April Stockman

The meeting commenced with public comments regarding the absence of an elected representative, Alderman Lusher, and a call for patience and grace concerning the situation, referencing Illinois House Bill 1936, the Clean Slate Law. The consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from the January 6, 2026 regular meeting and a resolution for bill payments, was approved. Under officer reports, the Mayor discussed efforts with the police chief to clean up a property at Third Street, utilizing new legislation to secure owner cooperation. An update on TIFF 3 indicated ongoing challenges with land acquisition near the lagoon. Significant discussion focused on banking arrangements, where collaboration with the Bank of Pontiac is expected to generate approximately $34,000 in increased interest revenue. Furthermore, the council addressed recent flooding concerns and coordinated with IDOT for resolution. New business included an action to amend the FY 2025-2026 budget to adjust for increased insurance premiums, specifically addressing rising costs due to workman's compensation claims. The council also deferred an item and proceeded to appoint Alderman Slaybo as Mayor Pro Tem for signing TIFF documents in place of the absent Alderman Lusher until his status is resolved.

Key discussions during the meeting included the consent agenda items, which covered the approval of minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting and a bill payment resolution. Reports from officers noted commendations for the city crew regarding road clearing after recent storms, and an acknowledgement of the long-time treasurer's retirement after 18 years, alongside the training of her successor. New business involved appointing the new treasurer, April Stockman, and discussing the adoption of the City of Delavan Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, which was adopted to aid in future grant applications. The council also approved a proposal from Good Energy regarding pricing options for an energy program, favoring the 12-month option. Additionally, a resolution for maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code concerning the redoing of Third Street east of Locust was approved, as was the release of a permit between the city and Encompass Grain and Rail to facilitate a potential path construction between parks. Finally, an ordinance was approved to implement a municipal grocery retailers occupation tax to replace the state tax that is being repealed.

The meeting commenced with roll call, pledge of allegiance, and an invocation. Public comments included a lengthy presentation by a former alderman addressing concerns over reverting to a council committee model from a city administrator structure, citing concerns about micromanagement and potential financial mismanagement, particularly regarding TIF district revenues. Following public comments, the consent agenda, which included approval of previous minutes from February 17, 2026, and payment of bills, was addressed. Under reports of officers, the Mayor provided an update on the search for a new city attorney. The interim City Administrator delivered remarks on his tenure, highlighting successes such as negotiating increased interest rates with Bank of Pontiac, resulting in significant annual interest gains, and revamping the city budget for greater transparency. Consultants from Hometown Consulting presented findings and recommendations from a community and economic development assessment, emphasizing the need for a 5-year capital improvement plan and understanding TIF revenue projections. The consultants also discussed focusing on cash management, budgeting, and reporting improvements.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a pledge/invocation. Key discussions included information regarding a community event hosted by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, specifically a 'rural big table' event scheduled for December 10th intended to gather community input for a comprehensive economic development strategy. Following this, the council authorized approval for the Illinois County Risk Management Trust as the property and work insurance provider, which was contingent on further discussion regarding coverage options and bankruptcy risk. Further agenda items included discussion and action on the ordinance for the levy assessment of taxes for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and authorization to enter an annual reciprocal agreement for exchanging confidential information. Finally, the council approved a request from the Optimus Club of Delavan regarding the Avenue of Flags project, which involves installing flush-to-ground flag sockets in public easements. Other noted concerns involved updates on street memorial signs and resident feedback regarding the timeliness of snow removal operations.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance, followed by an invocation. Key discussions included the consent agenda, which approved the minutes from the October 21, 2025 regular meeting and the resolution for bill payments. Officer reports were brief, noting work related to the tax levy estimate preparation, which involves complex Illinois state requirements for estimation and potential Truth in Taxation hearings if the levy increase exceeds 5%. New business featured the approval of an ordinance (2025-9) amending city code Title 9-1-8 concerning meter replacement and equipment costs. The council also discussed and ultimately approved the annual tax levy estimate of $229,000, providing context on the funding categories included. Further discussion focused on essential infrastructure needs, specifically the required dredging of both lagoons (estimated at $1.5 million) due to material buildup since 1984, and the need to line sewer lines (estimated up to $2 million). The need for these substantial expenditures prompted a detailed review of financing options, primarily utilizing TIF 3 funds or, as a last resort, selling city assets such as the water and sewer system, with strong reservations expressed against selling the water system due to loss of control over future rates. Finally, an intergovernmental agreement with Tazwell County for animal and rabies control services for 2026 was approved, along with a discussion regarding the issuance of city-owned bonds for maintenance and expenditures, with initial consideration given to bonding for the lagoon dredging and camera inspection costs.