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Former member likens Delavan City Council to a three-ring circus

DELAVAN — One person used the word "circus" to describe Delavan City Council business.

Another said it's like council members live on different planets.

But others have said the council's method of communication is no more than democracy as usual.

Whatever the description, the council soon will have to replace council member Ellen Reddy, who resigned July 18.

In her letter of resignation, Reddy compared the council's actions to a three-ring circus.

The atmosphere at council meetings is "angry," Reddy wrote. Council members uncivilly address each other, and decision-making is "paralyzed" Reddy wrote.

"Although our great city of Delavan has a rich circus history, that doesn't mean collectively our city government in action should become a three-ring circus itself," Reddy wrote.

Reddy told the Gazette she was getting stomachaches before council meetings and going home with pains in her chest afterwards.

"Part of the problem is some members are allowed to carry on conversations amongst themselves," Reddy said.

Arguments break out and things get "so crazy," Reddy said.

"I think a halt ought to be put to that immediately," she said.

That's the mayor's job, Mayor Mel Nieuwenhuis admitted.

He said things might get better if he cut off the discussions when they turn to arguments and send the matters back to committee for fine-tuning.

But he doesn't like to interrupt council members or residents when they're sharing opinions, Nieuwenhuis said. He said he's been criticized in the past for trying to keep council discussions or public comments short.

"You can't win," Nieuwenhuis said. "So I said, 'Fine. Talk all you want.'"

The council members are bound to talk a lot because they have "strong personalities," member Jeff Johnson said.

"We're pretty much stuck to our opinions," Johnson said. "Yes, I think sometimes it's a little disruptive. But in a way, I think it's a good thing sometimes, too, that nobody backs down."

Healthy debate can be a good thing, but unhealthy debate can get in the way of city business, Nieuwenhuis said.

It's also led to a lot of special meetings, he said. The council had nine meetings in June.

When asked to describe the council, member John Finley said, "I think that some of us literally are on different planets."

That's not necessarily a bad thing, he said.

"The council that quietly meets and quietly makes decisions is dangerous," Finley said. "At least when we are aggressively each in our own way seeking a truth, it might look like a riot from the outside, but really it's democracy in action."

Reddy has served Delavan's 2nd District since 2006 when she was appointed to fill a position after Dale Gauger resigned. She was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2009.

Reddy unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2008.

The council on Tuesday, Aug. 11, could set a plan to replace Reddy.

Nieuwenhuis said the council likely will appoint a new member from those who submit letters of interest. The new council member will serve until the April election, when voters will chose someone to complete Reddy's term.

So far two people have said they are interested in the position, Mayor Mel Nieuwenhuis said:

-- Sam Riggs, 201 N. Eighth St., Delavan. Riggs is the chairman of the city's parks and recreation commission. Three times he has challenged Reddy for the seat in the 2nd District.

-- Bruce DeWitt, 524 McDowell St., Delavan. DeWitt is a former council member, Nieuwenhuis said.