Cornell City Council - Old fire hall to be put on the market

Cornell City Council

By Ginna Young It’s been a number of years, since it was first brought up to do something with the old fire hall, on Thomas Street in Cornell, but things are finally moving along on that. As reported at a Cornell City Council meeting, June 5, it’s been decided to clean out the structure and sell it.

The city will also try to obtain an easement for the storm siren that is located on the property.

“We were thinking that by the end of July, we should have the ball rolling and we can put it on the market,” said council president Steve Turany.

Council member Bill Kvapil also reported that they are catching up on street work, with more planned in the fall.

“We’re working on that and trying to get it all going,” said Kvapil. “We’re moving good on it.”

Tim Smith, council member, also mentioned that someone asked him to look into a cluttered yard, which made him look around and realize there are some yards in the city that have not been mown. He questioned if there is someone who takes care of that and the answer was yes, according to ordinance, the city shop workers or police department can send a notice to someone.

If the yard isn’t mowed within a certain amount of time, the city mows it and charges the homeowner.

See OLD FIRE HALL / Page 4 Continued from Front

Also mentioned, was that the Library Board is looking at putting new windows in the building, so, with his construction background, Smith agreed to check over the building, to see what is needed.

Deb Semanko, council member, also said the board was wondering if there could be signs stationed at the highway, pointing to the library.

“I’ve been told you don’t have to pay for them, you just have to apply for them,” said Semanko. “People don’t even realize where the library actually is.”

Smith suggested, as long as they’re doing it, incorporating the city office, police department and library onto one sign, as they are all on the same street.

“That’s a good thought,” said council member Floyd Hickethier.

Members also agreed to change the next meeting to Wednesday, July 2, at 7 p.m., in order not to interfere with the July 3 festivities.

Semanko had one more thing to bring up, that residents have talked to her about – what can be done about the Amish leaving horse droppings on city streets. It was agreed that the police chief should talk to the Amish community’s elder or someone in charge, informing them of what is expected when they are in the city limits.

“I think they just need to be reminded on an annual basis, it’s not going to be accepted,” said Turany.