Photo Caption: Delavan’s city council moments before Tuesday’s meeting was called to order. Pictured from left: Alderman Douglas Bury, Alderman Joshua Lusher, Mayor Adam White, Interim City Administrator Eric Diekhoff, Alderman Levi Birkey, Alderman Joe Watts, and Alderman Linda Slabaugh..
McNeill Sworn in As Police Officer
Council Tackles Water Rates, Chickens, and Community Fun
By Robert Fang
Published: September 17, 2025
Tuesday evening’s city council meeting closed with a moment of civic pride as Deputy City Clerk Tammy Hintz administered the oath of office to Molly McNeill, officially welcoming her as Delavan’s newest police officer. Police Chief Michael Evans noted that McNeill’s appointment brings the department to full staffing for the first time in two and a half years—a milestone met with approval from council members.
Block Party Gets Green Light
The council unanimously approved a special use permit for Common Ground to host a “Family Night and Block Party” on Sunday, October 5. The event promises food, games, and community connection—an autumn celebration aimed at bringing neighbors together before the chill sets in.
Chicken Ordinance Continues in Mark-Up
The council then turned its attention to the ordinance governing backyard chickens. Council members reviewed a detailed markup of the existing draft. While progress was made, a few sticking points remain unresolved pending further research and input.
Water Rate Increase Approved
The council approved a $4.00 monthly increase to the city’s water rate, raising the base rate from $39.50 to $43.50 for residents within city limits, and from $79.00 to $83.00 for those outside. This adjustment will fund—and accelerate repayment of—a zero-interest, 30-year loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency totaling $435,834.04. The loan will support the replacement of 50 lead service lines across Delavan, marking a significant investment in both public health and the city’s long-term infrastructure.
Exploring City-Wide Waste Collection
The council agreed to seek a Request For Proposal (RFP) from waste collection service providers. The goal: to explore the feasibility of switching to a city-wide garbage collection system. The RFP will allow the council to compare costs and benefits in writing, and—if the idea proves viable—present those options to residents at a future Town Hall meeting for their consideration.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, where updates on the chicken ordinance and other community matters are expected.
Delavan’s city council moments before Tuesday’s meeting was called to order. Pictured from left: Alderman Douglas Bury, Alderman Joshua Lusher, Mayor Adam White, Interim City Administrator Eric Diekhoff, Alderman Levi Birkey, Alderman Joe Watts, and Alderman Linda Slabaugh.
McNeill Sworn in As Police Officer
Council Tackles Water Rates, Chickens, and Community Fun
By Robert Fang
Published: September 17, 2025
Tuesday evening’s city council meeting closed with a moment of civic pride as Deputy City Clerk Tammy Hintz administered the oath of office to Molly McNeill, officially welcoming her as Delavan’s newest police officer. Police Chief Michael Evans noted that McNeill’s appointment brings the department to full staffing for the first time in two and a half years—a milestone met with approval from council members.
Block Party Gets Green Light
The council unanimously approved a special use permit for Common Ground to host a “Family Night and Block Party” on Sunday, October 5. The event promises food, games, and community connection—an autumn celebration aimed at bringing neighbors together before the chill sets in.
Chicken Ordinance Continues in Mark-Up
The council then turned its attention to the ordinance governing backyard chickens. Council members reviewed a detailed markup of the existing draft. While progress was made, a few sticking points remain unresolved pending further research and input.
Water Rate Increase Approved
The council approved a $4.00 monthly increase to the city’s water rate, raising the base rate from $39.50 to $43.50 for residents within city limits, and from $79.00 to $83.00 for those outside. This adjustment will fund—and accelerate repayment of—a zero-interest, 30-year loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency totaling $435,834.04. The loan will support the replacement of 50 lead service lines across Delavan, marking a significant investment in both public health and the city’s long-term infrastructure.
Exploring City-Wide Waste Collection
The council agreed to seek a Request For Proposal (RFP) from waste collection service providers. The goal: to explore the feasibility of switching to a city-wide garbage collection system. The RFP will allow the council to compare costs and benefits in writing, and—if the idea proves viable—present those options to residents at a future Town Hall meeting for their consideration.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, where updates on the chicken ordinance and other community matters are expected.
Robert Fang
Editor / Publisher
Robert Fang is the Editor and Publisher of The Delavan Dispatch. He is a career professional in the newspaper and publishing industries and has been a member of the Delavan community since 2004.
