COUNCIL WORKSHOP

A Council Workshop was held on May 5, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. with Mr. Salters presiding. Council members present were Mr. Leary, Mrs. Russell, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Slavin, Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Hogan, Mr. Ruane, and Council President Williams.

Mrs. McDowell was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Slavin moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

In accordance with the City Charter, each year, members of Council select a Council President during their Annual Meeting. Since the Annual Meeting will be held on May 12, 2008, members requested that those candidates wishing to serve as Council President be given the opportunity to present their position, as well as time for questions and answers.

OPENING STATEMENTS BY CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Mr. Salters stated that each candidate will be allotted 10 minutes for an opening statement.

Candidate - Mr. Hogan

Mr. Hogan noted that the primary roles of the Council President are to serve as Chair of the Council Meetings and appointing members to the various committees. As Chair, his goal would be to assure all discussion is free and open, with every member being permitted to express their position. Council input would be requested and accepted in making all appointments. If elected as Council President, Mr. Hogan stated that it was not his intention to change any Chairs to the Council Committees or memberships, unless the member no longer wishes to serve. Although he felt that continuity was important, he explained that there is a need to build opportunities for other members of Council to move into positions to grow in their skills. Therefore, eventually he would like to provide other members the opportunity to serve on different committees and in different leadership roles. He assured members that he would support Council staff by praising in public and criticizing in private.

Mr. Hogan advised members that his background includes 30 years at Delaware Tech as a math instructor, registrar, and an administrator. During this time, he served on numerous campus and college-wide committees, both as a member and as the chairman of several. He was elected the Faculty Senate President of Terry Campus three (3) times. He also advised members that he retired from the Navy Reserve as a Commander. While in the reserve, he served in several positions, including over five (5) years as an Executive Officer, and one two-year term as a Commanding Officer. Mr. Hogan indicated that he served on the Capital School Board for two (2) years and was a member and Past-President of the Kent County SPCA. He currently is the President-Elect of the Dover Kiwanis and will take office in October.

In response to his leadership style, Mr. Hogan stated that he will serve as a consensus builder. One of the most important issue to remember in serving as Council President is that you are only one (1) of nine (9) members. Leadership, in this case, is more about working together to assure everyone has input and decisions are made for the good of the City. He would not assume that, as Council President, he speaks for other members unless he has spoken directly with the other members. He promised to strive to keep everyone informed and involved in City business. Mr. Hogan noted that the Council consists of nine (9) very unique and talented individuals and his goal would to keep the group working together for the good of the City.

Candidate - Mrs. Williams (Incumbent)

When first elected to serve as Council President, Mrs. Williams stated that the most important issue was (and continues to be) to follow the rules. Prior to being elected as Council President, she stated that Council was having difficulty building a consensus. She advised members of the importance of every member being given the right to speak and to be heard. It was also her belief that communication should be inverted, rather than information being disseminated from the Council President down, it should be from the people through the committees and up. She explained that when she first became Council President, she thought it was her responsibility to obtain information for members; however, she discovered that members had much more information regarding issues than herself.

After becoming Council President, Mrs. Williams indicated that another real important process was to attempt to build a partnership with members of the community, both elected officials and private business members. She advised members that quarterly meetings were developed with representatives of the City and Kent County and that there have been three (3) ad-hoc committees created consisting of business representatives.

Mrs. Williams also expressed the importance of team work from the highest level of government in the State of Delaware to the streets of Dover. She advised members that she has the linkages in both areas after 35 years of advocating the General Assembly and working with the legislators as well as working with those less fortunate, such as the homeless. As a result, she stated that she has a myriad of people all, of which have served as an asset to herself as well as City Council.

As a private business owner, Mrs. Williams stated that she has been employed with Aid in Dover since 1975 and currently serves as the Executive Director. She also advised members that she is a private practitioner as a psychologist and a professional counselor. In addition, she stated that she was a business owner of the Cold Stone Creamery, which was recently dissolved. Mrs. Williams stated that she currently serves as a member of five (5) to six (6) boards and has been president of national boards. She explained her experience in leadership and promoting teamwork within organizations. She described herself as very task oriented and outcome focused.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Both candidates submitted their responses to the Questions for Candidates for the Office of Dover City Council President as prepared by members of City Council (Exhibit #1 - Mr. Hogan’s Responses and Exhibit #2 - Mrs. Williams’ Responses).

Mr. Ruane requested that the candidates elaborate on their responses regarding the Council President’s authority over staff versus another member of Council.

Responding, Mrs. Williams stated that the Council President should not have any more authority, power, or control than any other member of Council. If this were to happen, she stated that the result would be that the Council President would be micro-managing, which she adamantly opposes.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated that there are agenda meetings held with the Council President, which members of Council are notified and invited to attend; however, he stated that there are staff (Council appointees) meetings held with the Council President which he would assure members are notified and invited to attend as well.

Mr. Slavin requested that the candidates explain their vision of the structure of government for the City and if the current hybrid form of government can sustain itself for the next 30, 40, or 100 years and what types of structure issues would need to be addressed.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated that although there may be the need to tweak certain areas of the City Charter, he felt that the current form of government can sustain itself.

Responding, Mrs. Williams stated that when she was first elected to City Council, she was a strong proponent of a Strong Mayor form of government; however, after serving only one (1) term, she realized she made a mistake and is now a very, very strong proponent of a Council-City Manager form of government. It was her feeling that Dover could sustain this form of government until Dover reaches a population of approximately 75,000, at which time, she felt it may be necessary to change to a Mayor form of government, similar to other big cities.

Mr. McGlumphy questioned what the candidates visions were for the City of Dover for the future; what they believe the City’s mission would be in conjunction with the organization, as well as their leadership role, with the understanding of the culture that they serve; and if they have considered a strategy to help move the City forward during the next 12 months. He requested that they explain their vision, mission, culture, and strategy.

Responding, Mrs. Williams stated that her vision would be to obtain schooling from Mr. McGlumphy for assistance in the budget review and balancing of the budget. She stated that at some point, there will be a need to raise fees and/or taxes since the City will not be able to continue to provide the current types and quality of services. She also felt it is imperative for non-partisan politics and elections to remain for the City. In addition, Mrs. Williams stated that a part of her vision involves her incredible interest in electrical energy and she hopes that the City can continue to generate power. With regards to her mission, she stated her concurrence with the mission that was created a few years ago by all members of Council, and her desire to work with staff and Council to make Dover a safe place to live. Mrs. Williams noted that the culture in the City is changing and relayed concern that the residents may not have had a good experience with the government of their previous residence and that they may anticipate the same from Dover. Other than to continue to develop partnerships, Mrs. Williams stated that she does not know any other means of handling problems.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated that his vision is that Dover will experience some rough years; like other communities, the economy will hurt Dover. Because Dover cares about the residents, staff and Council work hard to assure a balanced budget. For the future, his vision is that Dover will strive through this tough period and continue to grow. His mission is to help it grow by assuring that Council members are able to use their unique abilities and talents in the best way possible to help make the City continue to grow. He also hopes to utilize more and more of the quality citizens by having them serve on committees and getting them involved in helping the City. Mr. Hogan noted that it is obvious that the culture in Dover is radically changing and he felt that this new culture needs to grow and develop, which will allow for the City to grow and be a good City. In terms of strategies, he too felt that there should be more partnerships and that there is a need to develop a partnership with those colleges located within the City.

Mrs. Russell questioned what means or methods would be used in the mission of the City’s vision to assure all are treated fair and also how they feel about City staff attending diversity training at least twice a year.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated that as Council President, he would make sure that there was fairness in all dealings with Council and that everyone is kept informed. If Council makes these assurances, he felt that it would spread to staff. He felt that diversity training would be an excellent idea.

Responding, Mrs. Williams relayed concurrence with Mr. Hogan, explaining that if people are treated fair at the Council level, it will trickle down through the staff levels. It was her opinion that fairness is contagious, and that if you act fairly, you are usually treated fairly. With regards to diversity training, she suggested that those employees that have not had diversity training should be required to attend; however, if an employee has attended such training and there have not been any problems, she suggested the use of specialized training. She felt that diversity training should be used as a helping and training tool.

Mr. Leary requested that the candidates provide their opinion of what they think the personality qualities are for an effective leader.

Responding, Mrs. Williams felt that the qualities would depend on the managerial style. She stated that she is of the task focused managerial style and, as such, one should be able to assure that communication is clear and forward progress is focused. Such an individual should be as direct as possible and action should be proactive rather than reactive. Serving as Council President, she stated that she had to first seek to understand before being asked to be understood, and to listen before talking. If this type of format is utilized within an organization and people have the right, ability, and opportunity to speak and are treated fairly, it was her opinion that it would result in a strong organization regardless of the managerial style.

Responding, Mr. Hogan felt that an effective leader must possess good listening skills, be fair, be open-minded, be balanced, and be able to communicate.

Mr. Leary explained that his request was for each candidate to provide their own personal qualities that make them effective leaders.

Responding, Mrs. Williams stated her first thought was integrity, for if there is no trust, a leader will fail. She stated that this trust must go beyond the City Council, explaining that a trust must be built with staff, as well as the citizens.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated that although he did not disagree with Mrs. Williams, the first quality that he thought of was his willingness to admit that he was wrong and the ability to pay attention and listen to those who are right.

During recent elections, Mr. McGiffin noted that voter turn-out has been very light. He questioned if light voter turn-out is a problem and, if so, should Council address the issue and, if so, how.

Responding, Mrs. Williams agreed that voter turn-out is light; however, she questioned if it is a problem, since, in her opinion, the solution would be to institute partisan politics.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated that light voter turn-out could be an indication that the residents are content and there is no troubling issue. Another indication may be that residents simply forget. Other than having the candidates campaign, which is currently done, increase notifications of the election, and making absentee voting easier, he did not know any other means of how Council could address the issue.

Noting that Mr. Hogan wishes to change the Council leadership and that Mrs. Williams wishes for the leadership to remain, Mr. Ruane requested that the candidates explain their reasons.

Responding, Mrs. Williams explained that her desire to continue to serve as Council President is to assure the continuance of fair play. She wishes for the Chair to preside in such a manner that does not produce an opinion by not participating in the debate. In response to Mr. Hogan’s statement regarding his intention to maintain the current committee membership, Mrs. Williams explained that one of the reasons why she selected certain members of Council to serve was to match their skills. She noted that as Council President she has not been involved in micro-managing the committees. As a result, the committees have functioned very well, allowing many issues to be discussed before they are brought to Council, which provides for more than one (1) opportunity for deliberations. Another reason for her desire is to maintain the linkages that have been developed, explaining her involvement with other governments, the trust that has been developed, and her ability to communicate at all levels. Mrs. Williams also advised members of her relationship with those in the community less fortunate, including the homeless and elderly.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated his desire to serve as Council President is to improve meetings by running them more professionally, more organized, and more smoothly. He would not allow for members to be cut-off from speaking, providing them ample opportunity to speak and controlling this in a better way. He indicated his desire to improve communications and to provide packet material to members sooner. He would eliminate the concept of a rigid agenda, explaining that the Council agenda belongs to the Council and not just the Council President. He would like to open committee assignments to more and more citizens. It is also his feeling that no individual should stay in an office too long, explaining his feeling that three (3) to four (4) years is long enough for a member to serve as Council President. If elected, Mr. Hogan stated that he would not wish to serve for five (5) years, believing that leadership roles should be shared and that the opportunity should be provided to other members. He also explained his desire to allow for Council to be more open and fair. Although it is not his intention to change committee Chairs for this year, he feels that, periodically, every two (2) to three (3) years, the committee Chairs should change, providing every member of Council the opportunity to serve in a leadership role.

Referring to her question regarding diversity training, Mrs. Russell stated her feeling that the candidates did not provide a direct answer and requested that they do so. She also questioned if they, as Council President, were to meet with staff, would they make a decision (without consulting members of Council) and then advise members of Council of the decision.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated his support for diversity training with the stipulation that every employee be required to participate; however, it was his feeling that conducting the training once a year would be sufficient, explaining that requiring the training twice a year would be excessive. With regards to meeting with staff and making a decision, Mr. Hogan stated that he would not make such decisions. He stated that it is not the job of the Council President to make deals with staff, explaining that the Council President is only one member of Council.

Responding, Mrs. Williams advised members that she serves as a diversity trainer and is the only Caucasian on her staff, which has proven to be an interesting experience in diversity. She concurred with Mr. Hogan that all employees should be required to participate and that once a year would be sufficient. She also suggested the possibility of graduated training, such as a beginners, intermediate, and advance, depending on the employees previous training. If there is a problem with an employee, she felt that the diversity training should be used as a learning tool. With regards to meeting with staff and making a decision, Mrs. Williams stated that during her tenure as Council President, no decisions have been made with staff, nor has the City Manager approached her to make such a decision. However, she explained that on several occasions, the City Manager has requested her opinion regarding an issue that will be presented to Council and that she has no problems with advising the City Manager of her opinion regarding his efforts or initiatives. She explained that it is the City Manager’s responsibility to obtain the majority of Council and not the Council President’s responsibility.

In regards to diversity training, Mr. Hogan explained that diversity involves more than just race and that if the City were to institute such training, it should be inclusive of all issues.

Mr. Leary questioned how much time a Council President should spend at City Hall during the day.

Responding, Mrs. Williams provided members with a calendar depicting her schedule for a given month. Although there is no need to “hang out” at City Hall, she stated that as Council President, it is necessary for her to be at City Hall once or twice each week; however, she stated that she contacts the City Clerk by telephone on a daily basis. She explained that there are many signings, Resolutions, correspondence, and other documents that require the approval or review of the Council President, which is why she must be at City Hall each week. She stated that these visits to City Hall are very quick, explaining that since she works full-time, she is unable to spend much time at City Hall if it is not required.

Responding, Mr. Hogan felt that once or twice a week at City Hall should be sufficient.

Mr. McGlumphy stated that financial oversight is very important and noted that there have been substantial changes during the past few years in rates and fees for the City. He questioned what the candidates would do, as Council President, to ensure that the City is fiscally sound, knowing the negative impact on businesses, if the City continues to increases rates, fees, etc. and knowing the limitations on the Council President.

Responding, Mr. Hogan felt that he would do no more than he currently does as a member of Council, which includes studying the budget.

Responding, Mrs. Williams stated that the budget must be balanced and efforts must be made to eliminate deficit spending. It was her opinion that staff has taken the necessary action by creating funds, reducing unfunded liability, etc.

Noting that there are plans for improving downtown, Mrs. Russell questioned what the candidates could do to attract anchor stores and what types of incentives could be offered.

Responding, Mrs. Williams felt that anchor stores would not locate in the downtown area. It was her opinion that the recent consolidation of the organizations for downtown will help with the duplication of service and staff. Her vision is that the downtown will become a mix of small businesses and home ownership.

Responding, Mr. Hogan felt that as Council President he would have no more power than a member of Council. As a Council, he felt that members would continue to help find ways to bring businesses to the downtown. He noted that Annapolis, Maryland has been successful in revitalizing their downtown and suggested that they be contacted to obtain ideas for the City of Dover. As a Council, he hopes members will continue to encourage businesses to locate downtown.

Mr. Salters questioned the candidates regarding their position on a tax increase.

Responding, Mrs. Williams stated her feeling that Council will not be able to avoid a tax increase for any length of time if the City continues to sustain the kinds of services provided.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated his desire to avoid a tax increase if at all possible by reviewing the budget to assure the City has economized as much as possible. If it is determined that the City requires additional revenue and a tax increase is necessary, he hopes that such an increase would be as small as possible.

Relative to economic development, Mr. Slavin questioned what the candidates’ vision is in the area of utilities and education. What is the long-term engine that is driving the economy and what would the City need to do as it relates to education and utilities.

Responding, Mr. Hogan stated his vision of Dover is that it is moving towards a service environment. The biggest problem is that Dover is located on a peninsula, which makes it difficult for industry to get in and out of the City. He felt that tourism will become more important for the City. He felt that there will be some interesting and challenging times for the City and that many of the decisions will be made once the use of wind energy is determined. It is his hope that the colleges/universities located in the City will help to bring some type of industry and businesses to the City.

Responding, Mrs. Williams felt that if the sports-betting bill is passed, there may be an increase in tourism; however, the attraction will be gambling, leisure, and recreation activities. In addition, she anticipates this will create secondary businesses in the area. For this reason, she suggested the importance of the downtown area to be converted to homeownership. She explained the importance of the energy combined cycle plant located at the Garrison Tract, which is fed by gas and creates steam on the second cycle. In regards to wind energy and other arguments, she felt that it would be necessary for the City to develop a partnership with other entities, since the cost would be exorbitant for the City itself.

Mr. Salters noted that the Hyatt-Palma Study indicated that the City’s waterways (St. Jones River) is a huge asset. He questioned what developmental procedures the candidates foresee that make the St. Jones River and surrounding area beneficial economically for the citizens.

Responding, Mrs. Williams stated that if the New Castle County and Sussex County legislators allocated the funds for the St. Jones River, as they did for the Wilmington Riverwalk, the City would have a Riverwalk. However, she did not feel that this action would occur. As a result, if the City wishes to develop the St. Jones River, it would require a partnership with businesses.

Responding, Mr. Hogan felt that the City has begun to make improvements (cleanup, tree plantings, etc.) and that it will take time and money for the development of the St. Jones River to come to fruition.

In closing, Mr. Hogan requested the support of members in electing him to serve as Council President. He stated his desire to make improvements in the conduct of the Council Meetings and communication processes.

In closing, Mrs. Williams requested the support of members in electing her to serve as Council President. She felt that she has brought order to the Council Meetings,and provides for fairness and integrity, giving everyone the right to be heard. She recognized that there is room for improvement and welcomed members’ suggestions in this regard.

Mrs. Russell moved that the selection of the Council President be accomplished by paper ballot (blank for members to write-in name), voted privately by each member, seconded by Mr. Ruane.

Mr. McGiffin relayed concern that voting privately by the paper ballot would be in conflict with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The motion for the selection of the Council President to be accomplished by paper ballot (blank for members to write-in name), voted privately by each member, was carried with Mr. McGiffin abstaining (due to his concerns regarding the violation of the FOIA).

Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:02 P.M.

                                                                                    TRACI A. McDOWELL

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances, and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Workshop Meeting of May 5, 2008, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    CARLETON E. CAREY, SR.

                                                                                    MAYOR

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Exhibits Attached to Original Minutes and File Copy

Exhibit #1 - Responses of Mr. Hogan - Questions for Candidates for the Office of Dover Council President

Exhibit #2 - Responses of Mrs. Williams - Questions for Candidates for the Office of Dover Council President