DOVER — The Youth Advisory Committee continues to remain confident about its upcoming New Year’s Eve event in Dover.
“Everything is looking great,” said Dover Councilman David Anderson. “We’ve made a lot of progress. Now it’s just up to us to continue to get everything complete in order to get this done.”
The Youth Advisory Committee consists of nine members and meets once a month. It allows teens ages 14 to 18 a chance to speak on issues that affect them, as well as develop leadership skills for the future.
Dover has not had a New Year’s Eve citywide event since 2010. The annual First Night celebration was canceled in 2011 after a 15-year run due to lack of funds.
The proposed family-oriented event will feature live music and entertainment in Downtown Dover. It will end with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
The committee has raised $30,000.
“The money isn’t cash on hand,” Councilman Anderson said. “It’s more of the contributions and donations that we’ve received are worth that value.
“For example, we received large donations of fireworks. We just have a lot of the necessary supplies that we need for the event.”
Councilman Anderson said the committee will make phone calls to obtain the money needed.
“That’s easier for us,” Councilman Anderson said. “Businesses are behind us, and we feel as though if we call around that we’ll be able to get the on-hand cash that we need.”
Last month city council voted 9-0 to accept recommendations from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) regarding the event.
The recommendations included a proposal for the event and a request for support from the city for security, insurance, public announcement stages, and facilities.
City Manager Scott Koenig outlined several deadlines for the committee:
• The final event narrative had to be submitted to the city manager’s office last Friday by 5 p.m.
• The funds to purchase the insurance policy must be delivered to the city by 5 p.m. on Dec. 11.
• The YAC members must secure all permits for the event and road closures by Dec. 11.
• The YAC also must provide the required documentation to use all private property associated with the planned event by 5 p.m. Dec. 11. This includes any lists of additional insurance required to use the properties.
• The funds to reimburse the city for police cadets and extra duty must also be paid by 5 p.m. Dec. 11.
“We have a lot on our plate,” Councilman Anderson said. “But everything will be fine. Once everything is turned in, it doesn’t have to go back to council for approval. We’re just trying to make sure we do everything the city asked us to do.”
Some city council members expressed concerns. One issue regards the city’s insurance policy, as Mr. Koenig informed council that an insurance broker had indicated the city can purchase a policy to cover the event for $433, based on the narrative provided by the representatives.
Councilman William Hare originally had issues with the insurance policy, but had a change of heart once committee members said they will take care of everything.
“I have no problem with it,” Councilman Hare said. “The committee said they will take care of it and I believe they will.”
Mr. Koenig also mentioned that extra-duty police officers would be required to support the event.
He explained that the YAC would need to work directly with the Dover Police Department, noting that the department was not under the city manager’s purview.
Councilman Anderson said the committee spoke to the police department. Cadets and some officers will patrol the area.
“There will be a mix of the two,” Councilman Anderson said. “Our on-hand cash money will be used to pay for the cadets and the officers that we need.” I’m confident that we will be able to raise the money for the cadets.“
Councilman Hare said the YAC committee is great for the city.
“I think it shows a lot of initiative on their part,” he said. “They raised their own money and have done everything on their own up to this point. I wish them nothing but the best.”
Councilman Anderson said the YAC is excited about the event.
“It should be very interesting,” he said. “It’s a great family event for all ages. It appeals to everyone. We just want the community to come out and support us.
“This is the first step of many for this committee to have events geared toward the youth in the city.”