Cornell City Council; Committee needed to promote Main Street
Officer Ryan Salzman was applauded for his many efforts as a full-time member of the Cornell Police Department May 18, after it was announced he was leaving to take another position. His departure admittedly leaves a gap that is already in the works to be filled. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
It’s become apparent that there are some things lacking in regard to Cornell’s Main Street. Yes, there are businesses, a school, community park and even a church, but what about activities?
Therefore, an announcement was made May 18, during the regular Cornell City Council meeting, that a Main Street Committee is in the works. Council president Steve Turany is spearheading the effort and wants to see as many people as possible get involved.
“You don’t have to reside on Main Street, you don’t have to own a business on Main Street,” said Turany.
Any and all are welcome to join in at an organizational meeting Tuesday, May 30, at 7 p.m., at the Mill Yard Park pavilion. Subjects to be discussed are the July 3 activities, such as the street dance, and other possible events to promote business on Main Street throughout the year.
Also mentioned at the council meeting, was the necessity of keeping grass clippings off of city streets. Too many times, residents blow the clippings out onto the roadway when they mow their lawns, which not only makes it extremely dangerous to motorcyclists and bicyclists, but also impacts the environment.
“The grass clippings eventually compost in our storm sewer and then when that dumps into the river, sediment issues start developing,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.
On a larger scale, the sediment is filling into the Gulf of Mexico, creating a dead zone. Mayor Mark Larson says he has personally spoken about the matter, but like with the one gentleman, it didn’t make an impression.
“He just kind of shrugged his shoulders and kept mowing,” said Larson.
However, such glib expressions won’t last long, as the police department was instructed to issue warnings, followed by citations, if someone persists in throwing clippings into the street.
“It is something that can be enforced,” said Chief Glenn Rehberg.
According to state law, which is the same one that says a person can’t plow across the road from their driveway, because it causes ridges that make it hazardous to motorists and damages snowplows, expelling debris from a yard into the street is illegal.
DeJongh said he has fliers that inform people of what is expected, so citations may not be needed.
“A lot of it is just educating the public,” he said. “Some of them think it is pretty harmless, but it really is a problem.”
Also decided on, was a contract for independent maintenance assessing with Prochnow Assessing, for 2024-26, for an annual compensation of $7,500. The recent revaulation conducted by Prochnow went very smoothly, with the assessor readily available to receive questions.
“Having worked with him now for three years, I would recommend that you renew that contract with them,” said De-Jongh.
DeJongh also shared that if the recently released revenue formula proposal stands, Cornell would see an 11.2 percent increase in aid, after a plea went out to local lawmakers to change the funding formula.
“It looks like they are taking some notice,” said DeJongh, adding that Cornell can be grateful for what they’re getting.
“We’re at the bottom of the pile,” said council member Sandy Shecklman.
There was also a sad piece of business, as Officer Ryan Salzman received a commendation from the police department, as he departs for another full-time position elsewhere. Rehberg said Salzman has been instrumental in multiple methamphetamine arrests, because of his extensive knowledge and awareness of all the players in the city.
Although he is headed for greener pastures, Salzman says he won’t abandon Cornell, and will return to work part-time shifts.
“I wish you luck there,” said council member Floyd Hickethier, whose sentiments were echoed by the rest of the council and the mayor.
