OPEN TOWN MEETING

An Open Town Meeting was held on June 29, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Speed presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Pitts (arrived at 8:00 p.m.), Mr. Sadusky, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Ruane, and Mrs. Williams. Mr. Ritter, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Salters were absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.

Presentation - i-SAFE America - Internet Safety for Delaware’s Youth

Ms. Jennie Lintz of i-SAFE America, Inc. stated that they are a non-profit foundation whose mission is to educate and empower youth to safely and responsibly take control of their Internet experiences. The i-SAFE program provides students with the awareness and knowledge they need in order to recognize and avoid dangerous, destructive, or unlawful behavior and to respond appropriately.

Founded in 1998, and designed as a proactive prevention-oriented Internet safety awareness program, i-SAFE America provides students with the critical-thinking and decision-making skills they need to recognize and avoid hazards in cyberspace and how to respond appropriately to those hazards.

In 2002, the i-SAFE Safe Schools Education Initiative and Outreach Campaign received bi-partisan recognition and support from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Consequently, the United States Congress awarded i-SAFE $3.554 million to begin to fulfill its mission and goal. In 2003, Congress increased its support of i-SAFE and awarded it $5 million to continue educating and empowering students nationwide. The Safe Schools Education Initiative and Outreach Campaign was launched in 24 states during 2002-2003 and has expanded into all 50 states during 2003-2004.

i-SAFE’s education component educates and empowers students through innovative, interactive classroom lessons to students in all grades (K-12) across the United States. Educators and Law Enforcement Officials are trained and certified to teach students and are empowered to train and certify others through our Professional Development Program. The outreach component extends that valuable knowledge beyond the classroom, utilizing abilities and resources from community and school leaders, parents, and students to maximize Internet safety awareness. The Youth Empowerment Campaign recognizes that children are their own best teachers. i-SAFE Student Mentors educate and empower other students in a very effective way: peer-to-peer communication.

All Curriculum, Outreach, and Youth Empowerment materials as well as the Professional Development Program are provided at no charge to schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies.

Ms. Lintz provided a PowerPoint presentation and discussed several dangerous or difficult situations that children may find themselves in online. She suggested that the City considering setting up an i-SAFE information table at their next event. Officer Smentana, the D.A.R.E. officer for the Dover Police Department, said they were working with schools to provide information and would like to offer i-SAFE material at the D.A.R.E. festival in October.

Attorney General Jane Brady provided statistics on computer crimes committed in Delaware. She noted that the website for her office has a lot of valuable information on Internet safety.

Mayor Speed thanked Ms. Lintz for taking the time to share this information with the City of Dover.

Subject Matter Presented from the Floor by Citizens

Mr. Ken Hoffman, 135 Blue Beach Drive, stated that his son Nathaniel and his friend requested him to attend the meeting to address the possibility of a skate park in the City of Dover. He noted that Smyrna and Milford have recently opened parks and asked for suggestions on how to pursue a park in Dover.

Mr. DePrima, City Manager, stated that a group had previously approached the City regarding a skate park. He recalled that the City was agreeable to a joint venture with the citizens paying for the construction of the skate park and the City donating space in one of its parks. He suggested obtaining the names of the citizens in the previous group to see if they were still interested. Mr. DePrima noted that the City Clerk’s Office would be able to provide whatever information they had regarding the previous requests.

Mrs. Janice Sibbald, 144 Blue Beach Drive, stated that she recently attended a Safety Advisory Committee meeting and did not feel as though it was transportation related. She expressed concern with the possible dissolution of the Transportation Review Committee, feeling that many important issues are “falling through the cracks”. Mrs. Sibbald noted that another workshop is scheduled to discuss the West Dover connector and there is no forum for the City of Dover to discuss what is happening. She stated that the committee worked very hard for three (3) years and it was extremely upsetting that are being dissolved.

Mrs. Sibbald suggested that the City explore using used restaurant oil in their vehicles. She noted that it would be good for the environment and the City would save a lot of money. Mrs. Sibbald also suggested consideration of hybrid vehicles for the City’s automotive fleet. Mr. DePrima stated that he would be interested in learning more about the hybrid cars.

Mayor Speed thanked the presenters and the students for attending and voicing their concerns.

Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 P.M.

                                                                                    TRACI A. McDOWELL

                                                                                    ASSISTANT CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during the Open Town Meeting of June 29, 2004, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    STEPHEN R. SPEED

                                                                                    MAYOR

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