Cornell City Council - Ice Age addition not supported by all

By Ginna Young

After discussing the matter with each other and the community, the Cornell City Council agreed Oct. 3, that the proposed Ice Age Trail addition does not have the support it needs from residents, to throw their backing toward it. Previously, Chippewa County Forest administrator Matt Hansen asked the council for their support, which is needed to apply for a federal grant to purchase around 2,000 acres from a resident outside the city limits.

The property owner does not want to sell off a portion of the land needed to add access to the trail, nor does he want to grant an easement. If the project came to pass, the tax burden would fall more heavily on Cornell residents in the school district.

For some, such as Bruce Johnson, it’s worrying to take that much land off the tax roll.

“I’m definitely opposed to that,” said Johnson. “I think there’s enough government-owned land in this county already and the taxes are high enough.”

“It’s not going over well in the community,” agreed mayor Mark Larson.

The council had agreed to hold a public hearing in January, with Hansen and the Ice Age Trail Alliance, but that meeting will probably not take place. Based on the feedback from the community and the feeling that it is not supported by Cornell taxpayers, the council intends to deliver their verdict of support or non-support, by the next meeting.

“The (finance) committee felt that it would be much better to expedite this, instead of waiting until January, to let Mr. Hansen deal with opinions,” said council president Steve Turany.

Members did approve a Certified Survey Map for J & M Larson Rentals LLC, at 704/808 South Third Street/ State Hwy. 27, completed by Denzine Surveying Inc. The Larsons want to divide the property into two lots and since it’s zoned industrial, the parcel could house anything, such as a hotel or some other business.

The lots have highway access, as well as access to the Old Abe Trail on the other side, making it a unique property.

“I think there’s potential out there for the right person to figure something out,” said M. Larson.

Also discussed, was an event Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 2-6 p.m., at the council chambers, where the Chippewa County Public Health will provide free water testing for private supplies. Residents of surrounding towns are welcome to have their well water tested, even if the system is filter, just to be sure it is not contaminated.

“It’s not mandatory, it’s just an outreach service,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh.