Cornell City Council - The empty seat has to be filled and soon
Candidates are sought to fill the empty Cornell City Council seat, left by the passing of Terry Smith, to fill the remainder of the term, which ends with the spring election next year. Those interested should contact the city office, to put their name in the running to be appointed to the vacant seat. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
The decision has been made, about the vacant Cornell City Council seat, left with the unexpected passing of alderperson Terry Smith. “I believe it is our duty to fill that spot,” said council president Steve Turany. “I also believe it is a decision we cannot make or take lightly.”
It had been mentioned that the seat remain vacant until Smith’s term would have been up, at the spring election next year, but after careful thought, the council knew they needed to fill the spot. Although there was a candidate running for another seat in this year’s election, because Smith’s seat was not on the ballot, that person does not automatically step into the position.
Therefore, the council is calling for interested residents of Cornell, to contact the city office, by the end of the business day, Friday, May 9, to get their name in the running. The council will then schedule an interview with the individuals, Monday, May 12, to determine who will be the best fit for the open spot.
All are welcome to put their interest to the city, even former council members, but it doesn’t guarantee that someone will be appointed, if the current members don’t feel the candidate is the right fit.
“If we’re not satisfied with somebody, the whole council should agree,” said council member Floyd Hickethier.
They also agreed on the Cornell Spirit Club’s request to close North Eighth Street, for their end-of-school-year carnival.
While not an action item, city administrator Dave De-Jongh reported that he paid for the annual July 3 fireworks display, thanks to donations that came in, because of the increased price this year.
“With that…our show will actually have a few more shells than last year, because of the donations received,” said DeJongh.
It was discussed that the city consider holding fundraisers to pay for the ever-increasing fireworks, especially if tariffs inflate the price.
“Maybe that’s something we should start looking at for the following year,” said DeJongh. “I don’t think you can start too early on it.”
DeJongh also informed the council that the disposal sharps box from Chippewa County Public Health, has been installed outside the police department, but is not operational, as of yet, because of a missing part. Once it is up and running, anyone can drop off their used sharps, as well as request small disposal containers at home, which can collect the sharps until they empty them in the department’s box. “They (public health) completely take care of everything,” said DeJongh.
