At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Adam White announced that he is actively researching ordinances from neighboring communities regarding the keeping of backyard chickens—a move that could pave the way for Delavan residents to raise hens within city limits.

During his mayor’s report, White shared that he has begun collecting and reviewing policies from other municipalities to better understand how they regulate residential chicken keeping. “We’re looking at what’s working in other communities,” he said, “and considering whether a similar approach could be a good fit for Delavan.”

The announcement marks the first public indication that the city may revisit its current stance on urban agriculture. While no formal proposal has been introduced, White’s comments suggest that the city is exploring the possibility of drafting an ordinance that would allow residents to keep a limited number of hens for personal use—typically for fresh eggs and as a sustainable food source.

Backyard chicken keeping has become increasingly popular in small towns and suburban areas across Illinois, with many communities adopting ordinances that balance residents’ interests with concerns about noise, odor, and animal welfare. Common provisions include limits on the number of hens, prohibitions on roosters, and requirements for coop placement and cleanliness.

Other News from the City Council Meeting

• Mayor Pro-Tem – Alderman Joshua Lusher was appointed Mayor Pro-Tem for the limited purpose of signing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) documents on behalf of the city. Mayor White, who is a TIF recipient through his involvement in local redevelopment projects, will abstain from all TIF-related matters to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

• School Resource Officer Agreement – The City Council, acting on the recommendation of Delavan Police Chief Michael Evans, unanimously approved an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and Delavan Community Unit School District 703. The agreement provides for a Delavan police officer to serve as the school resource officer (SRO) for the district. The updated MOU reflects refinements requested by the Delavan School Board to clarify language from an earlier draft previously approved by the council.

• Disc Golf Course – The City Council unanimously approved Nathan Brooks' proposal to create a disc golf course at Lake Park. The project will be funded by the city up to $6,000, with costs offset by hole sponsorships and donations from the private sector.