Decorah approves temporary MOU with Winneshiek County to relocate recycling bins
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Summary
Council approved an MOU to move county recycling containers to a fenced site north of the Army Reserve Center for about two years, with the county handling maintenance and the city providing snow removal; the agreement allows up to 10 bins and includes a 120-day termination clause and permission for an on-site camera to deter illegal dumping.
The Decorah City Council voted on Jan. 5 to approve a memorandum of understanding with Winneshiek County to relocate county recycling containers temporarily to a fenced site north of the Army Reserve Center.
Staff said the relocation is intended to be temporary—expected to last at least two years while the site of a new elementary school is developed—and allows a 120-day written termination notice by either party. The MOU limits the number of bins to 10 (up from nine currently), assigns snow removal responsibilities to the city and gravel/maintenance and debris pickup to the county, and permits installation of a security camera to help deter illegal dumping. Staff described the county as receptive to the plan and noted the change gives the city an opportunity to evaluate collection methods and potential future curbside or other programs.
Councilors expressed support for the temporary solution while emphasizing the need to continue seeking a permanent location and to monitor the arrangement. The motion to approve was made and passed by roll call.
Next steps: staff will coordinate placement, fencing and any camera installation with Winneshiek County and report back with implementation details.