EMERGENCY COUNCIL MEETING

An Emergency Council Meeting was held on March 25, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Gorman, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters and Mr. Weller. Mr. Truitt was absent.

Council staff members present were Chief Horvath, Mr. O'Connor, and Mrs. Green. State of Delaware Senator John Still, Representative Donna Stone, and Mr. Dave Bonar (Legislative Staff) were also present.

The invocation was given by Reverend R. G. Moore, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

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

Mr. Carey moved to adjourn into executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

The Council Meeting was reconvened at 2:06 p.m.

COMMUNITY ISSUES

As a result of the incident that occurred on the evening of March 24, 2001, involving the shooting of a police officer in the Capital Green area and the incident that occurred March 9, 2001 involving the death of Mr. Reginald Hannah, Mayor Hutchison requested an Emergency Council Meeting to discuss the conflicting issues involving the community.

Mr. Darian Powell - Representative of the Grass Roots Community

Mr. Powell relayed the concerns on behalf of the Grass Roots Community and explained the reasons for the NAACP March that was conducted yesterday afternoon, March 24^th. He questioned if Mayor Hutchison or Colonel Pepper of the State Police would attend a meeting in an open forum with the community. It is felt by members of the community that Mayor Hutchison was elected to be the leader of the City of Dover. Mr. Powell stated that the community has attempted to be patient and have tried to trust the Mayor; however, they only feel that there has been failed leadership. He stated that there is a group of people that are hurting as a result of policies that they feel are not for all citizens of this community.

Responding, Mayor Hutchison stated that his door is always open to anyone and everyone. He offered to meet with Mr. Powell following the adjournment of the Council Meeting to schedule a meeting with representatives of the Grass Roots Community and other community leaders throughout the City to talk about issues and concerns.

Mr. Powell requested that rather than having a meeting with representatives of these communities, that the meeting be that of an open forum whereby many more residents can attend and hear from their leader.

Mayor Hutchison explained that although an open forum community meeting can be held, he feels that at this time, such a process must begin with smaller meetings.

Ms. Kim Laughlin-Matthews - Dover

Ms. Laughlin-Matthews noted that the community almost lost two (2) more of our own people who are sons, brothers, uncles, etc. Although she understands the hurt, confusion, and frustration of the black community, she stated that anger will not resolve any issues. She felt that we must come together as one community and urged the black community to stand up for each other and begin to make positive changes for each other.

Mr. Charles Brittingham - State Treasurer of the NAACP, Wilmington

Mr. Brittingham explained that when the Hannah matter was brought to the attention of the NAACP, the goal was to initiate an aggressive investigation to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion for the Hannah family, the NAACP, and the community. He stated that the NAACP wants to help bring the City back together and relayed his desire to meet with the Mayor and other officials to come to a satisfactory conclusion. Mr. Brittingham stated that there is a need for structure and facts. The preliminary findings of the NAACP proves that there is a need for a full investigation into the Hannah incident because of inconsistencies. No matter what the findings are; however, he stated that the community needs to come together.

Responding to Mr. Brittingham, Council President Christiansen explained that the format of this meeting is informal as compared to Council’s legislative session. He stated that the public is being permitted to speak to share their concerns in order to help bring positive action. This emergency meeting was called to be held immediately, on a Sunday, because of the severity of the issues that are facing the City and the community.

Mayor Hutchison introduced Ms. Diane Mitchum from the United States Department of Justice. He stated that because of the issues involving the community, including the shooting of a police officer, he contacted Ms. Mitchum late in the evening, who immediately responded to the telephone call and is now present. Mayor Hutchison stated that her expertise is in dealing with these types of issues and to avoid racial conflict.

Ms. Diane Mitchum - Community Relation Service of the United States Department of Justice

Ms. Mitchum advised members that the regional headquarters for the Community Relation Service of the U.S. Department of Justice Region III is located in Philadelphia and handles five (5) states and the District of Columbia. The goal is to bring about or help add to community stability by addressing racial conflicts. The Community Relation Service provides four (4) services, as follows: 1) conciliate; 2) mediate; 3) special assistance or consultation services (technical assistance); and 4) training.

Ms. Mitchum explained that her goal at this time is to listen and to understand and not presume to know all the intricacies and complexities of the Dover community. She does presume, once given the opportunity to listen and understand the situations, that she can help to move the situation to a peaceful resolution. It is her plan to begin meeting with community leaders, residents, elected officials, etc., both individually and collectively.

Ms. Tracey Jefferson - Resident

Ms. Jefferson stated that she was addressing members as a resident of the Grass Roots Community and that although she appreciates the comments of Ms. Mitchum, at this time, the community is not seeking relation but rather an investigation. The community is seeking answers and wants to wait no longer for those answers.

In response to previous comments, Ms. Jefferson felt that the shooting of the police officer is an isolated incident and that it was not as a result of the Hannah incident. She stated that the children of the community do not understand that there is a lengthy process involved in getting to the truth; they want immediate answers and instant gratification. The children need to at least know that the people are trying to make an honest effort to get to the truth - not to cover-up the truth.

Mr. Ali Abdul-Haleem, Resident

Mr. Abdul-Haleem stated that a group of people in the community are attempting to seek clarity and justice. He suggested the use of lie detector tests to assist in the closure of these situations. Mr. Abdul-Haleem also suggested that there be the use of language that is healing and noted that some of the words used in the media have been incorrectly printed, which has had a divisive effect on the community. He urged the community, police, and elected officials to come and work together, and to realize that there are many in the community that are hurting.

Mr. Clarence Hopps - First Vice-President, NAACP, Wilmington

Mr. Hopps noted that there is tension in the community and felt that everyone is seeking the truth. He felt that the difference in race is a part of the problem and that there needs to be a bridge to fill the gap. He relayed concern with the City having an emergency meeting, feeling that many were not prepared at this time.

Mayor Hutchison thanked Mr. Hopps for making arrangements to come to this meeting from Wilmington. He indicated that he requested this emergency meeting and that many are in attendance at his request. Mayor Hutchison stated that it is of the utmost importance that the door of communication be opened and is hopeful that Ms. Mitchum will be helpful in resolving the issues involving the community at this time. Mayor Hutchison expressed his pride in the City, which has grown substantially, and feels that its diversity is one of its strengths.

Reverend C.V. Holmes - New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Dover

Reverend Holmes stated that he has known Mayor Hutchison for more than 27 years, and has found him to be very responsible and responsive to the black community. In his opinion Mayor Hutchison is honest and straight forward, and because of the respect and trust he has for him, is confident that the present issues of the community will be handled in a responsible manner.

Reverend Holmes advised members that nobody wants to live in a lawless society; therefore, the City needs a police department. He felt that, as any other citizen, police officers deserve the right to due process. He referred to the Hannah incident and felt that the community was too quick to accuse the police for wrong doing. He questioned when police officers should be treated differently than anyone else and reminded everyone that there are two (2) sides to every issue. Reverend Holmes urged the community to be patient and reminded them that if it is found that the police were unjust, there is a lawful recourse that will be taken to handle the situation.

Reverend Holmes also requested that the black community realize that there is an underlying problem that makes police intervention in the everyday lives of the citizens of the community necessary. He suggested that a group be formed and given the charge of preventing police intervention by addressing the problems in the community that require police action.

Ms. Emily Morris - Executive Director, Dover Educational and Community Center, Inc.

Ms. Morris advised members that she moved to Dover in 1966 as a result of desegregation and that it is a totally beautiful City, the landscaping and the people. It was her opinion that Mayor Hutchison has provided broad and great leadership in the City and believes him to be sincere. It was her hope that the relationship with the Dover Police Department will continue considering that children and families in crisis will continue to be an on-going issue. She explained the detrimental effects that drugs have on children and why there is a need for a strong police department. Ms. Morris urged Chief Horvath to visit the Center to observe the needs of the children and relayed her hope that police officers, especially the youth officers, will continue to assist her.

Ms. Morris relayed her faith in the people elected to serve the City and confidence that if there were police officers that have erred to the extent that they caused the death of someone, they will be prosecuted and will not be permitted to continue to serve as police officers.

Ms. Morris reminded members that in the 1960’s and 1970’s there was a group named “Concerned Citizens” whose members consisted of all faiths and races. This group met on a regular basis to discuss issues and problems within the community and, as a result, several were resolved. She offered to assist the City in bringing peace and tranquility back to our community.

Council President Christiansen advised members that although this meeting is coming to a conclusion, he felt that a meaningful dialogue toward the unity of our community has begun.

The benediction was given by City Chaplain Wallace Dixon.

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

Meeting Adjourned at 3:12 P.M.

                                                                                    JANICE C. GREEN

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during the Emergency Meeting of March 25, 2001, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                                    MAYOR

/JG

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