Jody Niess is the newest member of the Decorah City Council

(Left to right): City Clerk Wanda Hemesath watches as Jody Niess signs her oath of office

Decorah's new city council representative from the 2nd Ward is Jody Niess.

The Decorah business owner received five out of six votes Monday night from Decorah city council members and was appointed to fill the remaining the seat formerly held by Julie Fischer, who had moved out of the district.

Niess told city council members she has lived in the city of Decorah for 42 years and has owned a business for the last 18 years.

City council member Paul Wanless noted that "three really good people" had applied for the position--Niess, Dan Voss and Dan Bellrichard.  City council member Carolyn Corbin said it would be important to elect Niees in order to maintain gender balance on the city council.

The city council may soon have another opening.  1st Ward city council representative John Franzen said he will learn later this month whether he is moving to Minneapolis to take a new job.

Jody Niess takes her seat next to 3rd Ward city council member Paul Wanless