Cornell City Council; Officers have opportunity to earn higher wages

By Ginna Young

A problem Cornell’s faced for many years, could be solved, after a decision by the city council Nov. 18. With the field narrowing, year after year, the police department watches officers come and go, which places a hardship on the community.

Not only does a new officer come into the town they serve without knowing the workings of the community, but it also puts a financial burden on taxpayers. Each time the hiring process begins for a police officer, medical and psychological exams are performed, as well as background checks, which, altogether, run around $1,000.

In addition, the officer is required to have six weeks of field training, which costs more than $5,000. If the hiring does not go through or the officer only stays a couple months, the process and costs begin again.

This fall, during budget preparations, Cornell Police Chief Glenn Rehberg suggested a different approach to retaining officers. Under Rehberg’s oversight, the officers can achieve more wages by completing additional elective training.

“I believe this will allow us to keep our full-time patrol officers around here a little longer,” said council president Steve Turany. “I think it’s a good start for us.”

Council member Ashley Carothers said with the additional training, the officers can improve life-saving skills that will benefit the community.

“I’m hoping that this is definitely the right direction to go,” she said.

Members also agreed to raise wages 3 percent, in a labor agreement for the Teamsters Union. The non-union and part-time employees also received a 3 percent increase.

Also approved, was a letter of agreement with Bauman Associates, for 2022 services. City administrator Dave De-Jongh said, because of grant dollars the city received, they will need a special audit in the coming year.

The council also decided to increase the amount on the Christmas gift cards they give to the 25 or so city employees, as a thank you. Instead of a $20 gift card to the local grocery store, employees will receive a $25 card.

In years past, the employees each received a ham or a turkey, with the council agreeing a gift card would be a better way to go.

During the meeting, DeJongh reported that all city items placed on the state auction website sold for above the reserved price, including the city grader, which is no longer needed.

“Overall, it was nice to get some money for things that were sitting around here not doing anything,” said Turany.

DeJongh also said he was hoping to learn something more on the valving issue at the wastewater treatment plant, but had nothing to report since the last meeting. Until the valves are received, the upgrade project cannot be completed.

Turany also brought up something that he thinks needs to be addressed – dog owners letting their pets use public and private properties as their bathroom.

“It’s getting to the point, where we need to do something about this,” said Turany.

He says people need to be more responsible when walking their dogs and thinks action must be taken, even if it means involving the police.

“This is not a public dumping area,” said Turany. Turany says letting the dogs do their business wherever they please is not only rude to others in the community, but also unsanitary and careless.

“If people are going to have pets, they need to take care of them, too,” agreed council member Bill Kvapil.

Carothers also brought up something she would like to revisit, which is the ordinance on mobile home courts; she says the proposed ordinance was started, but never finished, to her understanding.

“I would also like to see that get taken care of,” said mayor Mark Larson.