COMMUNITY MEETING

A community meeting was held on October 4, 1989 at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the efforts of the community in the war against drugs. Members of City Council present were Mayor Richter, Mr. Christiansen, Mr. VanSant, Mr. Hall, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Daisey, Mrs. Legates, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Lynn and Mr. Salters.

Mayor Richter explained that the City of Dover is continuing its fight in the war against drugs and the purpose of the meeting was to include members of the community to join the City in its efforts. Discussions will include past endeavors of the City as well as our future goals in terms of eradicating the use and abuse of illegal drugs and the City's efforts to provide alternatives in the area of recreation.

CHIEF JAMES L. HUTCHISON

Chief Hutchison of the City of Dover Police Department gave an overview report on the recent crack down on drug dealers in the Kirkwood Street area. He stated that due to the continuing efforts of the Police Chief's Task Force (made up of citizens, political figures, community leaders, ministers and members of the Police force), and the assistance of the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, it was possible to close three liquor stores- in the Kirkwood Street area, all within a block and a half of each other, for continuous disregard of the laws regarding the sale of alcohol. Chief Hutchison stressed that education must be a priority in our system which is the only way we will be able to win this war. Education has to begin in Kindergarten and continue all through school. We also need treatment programs that are responsive and available to all. He stated that in order to combat this problem the country must unite in its efforts to eradicate illegal drug use. Chief Hutchison concluded by thanking the members of the task force for their long and dedicated hours.

OFFICER GARY COOKE

Officer Gary Cooke, a youth officer assigned to the Detective Division on community, safety, children's and victim's assistant programs, spoke of ongoing educational programs within the School Districts. Officer Cooke stressed that the war on drugs must be fought by everyone. He explained the Crime Prevention Education Program within the City, outlining various methods and programs which include the use of a robot, puppets and many other educational techniques utilized to teach our youth. Officer Cooke explained that drug prevention education begins with pre-schoolers and continues on through high school.

ROBERT NEYLAN - CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mr. Robert Neylan, a health teacher at Dover High School, spoke of Capital School District's drug free schools and community programs. Mr. Neylan stated that not only must we educate our young children but we must also educate the adult community to the problems of illegal drug use. Children need positive role models to look up to and it is difficult to ask children not to smoke, drink or use drugs if their parents are doing this at home. Mr. Neylan assured those in attendance that the School District will help in the drug war but emphasized that it must be a joint effort including the entire community. Mr. Neylan concluded by announcing a drug seminar to take place at the State Fire School on October 19, 1989 which is made possible by the joint efforts of the Dover Police Department, the State Police and Dover High School.

SANDRA PRICE - YMCA

Sandra Price of the YMCA Resource Center spoke of programs and community organizations informing those present that an organization of Youth & Governments meets weekly. There is also a United Nations Program and magazines- are published and distributed to every high school. The Resource Center of the YMCA of Delaware provides leadership designed to help young people navigate their teen years- unhindered by the destructive impact of drugs and alcohol. Programs and activities which build leadership skills enhance prevention efforts and enrich lives of young people. Staff members work with Teachers, School Administrators and Community Leaders to plan and develop prevention projects. The YMCA has many groups and referral information available to the community.

ZACHERY CARTER - CITY OF DOVER

Zachery Carter, Recreation Director for the City of Dover, spoke of existing recreation programs and proposals for future programs. Mr. Carter categorized the proposed short and long term projects. Short term projects include a telephone hotline to provide youth with activities of interest; program brochures which list all City of Dover Park facilities; partnership with local school districts; Kent County Vocational School, C.R. and Dover schools requesting the use of schools for afternoon activities to allow teens to get involved with basketball and volleyball in an open gym if possible; community groups to address high risk youth and community involvement against substance abuse. Long term projects include seeking an available place for youth to meet with their friends to get involved in activities that they enjoy, away from the drug environment. Consideration is also being given to working with the Dover Arts Council for use of the Capital Theatre where there could be activities of interest for the youth. The City of Dover has applied for a federal grant for the drug prevention programs.

JIM BIERBAUM - STATE OF DELAWARE

Mr. Jim Bierbaum, from the State of Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families, addressed the City's proposed federally funded grant for a project to address the drug problem. It is called the Delaware Community Clusters against Substance Abuse. The Communities involved will be Dover, Georgetown, Laurel, Milford, Seaford and Smyrna. The program will provide drug education and will focus on self esteem as well as drug education for resistance skills. It will mean a community prevention coordinator will be hired to coordinate with community groups to work on strategies. A second coordinator will run a youth communication program and a part time family involvement coordinator will also be part of the program. Mr. Bierbaum did not have the details since he only learned of this grant within the last 24 hours, but will keep the City abreast of details in the upcoming weeks.

ALISA SWAIN - CITY OF DOVER

Alisa Swain, Acting City Manager with the City of Dover, stated that the City has been involved with park enhancement and development plans. Parks in which playgrounds have been upgraded include Dover Park and Continental Park. Light fixtures were also upgraded in the Dover Park. Next year the City will develop a small neighborhood park on Salisbury Road and will assist the Dover Housing Authority in their playground adjacent to the Salisbury Road Park. A few years ago the City decided to look at developing a park in west Dover which is an area of great expansion within the City. Land has now been purchased for that park and the City is committed to provide recreational activities. This park will not be developed all at once, but will be developed over a number of years. A recent national survey shows that one thing all cities are doing to fight drug abuse is to provide recreation. This is being done throughout the Country and will be done in Dover.

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