City and county officials discuss issues involving subdivision plats within two miles of Decorah's city limits

Winneshiek County and City of Decorah officials met Monday to discuss the handling of plans for new subdivisions within two miles of the City of Decorah's city limits.  State law gives Decorah the right to rule on such subdivision plats, on the assumption that the property might one day be annexed into the City of Decorah.

"We need to be consisten," Decorah Mayor Don Arendt told county supervisors on Monday.  City of Decorah Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Benji Nichols noted that city officials want to make sure there's adequate access for fire trucks and snow plows.

But County Board Chair John Logsdon noted that "the public is confused" when subdivision plats have to be reviewed by two governmental organizations.

Decorah City Administrator Chad Bird noted that the two governments could set up a 28e agreement that allowed for the city council to vote on some applications and the county board to vote on others.  Bird said that in the absence of an agreement like that, each government would continue to review subdivision plat applications.

Logson admitted the question "is not a burning item," so the two sides ended the meeting without taking any formal action.