Cornell City Council; River walk could be fully funded through grant

By Ginna Young

Many plans are in the works to improve the Mill Yard Park area, and those plans might come to fruition sooner than expected, if funding is received through the Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV). The CDBG-CV grant was discussed at the regular Cornell City Council meeting Dec. 16.

As part of the outdoor recreation plan the city is proposing to do, with everything falling into place from Xcel Energy, a river walk trail would be installed from the blue bridge over the Chippewa River to the city boat landing. In their research about the project, the city discovered the opportunity to apply for funding for that type of project, as people are getting more outdoors than ever before.

“It’d be worth our while to get that application and try to get some funding,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.

The grant is 100 percent funding, with no match required, allowing the city to request up to $600,000, which is the engineer’s estimate for the river walk project.

“I say we go after it,” said council member Bill Kvapil.

Members agreed and authorized hiring Cedar Corp. for $6,000, to apply for the funds.

The board also appointed election inspectors, the first time DeJongh remembers needing to do so, for a two-year term.

“We generally have them work shifts, so it isn’t such a long day for everybody,” said DeJongh.

It’s not finished yet, but DeJongh brought good news in his report on the wastewater treatment plant, with a Feb. 7 completion date.

“Things are looking promising on getting that wrapped up,” he said.

Some people are alone during the holidays, so Kvapil and those at Huddle Up Pub invite anyone who doesn’t have a family, to join them for Christmas dinner at the establishment, on Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, beginning at 3 p.m. A Thanksgiving meal was also offered for those alone and was greatly attended.