Regular Council Meeting "Click for Video"

And I will request Councilman Andre Boggerty to provide an invocation.

Heavenly Father, we just thank you for this opportunity to gather. Thank you for what we do, each and every one of us, while it's a sacrifice on this side. We know, Lord, that you have you have plans for us to reward us for our works. We thank you for the constituents, Father, who who bring us concerns. And we thank you for those who have dared to to rise to the occasion to attempt to be part of the resolution. Each time, Father God, cause us to be people who seek peace, for your word says, "Blessed are the peacemakers." City, Lord God, while we while is while we have our challenges, Lord, it's a it's a wonderful place. While there while there are people that are in need, you said, Lord God, the poor will be with us always, but then also, Father, you said that for us, Lord, to let the strong bear the infirmities of the weak. So let us who are strong in certain places continue to lift those who find themselves in weak places right now, how that we continue to be individuals who look to serve, Father God, and not belittle, how we the individuals who are who have mental and physical challenges, Lord. Lord, let us continue to Give us wisdom, give us all the wisdom of Solomon, how we may manage all of our affairs. Lord, we pray for our leadership from our executive branch, all the way down to our city and community officials, those who run nonprofits. We pray for each and every one of us, Father God. And, Lord, I ask you that you continue to let your your your way be had. We ask you, Lord God, let your glory move in our city. And I just believe that Dover has positive days ahead of us. Thank you, and we glorify you in Jesus' name. Amen.

Amen. Pledge of Allegiance tonight will be led by Councilwoman Tricia Arndt.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

You have before you this evening's agenda, and I'll entertain a motion for its adoption.

Move to adopt the agenda.

Approved by Councilwoman Arndt.

Rocha seconds.

Councilman Rocha seconds. All in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed? The ayes have it. Next we have the consent agenda, which is these items on the consent agenda which are considered routine and non-controversial and will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Council. There'll be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of council so requests, in which event the matter will be removed from the consent agenda and considered as a separate item. What is the pleasure of the Council?

Rocha moves for the adoption of the consent agenda.

Second.

And it's seconded by Councilwoman Arndt. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Miss Hall?

Yes.

Mr. Boggerty?

Yes.

Mr. Anderson?

Yes.

Dr. Pillsbury?

Yes.

Mrs. Arndt?

Yes.

Mr. Rocha?

Yes.

Dr. Sudler?

Yes.

Mr. Lewis?

Yes.

Council President Neil?

Yes.

9-0.

Proclamations. I'm going to invite Councilwoman, our resident pediatrician, to the stand, and request Madam Clerk to read the proclamation of Dover Lemonade Stand Day 2026, if you will.

Council President Neil?

Yes, Councilman Sudler.

Would it be appropriate to have those who represent the lemonade stand come forward and stand with Councilwoman, Dr. Pillsbury?

Are they here?

Yes, they are here.

They are here. Please come up. It wasn't in the script, sorry, Councilman Sudler.

Thank you.

This is the inspiration for this proclamation made by the mayor. He's a little bit under the weather and may not be joining us, was not joining us tonight, and may not be able to join us tomorrow.

Now, Madam Clerk.

Whereas, young entrepreneurs are the future leaders, innovators, and business owners of our community, and providing opportunities for them to develop confidence, responsibility, financial literacy, and leadership skills is essential to their success; and whereas, Dover Lemonade Stand Day encourages children throughout the City of Dover to experience the rewards of entrepreneurship by creating and operating their own lemonade stands while learning the value of hard work, customer service, creativity, and community engagement; and whereas, this community-wide initiative, presented by Helena Rose's Lemonade Stand, invites children to participate in a fun and educational event that promotes small business development, civic pride, and family involvement; and whereas, Dover Lemonade Stand Day demonstrates that even the smallest business venture can inspire big dreams, helping young people discover their potential while bringing neighbors together in celebration of innovation and community spirit; and whereas, the City of Dover applauds the organizers, volunteers, parents, sponsors, and community partners whose dedication makes this event possible and whose commitment helps cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs: Now, therefore, I, Robin R. Christiansen, Mayor of the City of Dover, Delaware, do hereby proclaim August 15th, 2026, as Dover Lemonade Stand Day in the City of Dover and encourage all residents to support the participating young entrepreneurs by visiting their lemonade stands, celebrating their accomplishments, and recognizing the importance of investing in our youth and their bright futures.

Well, thank you very much. This is for you, and I'm very proud of you. It's a it's a challenge to run your own business, I ran one for a long time. And it requires a lot of work and a lot of personal commitment. And I'm very, very proud of you. Where's your lemonade stand going to be?

You don't remember?

So, the lemonade stands will be all over Dover. On July 30th, 16 kids at the Inner City Cultural League received training in how to set up and run their own lemonade stand. So they will be setting up their stands all across the city this Saturday on the 15th, and any kids who are interested in setting up a lemonade stand, please send them our way.

All right, thank you very much! And I'd like to offer you the opportunity to speak. Would you like to say something?

Yes.

Okay, go ahead.

You like to draw, don't you?

Yes.

As she's flipping, I can see lots of creative work.

Found it. Okay.

Okay, go right ahead.

Do I have to say the first part? Oh my gosh.

Introduce yourself, please.

Hi, I'm Helena Rose-Malak, and I'm 10 years old. I'm a fifth grader at Towne Point Elementary, and we have been working for the past year bringing Lemonade Day to Dover. And I would really like to thank Sankofa, Mayor Christiansen, Councilman David Anderson, Councilwoman Donyale Hall, Councilman Roy Sudler, Miss Armentrading, our mentors, Janae's Salon, Tara's Nail Lounge, Out of the Ordinary Catering, Zuha Trends, Dawn Thornton, and Kenya Austin. And from our family and friends, my mom, Dom Shakira, my sister, mother, our neighbors, and me.

Very good.

Next on our agenda is the annexation, rezoning of the property located at 102 Fox Hall Drive. I'm requesting Ms. Dawn Melson-Williams, principal planner, to brief the council on this item.

Uh good evening. This is Dawn Melson-Williams, the principal planner with the city's Planning Office. Um this uh this evening is an annexation and rezoning application AX-26-03. Uh it is the lands of Francis and Bruce Johnson at 102 Fox Hall Drive. Uh the property is um, as you can see on the screen shown in the yellow color, it is on the uh south side of Fox Hall Drive, which is off of Kenton Road. Uh it's just over 1.6 acres of land in size. Uh it is currently zoned RS-1 in Kent County, uh but they've filed an application to annex into the City of Dover. Our comprehensive plan showed this property as a category 1 or a high priority annexation area uh with a potential uh land use category of low density um residential low density. Um as part of the uh annexation application process, the city's zoning classification is set. Uh they requested the zoning classification of R-20, which is a one-family residence zone. Uh this property is currently occupied by a single-family detached dwelling, uh and that proposed use is anticipated to continue. Um the property was previously served and is currently served by the city's uh Electric Department. Uh water and wastewater uh or sanitary sewer service were available to the property, and that is uh the reason for their request for annexation. Um as a category 1, in order to make a connection to city water and sewer, you must pursue annexation, um and they have done so. Uh the Planning Commission considered this at their meeting in July and uh conducted a public hearing. Uh the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the annexation request and recommending the city zoning classification be set at R-20, a one-family residence zone. Uh as part of the record this evening is the Planning Commission recommendation report, which um includes more detailed information on the annexation process and the uh zoning that was requested. Uh staff was recommending approval of the annexation requests as uh as was the uh Planning Commission. Uh the city zoning ordinance charges the Planning Commission with considering three factors when setting the zoning of a property, including the permitted uses, um adequate public services and infrastructure, as well as um the status with the city's comprehensive plan. Um so, as recommended by the Planning Commission, they are um recommending annexation and setting the zoning um district as R-20. Uh the property owner is here in the um room this evening. Um if you wish to hear from him as part of the public hearing process on this annexation and rezoning request. Um Council President.

Thank you. I now declare the public hearing open. Is there anyone who wishes to speak in favor of the proposed amendment? Seeing none. Is there anyone who wishes to speak against the proposed amendment? Seeing none. I declare the public hearing closed. Next entertain a motion for the adoption of the annexation resolution number 2026-09. Madam Clerk, will you please call roll? Yes. Yes, we have someone. Yes, Councilman Anderson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of Annexation Resolution Number 2026-09.

Is there a second?

Pillsbury seconds.

It has been moved and seconded. Now, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Thank you. Miss Hall?

Yes.

Mr. Boggerty?

Yes.

Mr. Anderson?

Yes.

Dr. Pillsbury?

Yes.

Mrs. Arndt?

Yes.

Mr. Rocha?

Yes.

Dr. Sudler?

Yes.

Mr. Lewis?

Yes.

Council President Neil?

Yes.

9-0.

We now have the final reading adoption for the rezoning ordinance of 2026-13. The first reading was accomplished during the council meeting of June 8th, 2026. The ordinance is available at the entrance of the council chambers and on the website at www.cityofdover.gov under government. First I'll entertain a motion for consideration of the final reading...

by title only, which is simply to allow the waiving of the reading. A separate motion will be necessary for the adoption.

Is there a motion?

Either Either either way. Um, Mr. President, I move the adoption of the by title only reading by title only.

Is there a second?

Rocha seconds.

Seconded motion. Okay. Now all in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Is there anyone opposed? The motion carries.

Yes.

The ordinance of zoning map of the City of Dover is changing the zoning designation of the property located at 107 Fox Hall Drive.

102, Council President.

That's because I have seven on there.

Sorry to interrupt, point of order.

It's 102.

102. Sorry, it it says my my script says 107. [laughter] But anyhow, it's 102. That is correct.

What's the pleasure of Council? We need to have a motion to adopt 2026-13.

Mr. President.

Yes, Councilman Anderson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have a a quick question for uh our principal planner, Miss is uh Dawn Melson-Williams. If you could direct the place up. Uh just uh what's the property around it? Is it also R-20, uh the rest of the property in that, pretty much?

Um so, this is Dawn, the principal planner with the Planning Office. Uh so this area has a mixture of zoning classifications um that are adjacent to it. Um R-20 is actually located further down the street. Um there are additional um properties in the area that are uh zoned some of the other uh residential zoning districts. The map that is in your packet um on page 14 uh is a picture of our zoning map. Uh the properties immediately adjacent to its east are zoned RM-1, um and then to the south are zoned RG-2. Uh both of those areas are different in uh size and shape. Uh the R-20 is one of the eligible uh zoning districts uh for this area in our Comprehensive Plan.

Is is there a particular reason why the R-20 was uh chosen instead of like RG-2 or? I'm just just curious. So, I just want to walk into this with my eyes open because it's an R, I mean the property doesn't seem large enough for apartments to pop up or anything.

Um so, again this is Dawn with the Planning Office. Uh the Comprehensive Plan identifies this as the residential low density land use category. Um there are a limited number of zoning districts that comply with that, and those are the ones found in the one family resident zone, um ranging from R-20, which is a minimum uh 20,000 square foot lot, uh down to R-8, which is an like an 8,000 square foot lot. Um the adjacent properties that are zoned the RG-2 and the um the RM-1 are not considered residential low density um in the Comprehensive Plan. Uh they have a probably a residential medium density, um which has a different uh kind of list to select from when it comes to annexation. Uh with this property being over uh an acre and a half of land, um we felt that it was most appropriate to suggest that R-20, um which is our largest minimum residential uh land use or or zoning classification.

Oh, thank you. That was very informative. And unless one of my colleagues has a question, I'll make a motion for adoption.

Is there a second?

Uh, and move--

Rocha seconds.

Thank you. Councilman Rocha seconds. Uh, Madam Clerk, will you please read uh roll call vote?

Miss Hall?

Yes.

Mr. Boggerty?

Yes.

Mr. Anderson?

Yes.

Dr. Pillsbury?

Yes.

Mrs. Arndt?

Yes.

Mr. Rocha?

Yes.

Dr. Sudler?

Yes.

Mr. Lewis?

Yes.

Council President Neil?

Yes.

9-0.

And with that, we now have City Manager's announcements.

Thank you for recognizing me, Council President. I would just like to note that our Department of Water and Wastewater will be working throughout the city at various locations trying to identify water service line material as required um through the federal government. Um they will be sending out Hyper-Reach notifications to affected properties. This will not affect all properties, it's only a limited number that still require service line identification. If you have any questions, please feel free to call their office at 302-736-7025. Thank you.

Council member announcements. Councilman Lewis.

Thank you. I have uh two announcements that I like to make of upcoming events. One is on Saturday, August 29th, from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM. It's the Del-A-Con Latino Festival right in front of Legislative Hall. The next one is on Saturday, August 22nd. It's the 10th annual dinner in honor of Robert Earl Thorne, Sr. and all US veterans, and that will be held at the Luther Village apartment complex, 101 Babs Drive, and that is going to be sponsored by uh one of my constituents in the second district, Ms. Faye White. Uh Ms. White, what time does that start? Because you didn't give me the time. If you don't mind coming up and giving us the time of that event. And again, uh all veterans within the community are invited to that event.

Good evening. I like to thank each and every one of you, and especially the council people and all the veterans for your support for the last. This is the 10th year. And um the time uh would like to have um the veterans to come at 4:00, so they honor guard and then we'll be walking in at 5:00. And uh it's open to all veterans, and I truly thank you all for your dedication and service that you have done. And I I get emotional every time I think about it. But especially the council people that have supported me during the during the years and the 10th year and I'm just an honor to be here to be able to stand in front of you to uh continue this event. Once again, I thank you for your support, and I look forward to have each and every one of you come, all veterans. And even if you're not a veteran, you know my doors never close. Come and break bread with us. And it's a beautiful celebration. And it's also including domestic violence for the veterans. And um any um Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. [laughter] I'm sorry. But it's uh I do um domestic violence and I within the military, and anything that they need, I advocate on behalf of them. I'm not a counselor or social worker, but I'm there 24 hours a day. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Ms. Faye.

Any other announcements? Councilman Anderson.