Cornell City Council - Activities set for July 3 Main Street celebration
Chris Wolff (left) and his wife, Bri Lahodik, requested that the street be closed in front of their establishment on Cornell’s Main Street, this August, as they will get married – again – and want to make it a big community event. The request was approved by the Cornell City Council March 21, along with a request to close the street for the annual July 3 celebration. Photo by Joy Dain
By Ginna Young
This year, Cornell’s July 3 celebration falls on a Thursday, so planners are taking that into consideration, allowing for businesses to close and people to get off work before the festivities begin. On behalf of several interested business owners on Main Street, Chris Wolff was present March 21, at the Cornell City Council meeting, to gain approval for the activities.
To begin, a parade will take place down Main Street, starting at approximately 6 p.m., coordinated by Aimee Korger, who will also orchestrate activities at Mill Yard Park, such as a band, from 7-9:30 p.m., prior to the city’s fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Back on Main Street, the council agreed to the closure of the road from First to Second streets, for a traditional happening of a street dance, with a band performing. Members also agreed to allow the consumption of alcohol on the streets, closing off the designated space from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., giving time for set-up and clean-up.
“That is the plan for July 3, with the continuation of the street dance like it’s always been,” said Wolff.
Also approved, was closing off the streets from First to Second, Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., for Wolff’s wedding, with a DJ.
“Where we invite the whole community,” said Wolff, adding anyone is welcome and that he’d like to see it become an annual event.
Council member Sandy Schecklman pointed out that the Cornell Area ATV Riders will also request a street closure the following Saturday in August, for their annual UTV rally.
“I think the more people we bring into this community on a happy note – awesome,” said Wolff.
The council also decided to up police officer Luke Abbate’s wage to $2 an hour, since he has acted as the officer in charge, since police chief Glenn Rehberg retired some months ago. While the city didn’t know it would take so long to find a new chief, they are grateful for Abbate’s experience and dedication to the department, and the community.
“He’s done a very good job of that and he hasn’t been compensated any extra on that,” said council president Steve Turany.
As such, members agreed on a $1,500 bonus to Abbate, as well as a new salary of $32.30/hour, retroactive to Jan. 1.
They also approved an update to the full-time employee handbook.
“We have a policy under our health insurance that is no longer accurate,” said city administrator Dave De-Jongh.
All employees who work over 30 hours, are required to be enrolled in the city’s health insurance plan, so the handbook was amended to reflect that.
The council also approved a Class A Beer and Class A liquor license for CAPL Retail LLC, in a change of ownership of Marathon Station at 713 Bridge Street.
