City of Postville can't stop UERPC move to Decorah

Allamakee County Judge Richard Stoehl on Monday ruled in favor of continuing an injunction against the board of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission--but that will be small solace to the City of Postville, which had brought the petition that accused UERPC of violating the state's Open Meetings Law.

Judge Stoehl ruled that Upper Explorerland officials couldn't sign the papers to purchase property in Decorah for the time being.  But he rejected the City of Postville's claim that UERPC would be prohibited against holding future open meetings to approve the contract.

That means the purchase can proceed--after the board meets again Thursday night to conduct business in open session.  Said Judge Stoehl, "the order does not prevent ongoing proceedings by the (UERPC) Board nor does it prevent the board from entering into a like contract."

A decision on whether an Open Meetings Law violation occurred and on any penalties for such an infraction will be made at a later date.