Cornell City Council; Is camping on Main Street something the city wants?

By Ginna Young

Cornell’s Main Street could be home to a new campground, after a request came from property owners to install a possible 10-site camping area at the 101 location. The site is attached to the lot behind the address, across from the River Country Store.

Those requesting discussion on the campground, were not present at the regular Cornell City Council May 20, so members were left with many questions. It was determined that 101 Main Street is Zoned M-1 Industrial, with an unclassified use, but to have a camping area, the request would have to go before the Planning Commission to determine guidelines and feasibility.

“I don’t think that’s the best place for a campground, as someone who lives next door to it,” said community member Julia Wolf.

Wolf also questioned why anyone would want to camp on Main Street. Despite some concerns, if it comes to fruition, the campground would not affect the ATV/UTV parking space that is located off the alley behind 101 Main Street.

Council member Ashley Carothers says she spoke with someone from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and was told there are permits needed, with the exception of campgrounds that are non-profit or privately family-owned.

However, it’s usual for a campground to have 10 sites per acre.

“Being that this is a quarter lot, I don’t believe this is a full acre,” said Carothers of the proposed site.

She mentioned that a business had also contacted her, with concerns about amenities at the site, such as bathrooms, electricity and running water, as well as concerns about noise and activities in the camp areas, as the business is trying to conduct normal operations.

“I’ve got a lot of questions for the person proposing it,” said council president Steve Turany.

Council members Terry Smith and Bill Kvapil agreed that they need more information, while council member Aimee Korger added it should go before the commission for the recommendation on whether to approve or reject the campground.

The matter will be sent to the Planning Commission at a later date and time, with the public welcome to voice their opinion and ask questions.

The council also heard updates on the wastewater treatment plan, which since the last meeting, Kevin Oium, Cedar Corp., said the majority of the work taking place has been on the headworks building.

“There has been quite a bit of progress that’s been taking place,” said Oium.

Included, foundation work is complete, but there are still many things that need to happen before the project is finished.

“As of right now, we’re about 40 percent done,” said Oium.

A big issue that has come up, is the difficulty in finding American-made steel that has to be used, which is a requirement of money received from the Clean Water Fund.

“As you can imagine, with what’s transpired over the last year, some of these…are in shortened supply,” said Oium.

There is currently a three-month delay on valves needed, and what was a Sept. 17 completion date, is now looking like an end of the year time frame. With the delay, the city will require an extension from the Department of Administration (DOA), but since the DOA is seeing this in other projects around the state, they are unofficially agreeable to extending the timeline.

During the meeting, members passed Resolution 21-2, in support of the renewal and funding of the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program, which is a major funding source for the Ice Age Scenic Trail. The program is up for renewal in the state budget for the next 10 years, with $70 million directed annually to the nature preservation.

The Act creating the stewardship program, was signed into law in 1989, to help preserve natural areas and wildlife habitat, and expand Wisconsin’s outdoor tourism industries. The Krank Nature Preserve and the Chippewa River Segment of the Ice Age Scenic Trail, are located in Cornell, as part of the stewardship program.

Also given the go ahead, was Black’s Vendor Events, which will be set up Saturday, July 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., outside the Mill Yard Park pavilion. The annual fireworks display is set up behind pavilion, so the craft and direct sales show will not interfere.

“I don’t have a problem with it, myself,” said mayor Mark Larson.

Council member Floyd Hickethier says he thinks it’s a good thing to bring people into town. Korger says the vendors will bring attention to the charcoal chicken dinner that is served at the Mill Yard during that time, and that people may hang around for the fireworks.

“Give them all a good chance,” said Kvapil.

The council also acknowledged a donation from an anonymous community member, toward the purchase of body cameras.

“It was a very generous donation,” said police chief Glenn Rehberg.

Carothers also made a request from the community – to stop putting grass clippings in the road when mowing their lawns.

“It becomes a hazard to those that ride motorcycles,” she said.