City council agrees to hire two consulting firms

The Decorah City Council has agreed to hire Ahlers & Cooney Attorneys to provide legal advice in regards to a possible municipal electric utility and a municipal telecommunications utility.

The actions came on a 5-1 vote Monday night, with Andy Carlson voting against the measure.  Assistant City Attorney John Anderson said called utility law "a unique area of law" and said hiring the outside legal firm would give the city some independent advice.

Also Monday night the city council agreed to hire McClure Engineering to perform a study of possible sidewalks in the Bruening Addition.  City Administrator Chad Bird said the subdivision has "complex..topography issues" and having a consultant prepare a plan for the subdivision would be wise.  The motion passed 5-1, with Dan Bellrichard voting against.