Cornell City Council; Speed zone changes on highway within city limits

By Ginna Young

As with any community, entrances to Cornell are plagued by those who speed through posted zones, including on the east end of town on Bridge Street. Admittedly, the signs placed along the highway cause some confusion, as to when the speed decreases/increases, as the signs “don’t match up.”

That’s why the 35 mph limit is extended to South Street, after the Chippewa County Highway Department received complaints from a property owner going out of town on Bridge Street, along with the Cornell Police Department. The complaints were discussed at a Public Health and Safety meeting Sept. 13, and at the regular Cornell City Council meeting Sept. 16.

“The chief (of police, Glenn Rehberg) has spoken to her, I have spoken to her and at this time…the county highway department is going to do what they can at this point,” said Aimee Korger, council member/chair of Public Health and Safety.

The homeowner went to multiple agencies, so, although Korger mentioned that she thought orange flags on the signs could be the way to go, drawing attention to the change in speed, it’s best if the city lets the county handle it. The county had given their blessing with putting radar on a sign along the highway, but Cornell would incur the cost.

“We’re just going to keep doing what we can,” said Korger in the way of enforcement and positioning a transportable radar unit along the roadway.

Something that can be done by the city, is beginning work on the Field of Dreams project to replace the youth baseball fence at Mill Yard Park. The goal for updates to the field area is set at $50,000, but as of the council meeting, just over $30,000 has been raised.

“People have been very generous,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.

The funds are enough to get the fence replaced and the project started. Ashley Carothers, project coordinator, says she is grateful to everyone who has helped in any way.

With enough money to replace the fence, the council approved a bid from HS Fence Company LLC out of Fall Creek, for $21,467, as well as a bid from Bryan Rock Products for red ball diamond aggregate, at $44.60/ton.

“I would get it done now, because you never know what kind of spring you’re going to have,” said DeJongh.

Also discussed at a Halls, Parks and Recreation meeting Sept. 13, were memorial trees and benches. The memorial tree program in the city was started years back, where, originally, for $100 by donation, the tree was planted and a plaque was purchased. But, if the trees die, or are destroyed by nature or vandalism, then the city is responsible for “eating” the cost to replace them.

Many of the trees were not put in good spots, and are now interfering with sight lines and power lines, as well as suffering effects of the emerald ash borer (EAB) parasite. DeJongh said Cornell does have a tree plan and that the city has interest in the program again.

“If we do it, we should give it a lot of thought on where we put them,” said DeJongh. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea. A lot of people want to do something for a loved one.”

DeJongh also pointed out that the plaques don’t last forever either, while Korger says she would like to see tables as a memorial for loved ones. It was mentioned that picnic tables are needed at Mill Yard Park.

“That could be an idea,” said Carothers.

Floyd Hickethier, council member, says people may not want a table, as they get “beat up” and are more expensive. He suggested the city ask what other communities do for memorial donations.

The committee agreed to give more thought to the matter before making a decision.

It was also reported that ash trees around town are showing signs of EAB, with plans for more cutting of the trees this winter and looking into replacement plantings. The city has been in contact with the high school about saplings that could be grown in the school greenhouse and purchased by the city.

Right now, there is no plan to treat or remove trees that are not on city property, or in right-of-ways.

“There could be a public health concern if somebody didn’t address the tree in their yard,” said DeJongh.

Carothers also brought up that the large “Christmas” tree at city park, which hosts a light display each year, will probably need to be replaced at some point. The city is setting aside funds each year, for that goal, since it was believed the tree was dead.

“It is coming back to life and I don’t understand it,” laughed Carothers.

The city is also having problems with dogs who are atlarge or appear vicious to passersby, so an ordinance change could be in the works. At the least, the ordinance should be reviewed, so Korger says she will work closely with Rehberg, to make sure citizens’ and dog owners’ rights are protected.

City workers were also paid a compliment during the council meeting from Richard Hakes, who’s lived in Cornell a few years. Hakes said he is impressed with how the city workers keep the streets clear of snow, and work hard trimming trees and filling holes that occur in the roadways.

“I think the city’s been doing a real good job,” he said.