Cornell City Council; American flag needed at welcome sign entrances
By Ginna Young
In an effort to have Cornell promote patriotism like other cities throughout the state, resident Kathy Swanson wants to install American flags on poles at each of the three “Welcome to Cornell” signs. During a regular Cornell City Council meeting July 15, she looked for permission to do so and to see if the city would be responsible for replacing the flags as needed.
“I don’t see why we wouldn’t,” said council member Ashley Carothers.
Carothers asked if Swanson started any fundraisers for the poles. Swanson says she put some feelers out and received some donations.
One option for the flags, would be a 20-foot fiberglass flag pole, to the tune of $600 each.
“I don’t really trust the fiberglass ones,” said Swanson.
“They start to splinter,” agreed council member Floyd Hickethier.
Swanson says she would like to go with the same ones she has in her yard, which is a metal pole, the same as those at the veterans memorial in Cadott. The metal options run $1,100 each.
In her planning, Swanson found it’s a good time to do the installing, as the signs are in need of repainting. Council president Steve Turany pointed out that the flags would have to be lit, but Swanson says there are already lights there, although they may need a different outlet.
The company who sells the poles can install them, but after talking with city administrator Dave DeJongh, Swanson says the city workers may be able to do the work.
Members gave their blessing and asked that Swanson keep them updated. Those who wish to make a donation toward the purchase, can send checks to CABA, P.O. Box 602, Cornell, WI 54732 or talk to Swanson.
“If you got money, I’ll take it,” said Swanson.
Carothers said if anyone wants a 20-foot aluminum flag pole in sections, they are welcome to inquire about it, after her family purchased it for the police department, but they decided on a different type.
“…Please let me know, otherwise it will be going into the garbage,” said Carothers.
Also brought up, was signs on Main Street, after a concerned citizen questioned council member Bill Kvapil about a business placing their “no parking” signs in front of their building, stating that it is “business parking only.” Kvapil says he can see that the business wants to ensure there are spaces in front left for clients who have difficulty walking.
“I told that person that I would bring it to your attention and I have,” said Kvapil. “We’ll go from there and see what we can do about it.”
Carothers suggested that the city might make some handicapped spaces other than just the corners.
“But there’s a curb,” said Turany of why the handicapped spaces are placed where they are.
Mayor Mark Larson said he will ask the police chief to accompany him and they will talk with the person in question about the sign.
