Cornell City Council - Fireworks agreement still on hold for funding

Cornell Police Chief John Kosterman was present April 3, at the Cornell City Council meeting, where he reported on what is going on with the police department. Kosterman has found it challenging getting up-to-date on everything, after Cornell was without a chief for such a long time, but is checking things off the to-do list, and welcomes input or concerns from citizens. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It’s still up in the air, about what is going on with the July 3 fireworks display, so the contract with JM Displays was not signed at the Cornell City Council meeting, April 3. Steve Turany, council president, requested they hold-off , to see if more funding could be raised.

This year’s proposal from JM remained the same in price, but the shell count was significantly lower. City ad Dave DeJongh contacted the company, to see how much more money it would take to get the shell count to where they want it.

“I haven’t gotten an answer back yet,” said DeJongh.

The signed proposal isn’t due until April 20, so the council has one more meeting before then, to make a decision.

As for the July 3 street dance, outgoing council member Sandy Schecklman hadn’t heard a lot about it, but did find out that Silver Wolff has booked a band. Schecklman, who is also co-owner of Huddle Up Pub and a member of the Cornell Area ATV Riders Club, is planning to possibly have vendors and food trucks, bouncy houses, something for everyone in the community.

“We’d like to see a little but more than just a band that day,” she said.

The council did approve a request for an unlimited transfer retail outlet for the Wisconsin Veteran Farm, for an event to sell beer, wine and liquor, at the Mill Yard Park pavilion, May 2-3. The event is not hosted by the veteran farm, they would simply sell alcohol to consume.

A retail outlet means someone can purchase a bottle of wine to take home.

“But not drink all over the park down there?” asked mayor Mark Larson.

DeJongh says the alcohol just can’t go outside the park, per se. Even though the request was approved, there were questions to be answered.

“Are bars going to want to do that, too?” said Schecklman.

DeJongh pointed out that bars do not have a full-service retail, through the Department of Revenue.

As a notice to residents, there will be a special pick-up, Tuesday, April 22, where they can dispose of two yards of garbage, per household, at no extra cost. That includes one couch or two stuffed chairs, or one box spring and mattress.

Items must be set out curbside before 5 a.m., that day. Not accepted, are appliances, electronics, concrete block, brick, dirt, shingles, construction debris, liquids, paints, solvents, car batteries, gas engines, household waste or hazardous waste.

In addition, April 21-25, the city works department will pick up brush and small diameter limbs that are piled by the curb. Residents can also haul the debris to the brush pile behind the city shop.

Also, Sen. Jesse James is holding a listening session, Friday, April 11, from noon to 1 p.m., at the council chambers, for him to speak with constituents about the matters important to them.