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Council approves memorandum formalizing city relationship with Decorah Human Powered Trails
Summary
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.
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.
