Cornell City Council; Sidewalks around town need some care

Steve Boulding asked the Cornell City Council Aug. 4, to take a look at sidewalks in town, as some are unsafe to traverse, especially for those who are disabled or have mobility issues. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Sidewalks were the subject of the Cornell City Council meeting Aug. 4, as resident Steve Boulding asked the members to consider doing something about sidewalks in disrepair.

“Some of these areas have got a lot of grass and they’re not taken care of,” said Boulding, adding that the grass growing in the cracks is pushing the concrete up and apart.

Derek Braun, city works/utilities superintendent, said there hasn’t been a lot of money in the budget to fix the problem areas, but the 2023 budget work is coming up.

Council member Ashley Carothers said she is researching grants for sidewalks, but so far, only found one, and had already missed the deadline. Until then, she agreed to have a walk-along with Boulding, on the city’s sidewalks, to see what areas need to be addressed.

“I think until people are actually out there walking or on their scooters…you don’t know how bad it is,” said Carothers.

One project that is finished – or almost – is the restoration/ painting of the water tower.

“Most of the construction is done and now we’re in the process of bringing it online,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.

With the new paint job and design, many comments have been favorable, but some have been not so favorable. Carothers pointed out that the decision for the color scheme was made over months, in open meetings, but no one from the public showed up for input or preferences.

“And for those months, these chairs sat empty,” said Carothers, sending a plea to the public to attend meetings and respectfully voice their opinions on issues.

She also mentioned that in recent weeks, there was a lemonade stand manned by some young residents. Carothers noticed an unattached branch hanging over the youth, so she contacted mayor Mark Larson.

Larson hopped into his truck and removed the branch. Carothers says many people acknowledge that Larson can often be seen picking trash, pulling weeds, and cleaning up at the parks and boat landing. In other words, Larson does many things that are outside the realm of mayor.

“I just wanted to bring attention to that,” said Carothers. Planning ahead, residents should mark their calendars for Sept. 17, for the annual Cornell Area ATV/UTV Riders Rally at Mill Yard Park. During the event, there will be a vintage and new model ATV/UTV show, and a parade.

“There is going to be a fun run that starts after the parade,” said council member/club president Bill Kvapil.