OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Open Town Meeting of City Council was held on October 15, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Council members present were Council President Carey, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Truitt, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Speed, and Mr. Salters. Mr. Ritter and Mr. Ruane were absent.

Council staff members present were Chief Horvath, Mr. Cooper, Mr. DePrima, and Ms. Melson.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

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

PRESENTATION - CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - DR. MICHAEL THOMAS, SUPERINTENDENT

Mayor Hutchison introduced and welcomed Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of the Capital School District and Mr. Allan Angel, President of the Capital School Board.

Dr. Thomas thanked the Mayor and members of Council for the opportunity to share the Capital School District’s vision for the future. He stated the district recently entered the Price Honda Reading Partnership Program. This program is a reading challenge for first graders from September to May. Prizes will be awarded to those classrooms who have achieved their goal.

A sign stating the Capital School Districts vision statement, Capital School District -- A Premier District in Delaware’s Capital, was displayed. The vision statement was developed after communicating with teachers, custodians, teaching assistants, and secretaries who were asked where they wanted to go as a school district. Dr. Thomas believes that this vision statement is not only obtainable but is in the process of becoming a reality for the following reasons: 1) The Capital School District is located in the Capital of Delaware; 2) Presence of Diversity; 3) Constant Rigorous Instruction; and 4) Engaging Parents and Communities as Partners.

Dr. Thomas stressed the importance of having the support and commitment of the Board of Education to assist in clearly establishing high expectations for not only students, but staff as well, holding all accountable. He stated that one important issue is having all teachers truly believing that all children can learn. Studies reveal that children recognize when teachers believe they can or can not learn. Teachers are challenged daily in dealing with a variety of children’s backgrounds.

Dr. Thomas indicated that the district’s challenge is not only developing new ideas, but the greater and sometimes more important challenge of escaping the old ideas. He believes that success comes from a significant level of planning, attention to detail, and knowing the right things to do and doing them right.

Mayor Hutchison stated that education is paramount and that it does take the concerted efforts of educators, parents, and students to be successful.

Members of Council thanked Dr. Thomas for his time and for sharing his vision for the future of the Capital School District.

Dr. Thomas conveyed his sincerest appreciation to Mr. Petit de Mange, former City Planner, Mr. Truax, Fire Marshal, and Mr. Baynum, Deputy Fire Marshal for all their help and guidance throughout the Capital Improvement Construction process.

PRESENTATION - CITY OF DOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT - CHIEF HORVATH

Police Chief Horvath informed members that the City of Dover Police Department is comprised of eighty-one (81) sworn police officers. The Police Department also consists of thirty (30) full time civilians, one (1) part time employee, and seven (7) volunteers. Staff positions include Police Chief, Deputy Chief, and two (2) Captains.

The Criminal Investigations Division is lead by a Lieutenant and consists of four (4) Units as follows: Detectives, Drug Investigations/DEA Task Force, Tactical Enforcement/Safe Streets, and Youth Investigation/Education.

The Detectives handle rapes, robberies, homicides, burglaries, forgeries, kidnappings, shootings, arson investigations, search warrants, and stake outs. They also provide training to businesses on how to handle robberies. The Chief was proud to announce that the Criminal Investigations Division currently has a 54.8% robbery clearance rate and a 54.3% burglary clearance rate, which are well above the national level rates.

The Drug Investigations/DEA Task Force consists of one (1) Sergeant and four (4) drug officers, one of which is assigned full time to the DEA Task Force for Kent and Sussex Counties. The other is assigned 3/4 of the time to the DEA Task Force and the remaining two (2) are part time and are used by the DEA Task Force as needed. He explained that the Patrol Unit is reactive, meaning that they react to complaints. The Drug Unit, however, is pro-active. No one calls them, they go out and find out who’s dealing and supplying the drugs. In the year 2000, drug arrests were up 33% from 1999 and in 2001 drug arrests were up another 19%.

The Tactical Enforcement/Safe Streets Division consists of two (2) City of Dover Tac Officers who team up with two (2) officers from Probation and Parol. Chief Horvath stated that this arrangement greatly enhances our ability to be pro active in identifying individuals who are violating their probation. These officers are assigned to the Governors’ Safe Streets Task Force and perform warrant and curfew checks, open air drug investigations in the downtown areas, and corner sweeps.

The Youth Investigation/Education Division is lead by a Sergeant and consist of two (2) officers. The largest portion of their job is teaching DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) in the Capital School District schools. They instruct students on how to resist drugs, violence, peer pressure, alcohol, and tobacco. This program is rated very highly among the schools, teachers, and students. The unit hosts the Annual DARE Festival and the Annual Youth Week Academy. They also handle all investigations that occur in the schools and on school buses.

The Patrol Unit is made up of four (4) platoons lead by one (1) lieutenant; each platoon has one (1) sergeant and two (2) corporals assigned to it as supervisors, as well as a shift commander and two (2) assistant shift commanders. Each shift also has one (1) K-9 officer assigned to it. Patrol Units respond to all calls for service. Chief Horvath informed members that the Police Department has a three (3) minute response time to “priority one” complaints.

The Selective Enforcement Unit is made up of the Motorcycle Unit, Community Policing Unit, and the Parking Enforcement Unit. These units provide speed control and traffic enforcement services. They also provide funeral escorts, traffic control at crime scenes and fire scenes, and participate in ceremonies and parades. The Community Policing assist in neighborhood watch groups, respond to the “Are You OK?” Program, provide sex offender notification, and assist in the Crime Free Multi Housing Program. The Community Police attend and are active in numerous state wide programs.

Chief Horvath indicated that the City of Dover Police Department utilizes the Kent County Fire Police for nearly every ceremony and function held in Dover. For the year 2002, the Dover Police Department has used 129 men from the Kent County Fire Police at no charge. He stressed the benefits they provide to the City of Dover.

There are two (2) special units that officers are assigned to in lieu of their permanent assignments. The Special Operations Response Team (SORT) is a thirteen (13) man unit that perform high risk search warrants for the drug unit. The second special unit is the Crisis Negotiation Team which is made up of nine (9) members who are trained in suicidal incidents, barricade, and hostage situations.

The Administrative Division is lead by a Captain and consists of the Police Administrator, Records Administrator, Special Services, and Information Technologies. Chief Horvath pointed out that at one time, the above four (4) positions were held by sworn police officers. Planning and Training consist of two (2) officers, however, one (1) of the officers is currently in Saudi Arabia. They are responsible for recruitment and training. Victim Services consist of one (1) full time and one (1) part time civilian, an Evidence Photographer, and Volunteer Services. Accreditation is a program that requires the City of Dover Police Department to attain the highest standards possible. The police are currently preparing for the re-accreditation process.

SUBJECT MATTER PRESENTED FROM THE FLOOR BY CITIZENS

Reverend Dixon expressed his gratitude to Chief Horvath for giving him the opportunity to serve as one of the Police Department’s Chaplains.

Mr. Speed moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

                                                                                    LISA C. GARDNER

                                                                                    SECRETARY

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during the Open Town Meeting of October 15, 2002, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                                    MAYOR

/LCG