Friday Memo

 

 FRIDAY MEMO

 

 

To:                  Town Board Members

From:  John Olson, Town Administrator

Date:   February 13, 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. Mark Wetterling, 4107 Pleasant St., has applied for a Variance to allow construction of a 26’ X 36’ Detached Garage.  Recommended by the Plan Commission and approved at last Tuesday’s Board Meeting.   
      2. Tim Hults, 3205 CTH F South, has applied for a Variance to allow a Home Addition and Porch.  Recommended by the Plan Commission and approved at last Tuesday’s Board Meeting. 
      3. Park & Tourism Committee has recommended renegotiation of the City of Delavan Park & Recreation Services IGA.  At last Tuesday’s Board Meeting, you also voted to formally give notice to renegotiate new terms for 2027.
      4. Admin Committee recommended a new Short-Term Rental Ordinance that was made consistent with Walworth County Zoning who does the Code Enforcement.  Due to recent litigation in another municipality, legal has advised that our ordinance language remove “Zoning language” since we are under the Walworth County Zoning Code.  Approved at last Tuesday’s Board Meeting.
      5. You also voted to begin the liquor license revocation process if the Delavan Tap House is not open for business by 4-30-2026.
      6. And you voted to increase my compensation from a little under $111K to $120K following my performance evaluation and contract update.  As I’ve already told you, an Administrator is only as successful as the support received from coworkers, professional staff, and board members.  In my 19th year, you have surrounded me with possibly the best overall team that I’ve worked with.  I am very thankful!
      7. Lakeland Community Church, N3181 STH 67, has met with Walworth County Zoning and Delavan Lake Sanitary District last month on their expansion plans and options without Sanitary Sewer.  They are planning on appearing at the March 3 Plan Commission with their application again.    
      8. The Town Board is still planning an August, 2026 Referendum for Police & Fire staffing.  The question for the August ballot will need to be known by April and, if approved by the voters, would be a tax increase 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 has begun. 
      9. 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 desiring to continue the municipal services is the goal.  No immediate action was taken and tabled to the discretion of the Town Chair with continued discussion at the monthly Public Works Committee meetings.   
      10. Mechanic Job Opening:  https://townofdelavan.com/2026/01/15/help-wanted-mechanic/
      11. Short-term Rental Complaint Hotline is now available 24/7 at 866-257-0149 or online at https://www.harmari.com/tipform-delavan
      12. All Assessed Values for the Town are available online at accurateassessor.com.    
      13. The Highway Shop is a “free drop-off site” for Waste Oil that is used for heating purposes.  We are currently in low supply.
      14. Enjoy your weekend!                                   

       

       

      Meetings next week:  None scheduled at this time.