Delavan council approves DOT land transfers, grants, vehicle purchase and fee updates; moves to closed session on land contract

The City of Delavan common council on a routine agenda approved a series of land, contract and budget items Tuesday and recessed to a closed session to discuss a land contract.

Council members approved a Department of Transportation request to acquire portions of two city-owned parcels along Highway 11 and authorized temporary grading easements on four city-owned parcels to allow regrading associated with a crosswalk project. Council also authorized the mayor to sign an easement request from Alliant Energy to route underground power cables through part of the public parking lot at 106 South Second Street.

Council approved a facade improvement grant not to exceed $5,354 for Elizabeth's Cafe at 322 E. Walworth Ave., contingent on plans complying with city ordinances and design standards. The council approved a change order (No. 8) to the North Terrace Street reconstruction contract with Lunda Construction Company for an additional $37,082.87.

The council authorized the police department to purchase a 2025 Ford Maverick XL from Kunis Auto Group. The transcript includes two inconsistent figures for that purchase — $28,250.50 and $28,202,150.50 — and the purchase was approved by roll call. The council also approved purchasing water meters in 2025 for the 2026 replacement program to lock 2025 pricing, not to exceed $123,137.

Council approved an MOU with a Baxter engineering firm for the 2026 street improvement program; the transcript uses two spellings for the firm ('Baxter and Woodman' and 'Baxter and Whitman') and lists funding amounts that are presented inconsistently in the record. Council approved the MOU as presented.

The council adopted a resolution declaring listed fire department radios and chairs surplus, and approved the city's 2026 insurance program through the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Insurance with an estimated total cost of $334,503, including commercial property coverage from MPIC at $60,380.

Council approved amendments to several fees — including annual fire impact fees, amusement device licensing fees, mausoleum fees and new language to allow fees for e-bikes and electric scooters — with the resolution set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Revisions to the city's employment policy and compensation manual were approved and the council specified an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026 for those changes.

The council also approved routine business including approval of warrants (bills), appointment of election inspectors for 2027 and the appointment of Jean Cockett to the library board for a term ending June 2027. The mayor recognized Michelle Carter for five years of service at the library and Terry Hackett for long service as an administrative assistant. Resident John Herriman introduced himself as a candidate for state representative, saying he will reach out to residents ahead of a contest against incumbent Tyler August.

The meeting recessed into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate negotiating or purchasing of public properties in connection with 'Hunter's land contract.' The council recessed with a roll call in favor of entering closed session.

What happens next: items approved tonight will be implemented by the relevant departments; the closed-session matter will be handled in closed session and any further public action will be reported in subsequent meeting minutes.