 2025.

• Application S-25-01 for a site development plan, parcel consolidation, and architectural review for a 431-space multi-purpose parking garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue
• Properties involved include seven parcels between S. Governors Avenue and S. Bradford Street, zoned C-2 and H (Historic District)
• Project also requires consideration of a tree mitigation plan and parking strategy statement
• Associated with alley abandonment request MI-24-10 and Historic District Commission review HI-24-09
• Meeting is limited to agency reviewers and applicants; public may observe but not comment

Police Advisory Board

This is a public notice that members of the Dover Police Advisory Board will attend the Police Advisory Board Academy on four dates, including January 2, 2025, at the Dover Police Department. The notice states that a quorum may be present but that this is not a meeting and no official action will be taken.

City Council Meetings

This special meeting is held solely to consider Mayor Robin R. Christiansen's veto of four ordinances (2024-24, 2024-25, 2024-29, 2024-30). The ordinances amend business license definitions and fees, as well as zoning regulations for marijuana-related businesses in Dover. Council will vote on whether to override the veto, which would affect fee schedules and land-use rules for marijuana establishments.

• Veto of Ordinance 2024-24: amends Chapter 26 (Businesses) – license definitions and fee Appendix F
• Veto of Ordinance 2024-25: amends Chapter 26 – license definitions and fee Appendix F
• Veto of Ordinance 2024-29: amends Appendix B Zoning – Manufacturing, Industrial, Agricultural districts, and marijuana-related business regulations
• Veto of Ordinance 2024-30: amends Appendix B Zoning – Highway Commercial zone, marijuana-related business regulations

The Dover City Council voted 8-1 to override Mayor Robin Christiansen's veto of four ordinances that would allow and regulate recreational marijuana businesses in the city. The ordinances, originally adopted on December 9, 2024, cover licensing, fees, and zoning for cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail sales. The override means the ordinances take effect despite the mayor's objections.

• Overrode Mayor's veto of Ordinance #2024-24 (licensing for cultivation, manufacturing, testing) (8-1)
• Overrode Mayor's veto of Ordinance #2024-25 (licensing for compassion centers, retail stores) (8-1)
• Overrode Mayor's veto of Ordinance #2024-29 (zoning for cultivation, manufacturing, testing) (8-1)
• Overrode Mayor's veto of Ordinance #2024-30 (zoning for retail marijuana stores) (8-1)
• Adopted agenda unanimously

Development Advisory Committee (DAC)

The Staff Development Advisory Committee will review application S-25-01 for the Dover Mobility Center Garage, a four/five-story parking structure with 431 spaces, retail, and office space at 133 S. Governors Avenue. The review includes a site development plan, parcel consolidation, architectural certification, tree mitigation, and parking strategy. This is a technical review before the project moves to a public hearing at the Planning Commission on January 21, 2025.

• Site development plan for a 431-space parking garage at 133 S. Governors Avenue in the C-2 Central Commercial and H Historic District zones.
• Parcel consolidation of seven parcels owned by Downtown Dover Partnership, City of Dover, Capital City Transformation Alliance, and CEI Properties LLC.
• Architectural Review Certification previously reviewed by the Historic District Commission on December 19, 2024 (HI-24-09).
• Tree Mitigation Plan and Parking Strategy Statement required for the application.
• Associated alley abandonment request (MI-24-10) for part of the alley between S. Governors Avenue and S. Bradford Street.