Cornell City Council - Trying once more for a grant to fix Bates Street

Cornell City Council

By Ginna Young Previously, Cornell was turned down for funding to fix Bates Street, but are again applying, with hopes this time, that the money will be awarded. If awarded, the city would receive $1 million from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, with Cornell required to provide a $500,000 match.

That CDBG money would provide for reconstruction of Bates Street, which includes sanitary sewer, water mains and storm sewer, from State Hwy. 27 to South Eighth Street.

“There will be no residential or business displacement as a result of the proposed activities,” said Renee Swenson, with Cedar Corp., at a Cornell City Council meeting, March 20.

Dave DeJongh, city administrator, pointed out that the DNR is requiring some effort to get rid of galvanized

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water valves, so that was added to the project scope.

To help with the “scoring” on the CDBG application, the council passed a Citizen Participation Plan and approved Resolutions 25-3, to adopt said plan. They also authorized Resolution 25-4, to submit a CDBG application and approved Resolution 25-5, to adopt policy to prohibit the use of excessive force, and to enforce applicable state and local laws, prohibiting physically barring entrances/exits for non-violent civil rights demonstrations.

In addition, the council passed Resolution 25-6, for the Wisconsin Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.

They also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Chippewa County Public Health, to act as a northern location for a sharps disposal kiosk.

“With the closing of St. Joe’s and Sacred Heart (hospitals), there are fewer places for diabetics to get rid of their needles and syringes,” said DeJongh.

A locked container will be stationed outside the Cornell Police Department, under the overhang of the building. A contractor will periodically come to pick up what has been collected.

“Basically, we’re just providing a space,” said DeJongh. Members also agreed to rent the Mill Yard Park pavilion for $1, all summer, to the Stacker City Farmers Market, allowing for them to invite food truck vendors the first Tuesday of July, August and September. Currently, there are six vendors signed up for the Food Truck Frenzy, while the regular farmers market takes place the middle of June through the end of September.