Cornell City Council; Process continues on wastewater plant improvements

Physical work is ongoing at the site for Cornell’s wastewater treatment plant, but many pieces of the process deal with paperwork, as the Cornell City Council found out Feb. 4.

Perhaps the biggest action at the regular meeting, was to approve the first payment in the amount of $420,983, to R.J. Jurowski Construction, Inc., for work on the plant from Nov. 16, 2020, to Jan. 31 of this year.

Members also agreed on Ordinance 21-1, as a sewer rate adjustment to accommodate re-payment of the wastewater treatment plant improvements loan. The rates will be $19.65/ month fixed charge, with a volume charge of $9.10 per 1,000 gallons.

The flat rate for unmetered customers will be $37.85 for a small user (household of two or less), while a large user (household of three or more) will be set at $56.05 each month. The tanker truck hauler volume charge for a holding tank is $13.82, per 1,000 gallons, while septic tank discharge is $35.94/1,000 gallons.

Rates will become effective with the March 1 billing cycle.

Bauman Associates was also engaged to provide services related to the anticipated sewer system bonds. The approval comes as the Wisconsin Department of Administration requires proof of acted on procedures for new rates.

“They want certification from an auditor or financial adviser,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.

In keeping with the treatment plant, a public hearing about the Phase 1 upgrades will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, at 6:45 p.m., prior to the regular council meeting. The public is welcome to come with any questions about the project.

The council also agreed to allow the mayor and city administrator to execute the necessary closing documents to accommodate the closing of property at 28250 State Hwy. 64, previously known as the “airport property.”

A mortgage was held on the property by the city, that was never recorded, so DeJongh says they are now trying to accommodate During the meeting, it as also reported that Officer Nick Maurice has taken a job with the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department. The city will now hold interviews to fill the full-time position, as well as looking for a new police chief, with the looming retirement of current chief, Brian Hurt.

“I also want to thank Nick for his time…for the city and wish him well as he continues with Chippewa County,” said council member Ashley Carothers. “It’ll be nice to still have him around.”

Carothers also brought up Access Ability Wisconsin, which provides outdoor wheelchair rentals for those who might not be able to get outdoors otherwise. Currently, the closest place rentals are offered is the Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, but plans are in the works to have a site in Chippewa County by 2025, something Carothers would like to see Cornell look into.

“It’s something I think is really cool,” said Carothers.