School Board hears complaints about Carrie Lee noise

The Decorah Community School Board listened to complaints from Kristin Erickson Monday night regarding her concern about the air conditioning noise from Carrie Lee School. Superintendent Haluska said he had also heard from another neighbor, Steve Runde. The conversation clarified that the noise was not simply air conditioning, but a complex air handling system. Board member Brian Petersburg said he had visited the neighborhood and recognized the issue. Another board member, Ron Fadness, said he had slept on the same block as the complaining neighbor, as well as checked with a tenant who lives on the block, and had not identified a problem.  Erickson says the problem is continuous from May to October.

Superintendent Mike Haluska said that school district architects responsible for the project would be here on Tuesday and that he would consult with them about possible solutions. Board President Melanie Tietz said the district wants to be a good neighbor, but cost considerations are important when it comes to possible solutions.

There was some discussion about barrier fences and sound absorbing panels on the building (it is assumed the building reflects the sounds from the eight foot high units). The board will revisit the issue at their September meeting.