Cornell City Council - New police chief in the community

By Ginna Young

After a few months without a police chief, the Cornell City Council hired former patrol officer Ryan Salzman for the job, during their regular meeting Dec. 21. Over the last few years, Salzman worked in some capacity for the department, as either a part-time or full-time officer, until he left to take a job with another town.

Salzman was offered the position in Cornell, and countered with a proposal of wages at $35.75/per hour, and an increase of vacation to three weeks, available at the start of the position. The counter was accepted and the hire of Salzman approved, with four in favor (Floyd Hickethier, Deb Semanko, Terry Smith, Steve Turany) and two opposed (Bill Kvapil, Sandy Schecklman).

Members also approved hiring Dunlap Land and Wildlife Management for timber sale administration, to oversee the removal of trees near the cemetery and the industrial airport. The contract states that the harvest will be sold on a lump-sum basis, with a 10 percent bond and 25 percent stumpage down payment, due at contract signing.

“Better than leave it rotting in the ground,” said Hickethier.

Previously, the city looked at timber sales, but prices were low at the time. The marking of the boundary lines was already paid for, so Dunlap will simply make sure all harvesting is done correctly. Many of the timber on the property consists of ash.

“The state recommends cutting all ash,” said mayor Mark Larson.

The council also approved Resolution 23-6, guaranteeing loans as security through Dairyland Power Cooperative and Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, allowing the Cornell Area Fire Department to purchase a new truck, for $339,293. The loans have a 10-year payback period, at 2 percent interest.

Members also approved a contract with Bauman Associates, for conducting financial audits of the city, not to exceed $35,000.

Also approved, was appointing special voting deputies for the 2024-25 term, which is done every two years, but since 2024 is a presidential election year, the city could appoint more, as they can never have too many.

“It could be a busy year,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.

As a notice, Open Book will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., while the Board of Review is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 4-6 p.m.