[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6274613,"mediaKeyId","2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a","parentId",2987192,"title","City approves development agreement, authorizes up-to-$560,000 TIF rebate for High Point East","audioSeconds",3806,"startMs",824000,"endMs",4630000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a&start=824&end=4630","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a/thumbnail_824000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6274613/Decorah/Winneshiek-County/Iowa/City-approves-development-agreement-authorizes-up-to-560000-TIF-rebate-for-High-Point-East","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274613-c31b26d5e582d79a8c28bd6cf3f9dc52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193904&Signature=njqRltOCx6Dl0ReFba-eNcUmzhhVzKfDuRVs9bsZC0h6NAy1XyQtinMBaoi4Gw6vPSfYU3TozipmLDthEeo-Q6vY3c4-gejmO8f-oPs4-VcpmrR-ZGui~a-q088YYYyGmRYbd1-kwNg8Y2HeJNYv-JtWAPRmvLv0KrwjIGqyYJCpqu4tqe0vLmLhSYNBmmWQky1vH8fMWnXYxmXcbM90T3w8eUC-E5uubocH~3tHIvI5LDxv6a2eeetKsEeKTVtCI9utbsMZg5WO7nVepsnQ9oR123~H5IB93iVnl60pOhl2pBFdhawKVpp064gy3Jx8cshu8ViHaVB85kgmsrmi3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Decorah, IA","date","2025-04-15T05:09:57.677Z","article","The Decorah City Council voted to approve a development agreement with High Point East LLC and to adopt related urban renewal measures that authorize tax-increment financing (TIF) rebates to cover eligible public-infrastructure costs up to the not-to-exceed amount discussed by council.

Council discussion centered on the amount of city participation — described in the packet as a rebate not to exceed $560,000 to cover costs such as water, sewer, stormwater, streets and lighting — and the precedent the rebate might set for future greenfield development. Developer Mike Kelly told the council the subdivision has been contemplated for five to six years and would include 16 total lots in two phases, with the first phase providing eight lots and a second phase providing the remaining eight; he said two of the lots could be developed as multifamily units.

The city’s staff presentation said the proposed TIF rebate would be paid from incremental property-tax revenue generated by the new development and would be limited by the actual taxable value created; staff also explained state law requirements tied to urban renewal plans, including a required low- and moderate-income (LMI) set‑aside tied to market-rate housing projects.

Councilmember discussion was extensive. Several members said Decorah needs more housing but expressed concern about the per-unit subsidy implied by the proposed cap; one councilmember calculated a possible subsidy on the order of $40,000 per unit under some build-out assumptions and urged careful consideration of precedent and long-term fiscal impacts. Staff and other council members replied the $560,000 figure is a not-to-exceed estimate based on infrastructure cost estimates and that actual rebate payments depend on the timing and assessed value of houses built; staff also noted the rebate structure shifts upfront construction risk to the developer because rebates are paid only after new property taxes are generated.

City staff said the developer and city negotiated the not-to-exceed figure based on estimated construction costs for roads and utilities and that the developer would not receive rebate payments if houses were not built or did not generate sufficient increment. Staff also described the calculation assumptions used in projection models: an assumed average assessed valuation per unit and modest annual valuation growth; they cautioned that the developer is unlikely to receive the full not-to-exceed amount unless all units are built and immediately reach those assumed values.

After the discussion the council voted to approve the development agreement and the associated urban renewal ordinance readings connected to the High Point East project. The motion carried.

Votes at a glance: council moved by Chisel and seconded by Olsen; roll-call votes were recorded and the motion passed.

Why it matters: the sale of rebate-eligible infrastructure costs to developers is a common tool cities use to encourage development by closing a gap between construction costs and current market demand. Council members indicated they want a clearer, consistent per-unit policy for future projects so prospective developers know what city participation they can expect.

What’s next: staff will finalize the development agreement documents and the urban renewal plan procedures noted in the meeting packet; the developer indicated planning and subdivision review remain to be completed before lots are plat-ready.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Decorah Council Meeting 11-04-2024","oneSentenceSummary","The Decorah City Council voted to approve a development agreement with High Point East LLC and to adopt related urban renewal measures that authorize tax-increment financing (TIF) rebates to cover eligible public-infrastructure costs up to the not-to-exceed amount discussed by council.","taxTitle","Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa","taxId",55664,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274595,"Votes at a glance: council approves easement, grant amendment, zoning and settlement",139,616000,755000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a&start=616&end=755","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a/thumbnail_616000.jpg","/articles/6274595/Decorah/Winneshiek-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-easement-grant-amendment-zoning-and-settlement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274595-52b0ac1919fc5c6f63f3cb5d25578c69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193904&Signature=YdOQzGFX-VDTwY4Sy5roCJMUUVhB3B7CdCtnwWzG1Sm5EZKmqxdXAyQbYBXVe55ZaWovAfY1pkYinvN8ZnChCHIxjAAeY-1Cb9DsnRnjCCTZ3-8q9tV1ZydR20lb7QmS5cJg-fJaxLVr6eclTp0TllGYbLQwXRju7aqljsn7ZX5sjbU9Sh0qPIGEqxpIbEiu9AmctuSuWI5nt1bi1Dl6QYPSIDQIsSNQaDv-4b9rKFAiqp8i8ZAz2ExFReHHmOMd4K93ZnP0k81TR2NDn2HY8HyaaUY8jtGNLazwCuJBq8g6BiBa78OF1sX9aWgnvpnDlC5RRteXjMeTJLT5~jbgyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decorah City Council took several formal actions across consent, land-use and administrative items.

Key actions and outcomes

- Consent agenda: council approved minutes of the Oct. 21, 2024 meeting, claims, and appointed Scribe Rigs to the Tree Board (motion approved by roll call).

- Easement at 803 Commerce Drive: after a public hearing with no public comment, the council approved a long-term easement permitting the property owner to continue using the existing asphalt within the right-of-way for parking. Staff noted clause 6 makes the easement revocable for essential city purposes such as sidewalks or roads; motion carried by roll call.

- Downtown Economic Development Grant Program amendment: council removed the Chamber Revolving Loan Fund Committee review from the program’s review process and replaced it with a city-manager‑assembled committee to avoid confusion about chamber involvement; motion carried.

- Zoning and urban renewal ordinances: council approved (third readings or waived) several ordinances, including designation of an expanded Central Business District urban renewal area and the Decorah Eastside Residential Urban Renewal Area (the latter is associated with the High Point East development agreement), and amended Title 17 zoning to allow CAM redemption centers as primary permitted uses under specified conditions; motions carried.

- Settlement approval: the council voted to approve a settlement agreement in the matter of Amy Chico v. City of Decorah and Kenneth Lemke for $37,500 on recommendation of the city’s insurance counsel.

Procedural notes: the council repeatedly reminded that ordinances require statutory publication before they become effective; staff indicated publication timelines and next steps during the meeting.

","At its meeting the council approved a consent agenda (minutes, claims, a tree-board appointment), granted an easement for parking at 803 Commerce Drive, amended downtown economic development grant administration, approved several urban renewal and zoning ordinances, and authorized a $37,500 settlement in a personnel claim.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274600,"Council adopts ordinance regulating off‑road vehicles on city streets, limits use in parks and sets quiet hours",370,4146000,4516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a&start=4146&end=4516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a/thumbnail_4146000.jpg","/articles/6274600/Decorah/Winneshiek-County/Iowa/Council-adopts-ordinance-regulating-offroad-vehicles-on-city-streets-limits-use-in-parks-and-sets-quiet-hours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274600-2fb24d88f7b49fabdb01719f04901456/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193904&Signature=k2LNZFGdEzWGS3JF2rIuFbfZzGkRXuUUIcbZbd5a2Bd~LjQ2K8KzHLULQsbmqOdGS36rV9k5uQohQihDIdh6tzey5O-x0K9~vr-1T0ndghtBvioei1qMyGzyHnGDA-bD2IKCth1Wbpcwoa217gc-EsATZwFyZ7paRwKySI-YsrTyUeiX-pUpSofV~nPL~xogMuYeqjJNyRzHG9J3pgKlmTyme3wyYZgLEXHYiJVC8byjQ8pGLYoLvG70D4zbJWsoAaShnHy67ex0PAsO7PHVlvqfdEaqk8tj8~9KeaJG9K3kSA8L79Y7Qq41qTZ050XMYUNuAxxcjok0yDlMRmAdVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decorah City Council adopted an ordinance that regulates off-road vehicles (ORVs) on city streets and in city parks. The ordinance permits ORVs on city streets, prohibits their use on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, and generally prohibits ORV use in parks while allowing operation on paved park areas where motor vehicles are permitted (for example, paved portions of Palisades and the campground). The ordinance also includes a prohibition window for ORV operation between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and authorizes the council to add additional prohibited areas by resolution with required signage.

Staff said they received some off-the-cuff emails raising noise concerns, particularly around Phelps Park, and councilmembers discussed the possibility of revisiting the ordinance if localized problems develop. One councilmember emphasized the ordinance is not permanent and can be modified if use patterns create issues.

Council voted to waive the third reading and adopt the ordinance; staff noted state publication requirements mean the ordinance becomes effective after required notice in the newspaper.

","The council moved to adopt an ordinance allowing off‑road vehicles on city streets while prohibiting them on sidewalks and most city parks (with specified paved-area exceptions), and establishing a nighttime prohibition window. Council noted the measure can be revised if noise or other issues arise.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274604,"Council approves memorandum formalizing city relationship with Decorah Human Powered Trails",176,3337000,3513000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a&start=3337&end=3513","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a/thumbnail_3337000.jpg","/articles/6274604/Decorah/Winneshiek-County/Iowa/Council-approves-memorandum-formalizing-city-relationship-with-Decorah-Human-Powered-Trails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274604-08ce02775fb39d5bedca2891ef3c492b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193904&Signature=OlfX9-4rh9gn0W3qqQS3uRF5e7kkxrVmiaa4RHtvBnVz7j9uVRBmRWv3nwRkmAz5rGpemIbx1VGbXoeoq5GPan3CxWFCqgzVkub8ppRNInjxBR1qiAWbgZ7n3V5UVxVFfOlwWJDDN~t4nVxWTnGe1tCoJKzVnBlg6AUQbQQ5Z4cK6xm5iK8xvudqtPWfXseMRkVBUrV~A5S4CsoDxkME2HPYVopuFiZWGRx0cKT1oRlNtbO8z6LxHklLrUzBbAmESBcwCpFHm-gYRVD4nvXBTDB7UjH05LjzCCfsbGYns85dXcj8Cr1CLEmDFM~qpY5bLjtZSF0UTluY3I-86fpq4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decorah City Council approved a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT) to formalize the relationship between the volunteer organization and the city.

Staff said DHPT previously operated informally under the city’s umbrella but has recently obtained 501(c)(3) status. The MOA permits DHPT to continue providing volunteer labor for trail planning, design, construction and upkeep coordinated through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. The agreement also recognizes the trail maintenance worker as a contractor of DHPT when that arrangement is used, and it allows the city to release funds DHPT raised while operating under the city’s umbrella. Staff indicated approximately $15,000 is held in the memorial fund raised on DHPT’s behalf.

Nick Perch, president of DHPT, spoke in support, saying the organization completed the IRS process this spring and had intended the MOA to formalize operations and clarify equipment and fundraising ownership. Council members noted the timing coincided with a recent public debate over equestrian use on some park trails but said the MOA itself addresses the organization’s formal status and not the separate policy conversation about permitted uses.

The motion to approve was made by Councilmember Veil and seconded by Zittergruen; roll-call votes were recorded and the motion carried.

","The council approved a memorandum of agreement recognizing Decorah Human Powered Trails as a separate 501(c)(3) and formalizing volunteer responsibilities, the agency’s ability to contract a trail maintenance worker, and transfer of roughly $15,000 in memorial funds raised while the group operated under the city.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274610,"Northeast Iowa Community Action Council reports local aid, transit and housing services in Decorah",291,241000,532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a&start=241&end=532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987192-1fba27b73470533f7af77e2bab13f41a/thumbnail_241000.jpg","/articles/6274610/Decorah/Winneshiek-County/Iowa/Northeast-Iowa-Community-Action-Council-reports-local-aid-transit-and-housing-services-in-Decorah","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274610-ca3466f34dd6971c0aa09a051f2a7acc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193904&Signature=EPHqX1ysedZ4LMVvGRjYnbh9HBHkI7YrGEO5nsc094ha5Y2evKIjFaNvv9jfp44-kH~E6VCBA1nEtMXe2RXiPuqmvaKOy69bnfnS-x6UC6z2FjpobVtM7cMfLTyRRVrXu4kv9ZOKIrabjfEuklkLFF-gcJf5rQYgYIQxCZifHIJXz~TlWfpdeUXfM5UTqCotNAL7FTMgo24sKRFRYULpn9AR52ic0NuYjVAOQYuE6x-JsksXWoFxsz5kB2skYsVTFuMDZhZ7ucxgHV70UrXP1vemkspfWy0ie-OQP-6b9l6YknoAqQxtEunXj50wdOK9u6SCh-L6R3AibJKxnNZcRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tricia Wilkins, chief executive officer of the Northeast Iowa Community Action Council (NEICAC), updated the Decorah City Council on the agency’s services and local impact during the meeting’s public-comment period.

Wilkins told the council NEICAC receives the largest share of its funding from federal sources, with additional state, local and private support. She said the agency served roughly 400 individuals who live in Decorah and employs 19 local staff members. Wilkins said the figure she cited in the packet — about $104,000 — represents direct financial-assistance dollars and does not include the value of program services such as Head Start, transit operations and other service-delivery expenses.

Wilkins described specific local services: the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provided winter-season heating assistance to 155 Decorah households totaling about $72,000; the agency’s crisis assistance served 49 Decorah households with just over $22,000 in assistance. NEICAC also manages transit services; Wilkins said the agency provided more than 21,000 rides last year and that the city’s arrangement with Hometown Taxi helps extend transit for seniors and people with disabilities and supports the agency’s federal reporting to the Department of Transportation.

On housing, Wilkins said NEICAC operates 56 units across seven counties, with 33 of those units located in Decorah. She also noted the agency recently acquired the Smith Building for its office and plans to pursue a Department of Energy grant to upgrade lighting, along with roof repairs and updated signage. Wilkins said NEICAC leases office space to other local nonprofit partners and is exploring options to continue hosting public-health staff in the building.

Council members thanked Wilkins and asked no substantive policy questions during the presentation.

","Northeast Iowa Community Action Council CEO Tricia Wilkins briefed the council on programs serving Decorah residents: about $104,000 in direct financial assistance, 21,000 rides provided regionally with Hometown Taxi discounts, and 33 housing units in Decorah of the agency's 56-unit regional portfolio.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City approves development agreement, authorizes up-to-$560,000 TIF rebate for High Point East

Votes at a glance: council approves easement, grant amendment, zoning and settlement

Council adopts ordinance regulating off‑road vehicles on city streets, limits use in parks and sets quiet hours

Council approves memorandum formalizing city relationship with Decorah Human Powered Trails

Northeast Iowa Community Action Council reports local aid, transit and housing services in Decorah