Neighbors raise questions, but assessments approved for Pleasant Avenue road project

Work will be done later this year on laying two lanes of asphalt on Pleasant Avenue.  The Decorah City Council Monday night approved the project on a narrow 4-3 vote after hearing from three residents along the road.

Bill Remington, Chris Redenius and Kerry Bodensteiner spoke at a public hearing on the project.  "We appreciate the city is fixing this," said Remington.  But he raised several questions about the assessments for the project, including how property owners had to pay for their own water and sewer service, unlike most streets where water and sewer lines are installed by the city. 

Remington and Redenius also asked questions about the apportionment of costs for the project, estimated at $120,000 in construction work and $15,000 in engineering fees.  Because some of the property along Pleasant Avenue south of Highway 9 was declared "undevelopable," assessments ranged from $408 to $8,437.

After a lengthy public hearing, a resolution approving the preliminary plans, specifications, cost estimate and assessment schedule was approved by a one vote margin.