Will all of Decorah be required to build sidewalks? Are you ready to repair yours?

It's a subject that's been talked about for years and years.  But City of Decorah officials say they're getting closer to rolling out a program that would lead to having sidewalks on every property within the city.

The city's Planning and Zoning Commission has been reviewing city ordinances pertaining to sidewalks.  Members have been especially interested in language that gives the city council the power to order "the construction, repair or replacement of permanent sidewalks upon any street or court."

City Manager Chad Bird says discussions have revolved around a proposal to go ward by ward through Decorah's five wards, starting the first year with Ward #1 and proceeding in subsequent years with other wards.  Such a system would make the task of regulating sidewalks "manageable," according to Bird.
 
If homeowners were told to install a new sidewalk or repair and old sidewalk and failed to do so, the City of Decorah would have the power to hire a contractor to do the work—and then bill the property owner for the work.