Decorah City Council approves negotiating with Decorah businessman for purchase of Fox & Coon Club property

The City of Decorah will begin negotiating a purchase agreement for the sale and development of ther Fox & Coon Club property on Highway 9.

Council members voted 4-3 Monday night to have city staff begin talks with Decorah businessman Kelly Bachelder, who has submitted an offer of $475,001 to purchase the 6-acre site.  Bachelder told the city council that while he doesn't have a definite tenant for the property yet, "I have a pretty good track record I hope" with other projects such as the KAR Auto dealership adjacent to the Fox & Coon Club.

Bachelder and Decorah City Administrator Chad Bird both say they have talked with Iowa DNR staffers who say very little cleanup would be necessary at the gun range property.  They will invite a DNR staffer to come walk the Fox & Coon site.

Three city council members voted against entering into the agreement, with their opposition centered on a lack of knowing where the proceeds from the sale of the property would be spent by city government.

But city council member Randy Schissel said "Having that cushion in a time of declining revenues" would be helpful, while Kirk Johnson suggested the money could be set aside in a special reserve fund for big projects such as City Hall remodeling.

City officials describe Monday night's vote as a "non-binding preliminary approval" which will require a final approval at a later date.