Cornell City Council; Hydro dam relicensing ready for city input
By Ginna Young
Cornell has big plans for the Mill Yard Park area, with the Northern States Power Company relicensing of Cornell’s hydro dam. The five-year process has now reached the point where the city can provide comments on the draft license application.
At a Cornell City Council meeting Sept. 2, city administrator Dave DeJongh says the city needs to set up a meeting with the power company, to “iron” stuff out. In Cornell’s wish list for the relicensing, they are proposing the company help with installing a river walk along the Mill Yard Park area, paving the parking lot to the city boat landing and help in acquiring a piece of property on the north side of Mill Yard Park.
“Hopefully, everything works out that we want,” said mayor Mark Larson.
During the regular meeting, the council also authorized DeJongh to pursue a $142,000 short-term loan through Northwestern Bank, to finance the reconstruction project of pulvarizing/repaving Baribeau and Johnson roads. The project is scheduled to be complete by the beginning of October.
Members also agreed on a contract with the Chippewa County Humane Society, for a flat per capita rate of $1.15, per the 2020 estimated census. With the contract, animals at-large can be dropped off after hours at the society’s center.
Cornell Police Chief Glenn Rehberg says he also requested that when/if owners pick up the animals, he be notified, so the department can follow up on licensure and other matters.
“In the cases we’ve had since then, they’ve followed through on that,” said Rehberg. “I have no complaints.”
Rehberg also said that if the city didn’t have the contract, the police department would need kennels behind the department and staffing to take care of the animals in holding.
In a finance meeting prior to the regular meeting, DeJongh reported that the city’s water tower is in need of maintenance and painting on the interior/exterior, which was last done in 2004. DeJongh is putting out bids for the work to be completed in 2022.
“The state is requiring us to take care of it,” said council president Steve Turany.
As a notice to any customers of Express Disposal in the city, DeJongh says that company was sold to GFL Environmental. Bill Kvapil, customer of Express Disposal, said he knew nothing of the buy-out, even though his business just signed a three-year contract for garbage pick-up with Express.
“They (GFL) would have to stick with the contract, I would imagine,” said Kvapil.
The council also heard about the upcoming Homecoming festivities, featuring a color run, volleyball exhibitions, the crowning of royalty, hallway decorating and more. The Homecoming coordinators also want to get all of Cornell to join in school spirit, as the Chiefs face off against the Birchwood- Winter Warcats Sept. 24.
“Something new we’re trying to do this year, is have the community be involved in the Homecoming decorations,” said senior Elijah Turany, adding the decorations will be judged. “So, we’re hoping homes and businesses can both decorate for the big game.”
