Council adopts 4-way stop ordinance after neighborhood safety appeals

The Delavan Common Council on June 16 adopted an ordinance amending municipal code section 10-1-14 to allow a four-way stop at an intersection cited during public comment.

Residents from the Garden Meadows area urged the council to add stop signs and caution signage near a recently built neighborhood park and potential future amenities. Maureen Smedley, who gave her address as 202 Meadow Court, said recent and planned park improvements would bring more children to the area and that drivers use nearby Highway 11 “like it’s the Indianapolis 500.” Linda Malop said she regularly sees children run across the street to the park and suggested both a stop sign and “caution children playing” signage.

The ordinance — described to the council as an amendment to municipal code section 10-1-14 — was moved and seconded and then adopted by voice vote. The motion passed.

Council members and staff did not provide a specific schedule in the meeting for installation of any signs. During public comment residents also asked about improvements to the dog park; staff said public works or parks committees might provide updates at future committee meetings.

The ordinance adopted allows the city to place a four-way stop at the intersection referenced in the motion; the transcript contains inconsistent street names for the intersection (both “North Long Drive and Tamarack Street” and “North Autumn Drive and Tamarack Street” are used). The council record should be consulted for the exact location that will be posted and for implementation timing.

Council members invited residents to bring detailed concerns to the Parks and Recreation meeting on June 23 and to follow up with city staff if they want sign placement prioritized.