Cedar Corp. the go-to guys for treatment plant services

Cornell City Council

By Ginna Young

Improvements to the wastewater treatment plant are one step closer, after a Cornell City Council meeting Oct. 17. There, members approved contracts proposed to carry out wastewater treatment plant improvements from Cedar Corp., for administrative services, an agreement for professional services and an addendum for professional services, which had to be portioned out into different sections.

The contract approval is required for the Community Development Block Grant that was received, as well as necessary to move forward with the wastewater treatment facility plan.

“I believe we will be seeing lots more of you in the coming months,” said mayor Judy Talbot to Cedar Corp. representatives.

The council also approved a 2019 audit engagement letter from Bauman Associates for $30,150, for accounting services, drafts of financial statements, preparation of Forms C and F-65, and preparation of the PSC report (water and electric, and LM-003 for the electric utility).

The service amount was down from last year, as city offi cials have done some things in-house to lessen outside expenses.

“It’s working,” said Talbot.

Something that needs to be discussed at a future meeting, are complaints of Amish horses leaving droppings on city streets.

“I talked to the chief of police (Brian Hurt),” said council member Floyd Hickethier, “and he’s getting ahold of Cadott and Augusta, for ordinances to see how they do it.”

With the coming of fall, the winter parking restrictions take effect Friday, Nov. 1, from 2-6 a.m. All cars are prohibited from parking on the street between the overnight hours, to allow for snow plowing efforts from city workers.

“Make sure that gets taken care of,” said Talbot to vehicle owners.

Talbot also reported that the city has received approval from the DNR for the ATV/UTV ordinance, which will open Cornell for the vehicles’ use. The current restricted routes will remain active for the time being.

“Those (open streets) do not come into effect until we have the signage put up,” said Talbot. “When the signs are up, then it’s legal for them (ATV/UTV) to be on the streets.”

As a notice to the public, the annual budget hearing will take place prior to the next regular meeting Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m., in the council chambers.

With fall clean-up taking place, Talbot reminds residents that the city will not pick up garbage waste or appliances.

“Do not – and I reiterate – DO NOT rake the leaves into the gutters,” said Talbot. “It causes more problems.”

Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 4-7 p.m., within the city limits, as well as a Trunk-or-Treat at the city park, from 4-5:30 p.m.

“So, kids can do that (Trunk-or-Treat),” said Talbot. “If they want to hit some neighborhoods after, that’s just fine.”