During the public comment period on Jan. 5, resident Jim Beakley described deteriorated pavement on Walnut Street near Phelps Park and asked the council to consider repairs. Beakley said he lives at 900 Walnut Street and described substantial potholes and chucks (punch-outs) that make the street among the worst in Decorah. He noted a childcare center across the street and expressed concern about daily drop-off and pick-up traffic.

Council members thanked Beakley for raising the concern and acknowledged the importance of street maintenance in residential neighborhoods; no specific repairs, schedule or funding commitment was recorded on the meeting minutes that evening. Staff did not provide an immediate timeline for addressing the specific block during the meeting.

Next steps: residents are encouraged to report specific locations to City Hall; staff follow-up would occur through Public Works as requests are logged and prioritized.