A proposal to create a part-time event coordinator position for the City of Delavan will get a second look after the City Council voted unanimously Monday night to reconsider the measure at its next meeting.

The reversal follows a public appeal by Delavan resident Steven Watts during the council's public comment portion. “I'd ask you all to reconsider bringing [it] up for another discussion and vote in another week, and give additional members of the community an opportunity to come speak on behalf of the idea as well,” Watts told the council.

The original proposal was defeated at the previous meeting, with questions raised about its scope and planning. However, Watts emphasized the potential benefits of such a role for the town’s local economy: “I think if you hire the right person with the right skills, the right attitude and give them the right authority and responsibility and expectations,” he said, “it could be a boon for the businesses in this community, particularly some of those businesses that this community has provided extensive funding for.”

In a notable shift, Ward 3 Alderman Linda Slabaugh—who previously voted against the measure—introduced the motion to bring the proposal back for council consideration. Slabaugh cited the need for a more fully developed plan as a key concern in the earlier vote and said the intervening time could be used to clarify goals and expectations.

Fellow Ward 3 Alderman Douglas Bury seconded the motion, which passed 4-0. No additional discussion accompanied the vote.

The proposal is now scheduled to return to the council agenda at its next regular meeting, where council members are expected to consider a revised version informed by community feedback and further planning.

Other News from the City Council Meeting

• Liquor Commissioner – Alderman Linda Slabaugh was appointed Liquor Commissioner by the City Council. Mayor Adam White, who has a pending liquor license request before the liquor commission through his involvement in local redevelopment projects, voluntarily resigned as Liquor Commissioner to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

• Electric Upgrades for Pavilions at Lake Park – The City Council, acting on the recommendation of Interim City Administrator Eric Diekhoff and Public Works Superintendent Nathan Barnett, unanimously approved work to be performed by Koener Electric not to exceed $8,900, with 70% of the cost to be covered by the parks department budget, and the remaining 30% to come from TIF funds.

• 5th Street Park Condition – Ward 3 Alderman Douglas Bury once again raised the issue of the maintenance and condition of the 5th Street Park. He noted the surface cracks in the tennis court and basketball courts, as well as the overgrown and abandoned appearance of the baseball field. Bury strongly argued in favor of maintaining the park, and stated that maintaining the facilities would be cheaper in the long term, as opposed to letting them deteriorate further and replacing them.

• 204 E 8th Street – Ward 1 Alderman Joshua Lusher, after receiving complaints from constituents, asked the city to intervene at this address after the home was left abandoned when the occupant passed away. Ward 3 Alderman Douglas Bury agreed that early intervention was warranted before the property deteriorates further and becomes a bigger hazard to the neighborhood.