Friday Memo

 

 FRIDAY MEMO

 

 

To:                  Town Board Members

From:  John Olson, Town Administrator

Date:   April 2, 2026    

 

 

Please take time to read this week’s Friday Memo- -a general recap of the week and upcoming news.  As always, should you like more information, I ask that you call the office, e-mail or stop in.  Thanks for your continued support. 

      1. Robert Hoekstra, 6436 Mound Rd., has applied for a Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of a new building for Contractor Storage and Wholesale Vehicle Sales.  The parcel is zoned Manufacturing.  Next Tuesday’s Plan Commission agenda.    
      2. James Beierle, 4215 South Shore Dr., has also applied for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Planned Residential Development and construction of a new guest home on the parcel.  There is already a primary residential home on the parcel.  Next Tuesday’s Plan Commission agenda.
      3. And you have already received details on Villa Claire Estates, a 10 large lot subdivision off North Shore Dr., who submitted plans and their application for a Concept Plan review at next Tuesday’s Plan Commission.       
      4. Road Improvements and Chip Seal bids were opened last week.  The Town received 3 Road Improvement bids– Payne & Dolan, Wolf Paving, and Asphalt Contractors.  And 2 Chip Seal bids were received – Scott Construction and Fahrner Asphalt.  Next Wednesday’s Public Works Committee should be making a recommendation on the low bidders and the board should be voting at the 4/21 Board Meeting.   
      5. You did agree to reconsider the application for expansion by Lakeland Community Church, N3181 STH 67, at the 4/21 Board Meeting.  And you did receive the requested Police Reports and neighbor complaints related to loud noise disturbance that were referenced by the neighbors of the church at the March Board Meeting.   
      6. DNR confirmed this week that separate Commercial Launch Fees are not allowed.  Commercial users will need to pay the same Launch Fees already approved for individuals.  A new ordinance will be considered at next Tuesday’s Park Committee with a recommendation to the 4/21 Board Meeting.
      7. Community Park parking lot drainage plans will be discussed at the Park & Tourism and Public Works Committees next week.  Baxter & Woodman will be present with plan options and estimated costs.
      8. Early voting ended today.  The Spring Election will be held next Tuesday at Waters Edge with polls open 7:00am – 8:00pm.  Thanks to Michele and Liz for all their work!  
      9. Park & Tourism Committee and Town Board has voted to give formal notice of renegotiation of the City of Delavan Park & Recreation Services IGA for 2027.  Reps from the City are planning to be present at the 4/7 Park Committee.
      10. At the February Board Meeting, you voted to begin the liquor license revocation process if the Delavan Tap House is not open for business by 4-30-2026.
      11. The Town Board is still considering an August 11, 2026 Referendum for Police & Fire staffing.  The question for the August ballot will need to be known at the latest by June 1, confirmed by the Walworth County Clerk.  She is hoping a board decision will be made earlier so the May 12 Board Meeting should be our goal.  If you approve the ballot question and the referendum passes, the tax increase would be added to the following year’s tax levy helping to fund the 2027 & future years budgets.  Board approved a staffing study by McMahon & Associates that is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month.  McMahon is not recommending a referendum at this time, but gradual increase in staffing over the next several years based on need.  Expect a meeting to be scheduled with McMahon after the final report is completed at the end of this month. 
      12. Private Road Maintenance & Snow Plowing has been discussed at last year’s August Public Works Committee and Board Meeting.    You also reviewed and discussed Attorney Koch’s legal opinion recommending contracts with property owners for this service.  Comments were made that advance notice will be given to all Private Road property owners receiving plowing and maintenance services so they can prepare for the 26/27 season.  Contracts with all associations without availability of private contractor service is the goal.  No immediate action was taken and tabled to the discretion of the Town Chair.  Mary added this agenda item to the last Board Meeting where you had lengthy discussion.  And it remains listed on the agenda monthly Public Works Committee meetings.
      13. The Police Committee has been cancelled for next Tuesday.   
      14. Open Book is scheduled for 6/8, 10:00am – Noon, and Board of Review on 6/25 from Noon – 2:00pm.
      15. Mechanic Job Opening:  https://townofdelavan.com/2026/01/15/help-wanted-mechanic/
      16. Short-term Rental Complaint Hotline is now available 24/7 at 866-257-0149 or online at https://www.harmari.com/tipform-delavan
      17. All Assessed Values for the Town are available online at accurateassessor.com.    
      18. The Highway Shop is a “free drop-off site” for Waste Oil that is used for heating purposes.  We are currently in low supply.
      19. Office is closed tomorrow due to Good Friday.  Happy Easter!  He is Risen!                                           

       

       

       

      Meetings next week:  Admin Committee, Monday at 4:00pm

                                           Park & Tourism, Tuesday at 4:30pm

                                           Plan Commission, Tuesday at 6:30pm

                                           Public Works, Wednesday at 1:15pm

                                           Fire & Rescue, Thursday at 5:00pm