No checkered flag for racetrack discussion

The City of Decorah's Community betterment Committee took 45 minutes of testimony from the public Monday night on the issue of noise in the community, b ut adjourned the meeting without taking action.

Around 125 people jammed into the City Hall council chambers.  Decorah resident Ross Hadley told the city committee, "The races are a problem" because Decorah's limestone bluffs bounce the racetrack sound throughout the community.  Said Kerry Dolan, "We can't do anything Saturday nights."  Decorah resident Kyrl Henderson said it was not an issue about races, but about sound levels peaking over 110 decibels.

But race fans defended their hobby.  Troy Hovey noted that no other town checks race cars for mufflers.  Ridgeway resident Traci Wheeler said the races give kids activities to attend.  Jason Borsheim spoke of the economic impact of the race track.

Decorah resident Cara Sand offered a compromise of moving up the race starting times, but others testified this would cause problems with dust for the racers.

City council members were given a copy of the noise ordinance from Adel, where current Decorah City Manager Chad Bird used to be the City Manager.  But the committee took no action, adjourning after giving 15 people a chance to speak.

For two videos from Monday night's meeting, visit www.decorahtvnews.com