Residents and arts advocates urge Day Spring Lane performance pavilion; council authorizes liaison to work with proposers

Public comments at the Decorah City Council meeting on March 2 pressed the council to back the Pavilion Market Plaza proposed for the north alley east of River Street between Dayring Lane and Hively Street.

"A performance pavilion would create a flexible, visible gathering space for concerts, for theater, festivals, poetry readings, and unique community moments," said Sarah Brandt, a Highland Drive resident who spoke during public comment in support of the project. Two other residents, Tim Wagner and retired teacher Susan Cantine, echoed her endorsement, telling the council the site would broaden access to the arts and benefit downtown businesses.

The project proposers, Jim and Liz Fritz, and city staff outlined a draft March–June 2026 timeline for private lead tasks including refining the preferred project option, confirming a solar strategy, engaging an architect for schematic design, and updating cost estimates. Staff noted site‑work items that will increase costs, such as relocating existing EV chargers (staff estimated roughly $15,000) and utility trenching.

City staff and council spent the bulk of discussion on the proposal’s energy and revenue model. Council members and staff said the city cannot sell electricity via a power‑purchase agreement without a municipal utility. Councilmember Emily (last name on file) summarized the constraint: staff and legal review must determine whether an LLC, a 501(c)(3) or another structure could lease the land and monetize solar revenues or whether rent from a land lease could substitute for direct electricity sales.

Councilmembers pressed proposers to develop a short list of legal questions for city legal counsel and an energy lawyer, and asked that proposers consult key stakeholders — including the farmers market, Nordicfest and the cooperative utility — about operations, parking, and power needs. Proposers reported they had spoken with Kristen Negan, the farmers market manager, and planned to attend the market’s board meeting to answer questions.

Responding to concerns about staff capacity and a perceived July 4 tax‑credit deadline, councilmembers debated pace vs. due diligence. Several members cautioned against rushing, while others urged support for community volunteers to carry much of the workload. Ultimately the council approved a motion to authorize Mayor Andy Carlson to appoint a council liaison to work with a pavilion community planning group so proposers, staff and partners can continue detailed legal, financing and operational work.

The council’s action does not approve construction or commit city funds; rather, it creates a focused planning path and asks proposers and staff to return with clarified partnership, legal and financing options. The liaison appointment motion (moved by Councilmember Johanna Bergen and seconded by Cody Whittle) passed unanimously.

Next steps identified during the meeting include drafting legal questions for counsel, meeting with potential partners (Alliant/coop, the school, and farmers market representatives), exploring grant opportunities, and refining preferred project options and a solar strategy. If proposers and staff identify a feasible financing path, council members said the city would return to the council for any required land lease, development agreement, or funding decision.