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Council supports community-led mural on College Drive bridge; donor-funded project with no city maintenance obligation
Summary
Council approved a proposal to allow a community member to paint a mural on the inner side of the College Drive bridge (Long Trout Run/Bridal trail). The artist and SMID members expect to fund materials and pay for preparatory cleaning; the city noted the mural would be a donation and not obligate long-term maintenance by the city.
The Decorah City Council voted to permit a community mural on the inner side of the College Drive bridge along the Long Trout Run (Bridal) trail, subject to the city's donation policy and the condition that the project not obligate city maintenance in perpetuity.
Councilmembers reported ongoing coordination with the SMID (downtown improvement) district and said the proposer has collected competitive quotes and local commitments for supplies. A staff member said the bridge is a city asset; the council said it would accept the mural as a donation but that the city is not committing to maintain the mural indefinitely.
The proposer discussed power washing the bridge's pillar before painting; staff said that preparatory cleaning would add an estimated $350 to the project's cost. SMID members indicated local hardware stores could supply materials at competitive prices and that fund-raising interest has been strong. Council discussion included minor design suggestions (changing a wood-duck motif to imagery more representative of the Upper Iowa River, such as a heron or otter), and members urged coordination so the painting does not conflict with planned work in the bridge area.
The motion to allow the mural carried by roll call. Staff said the mural will fall under the city's donation policy and that the city does not accept responsibility for ongoing upkeep unless otherwise agreed by council in the future. The proposer and local volunteers indicated willingness to touch up or repair the mural if desired.
