Decorah City Council votes to limit Alliant Energy franchise agreement to 5 years

Decorah City Council members voted Monday night to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would renew the city's franchise agreement with Alliant Energy--but only for the next five years.

That's because city council members want to see what progress is made by a local citizens group which is working on establishing a city electrical utility.  Winneshiek Energy District member Craig Mosher approached the city council with concern about a proposed 25-year renewal of the existing agreement.

City council member Steve Luse supported a shorter franchise agreement, adding "It's time for us to consider the future."  However, Monday night's vote was just the first reading of three required readings and other city council members said they would like a chance to talk further with Alliant.