Cornell City Council; Opportunity open to give thoughts on park recreation

Running through Sunday, March 21, there is a public comment period open for possible recreation projects related to Xcel Energy’s relicensing of the Cornell dam. During the comment period, people can share their thoughts on what they would like to see done in the Mill Yard Park area.

The matter was mentioned during a regular Cornell City Council meeting March 4, with a list given of updates planned in the next five years, including improvements of the park’s pavilion, restroom and parking lot. The project vicinity is given as the area within 1/4 of a mile of the shoreline, extending upstream to the Holcombe dam, and downstream, from the Cornell dam.

Projects that are also hoped for, are a boat launch below the dam; a multi-use trail through the park, continuing to the city shop, while connecting the Old Abe Trail and the Ice Age Trail; and installing a handicapped fishing pier.

Those with comments can contact Shawn Puzen, at Shawn.Puzen@meadhunt.com.

During the meeting, it was also reported that Heather Hutchins has been hired as the city’s new full-time officer, to fill the empty position from a recent resignation. Cornell’s police chief is also set to retire this spring, which is on the minds of city officials.

“The process is still going on for the police chief replacement,” said city administrator Dave De-Jongh.

As a reminder, spring elections will take place Tuesday, April 6, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the council chambers. Following that, the next meeting will be held Tuesday, April 20, at 7 p.m., to reorganize the council.

Also in April, the Cornell American Legion is planning a chicken dinner, in a to-go format, on a first-come, first-serve basis until supply runs out. The annual Outdoor Edventure at Mill Yard, will also take place in April.

That’s not all that’s happening this spring and summer, as the Cornell Community Fair is set for June 18-20, with the All-School Reunion taking place that Saturday. Terry Smith, council member/Cornell Fair Committee member, says they have many things already lined up for the event, with more in the works.

“We’ll fill in with a few things,” he said.

Moving into July, the annual fireworks display will happen Saturday, July 3, as well as a street dance that day and an afternoon parade, planned by council member Aimee Korger. Korger also mentioned that she believes the car club is on board to appear in the parade and line up for a show on Main Street afterward.

The next week, the Cornell Floatilla is set for July 10, with a group photo on the water, a kayak/canoe parade, a log drive to collect raffle tickets, food and music.

“There’s going to be a lot of fun in town this year,” said council president Steve Turany.