Here's the ordinance that would limit the idling time of vehicles in the City of Decorah

A divided Decorah City Council on Tuesday night approved the first reading of an ordinance that would limit the idling time of vehicles.

Mayor Don Arendt spoke out against the measure, calling it "unnecessary legislation."  But City Council member Kirk Johnson called the measure "a reasonable ordinance," while council member Steve Luse said it would be "an important way to enhance air quality."

Supporters of the measure were in the majority in the 4-3 vote, with Luse, Johnson, Dan Bellrichard and Andy Carlson voting in favor and Rustad, Lore and Randy Schissel opposing.

The ordinance needs two more readings approved before it becomes law.

(Because a number of readers have asked about this ordinance, the full text of the proposed ordinance is posted as a .pdf link)