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Decorah council approves consent agenda, adopts snow-and-ice ordinance, OKs temporary recycling MOU
Summary
On Jan. 5, 2026 the Decorah City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda including several appointments, adopted an amendment to the snow-and-ice ordinance adding enforcement and a $20 administrative fee, and approved a temporary MOU with Winneshiek County to relocate recycling bins.
The Decorah City Council on Jan. 5 unanimously approved its consent agenda, adopted a revision to the city’s snow-and-ice ordinance and approved a memorandum of understanding with Winneshiek County to relocate recycling containers temporarily.
At the start of the meeting council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes, claims, pay applications for flood repairs and wastewater treatment plant improvements, the appointment of Jeff Clement as fire chief and assistant chiefs Mike Ashbacher and Kyle Coles per City Code 2.14.020, designation of the Decorah Leader as the official newspaper, and the mayoral appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Randy Chisel. A motion to approve was made and seconded; a roll call recorded 'Aye' votes from the council and the motion carried.
The council then took up a proposed amendment to Chapter 12.44 of the Decorah Municipal Code addressing snow and ice accumulation on sidewalks. Staff explained the ordinance clarifies enforcement steps: property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall, the city may hire a contractor to remove snow after notice and invoice the property owner for costs plus a $20 administrative fee, and a recipient may request a hearing at least 15 days after mailing. Council discussion noted practical enforcement timelines, contractor pricing (the single proposal cited $175 per hour with a half-hour minimum), and community volunteer options; council voted to adopt the ordinance on third reading by unanimous roll call.
Later the council reviewed a proposed MOU with Winneshiek County to relocate nine current recycling bins to a fenced site north of the Army Reserve Center (near the future elementary school construction site). The MOU caps containers at 10, clarifies the city’s role limited to snow removal while the county handles gravel maintenance and debris pickup, allows for on-site security camera installation to deter illegal dumping, and includes a 120-day termination notice. Council members expressed support for the temporary solution while urging continued work on a long-term plan. The council moved, seconded and approved the MOU by roll call.
The meeting concluded with other discussion items and a motion to adjourn.
Votes and formal actions recorded in the meeting minutes include the consent agenda approval, the snow-and-ice ordinance adoption, and the MOU approval; all were adopted by unanimous roll calls.
