Cornell public meetings in 2025
31 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Cornell City Council will consider increasing the monthly recycling fee for residents and moving the next two regular meetings to January 2026. The agenda also includes the approval of bills and a used plow/sanding truck purchase.
- Act on increasing recycling fee from $2.42 to $2.62/month
- Act on moving next Council meetings to January 8 and 22
- Act on purchase of used plow/sanding truck
- Act on bills totaling $22,651.45
- Nomination papers circulate until January 6, 2026
Meeting
The City Council approved buying a used truck for $72,500 and increased the monthly recycling fee to $2.62. The meeting also covered public works committee proposals and discussed library facility repairs.
- Purchase used 2015 International 7300 series truck for $72,500
- Increase recycling fee from $2.42 to $2.62 per month
- Approve bills totaling $22,651.45
- Move next regular meetings to January 8 and 22
- Public Works Committee discussed plow truck proposals
Meeting
The City Council approved a labor agreement with the Teamsters Union and wage increases for 2026. The body also approved bills totaling $70,490.83 and discussed upcoming holiday events.
- Approved Teamsters Union labor agreement for 2026
- Approved 3% wage increase or $0.50/hr whichever is greater for 2026
- Approved clothing allowance increase to $500/year for shop employees
- Approved bills totaling $70,490.83
- Approved $50 Christmas gift certificates for full-time employees
Meeting
The City Council will consider labor union agreements and wage settings for 2026. The body will also act on employee benefits and the appointment of election inspectors for the 2026-2027 term.
- Labor union agreement with the Teamsters Union for 2026
- 2026 Part-time and Full-time wages for City employees
- Increase of clothing allowance to $500/yr for City Shop employees
- Appointment of election inspectors and special voting deputies for 2026-2027
- Payment of bills totaling $70,490.83
Meeting
The Cornell Common Council held its regular meeting on November 20, 2025, approving minutes from the prior meeting and bills totaling $36,154.93. The council also accepted a $2,500 donation from the Cornell Lions Club for Mill Yard Park pavilion upgrades. A Great Lakes Utilities meeting was reported, discussing potential future generation projects including natural gas turbines and solar panels.
- Approved bills totaling $36,154.93
- $2,500 donation from Cornell Lions Club for Mill Yard Park pavilion upgrades
- Purchase agreement executed for old fire hall, now at Title office for review
- Great Lakes Utilities considering building and owning generation (natural gas turbines, solar panels)
- Spring Election nomination papers circulation begins December 1st
Meeting
The Cornell, Wisconsin council will hold its regular meeting on November 20, 2025, covering routine items like approving minutes and committee reports. Key updates include the executed purchase agreement for the old fire hall and a notice that spring election nomination papers can start circulating on December 1. The council will also act on bills totaling $36,154.93.
- Act on bills totaling $36,154.93
- Notice of Spring Election with nomination papers starting Dec. 1
- Update on sale of old fire hall with purchase agreement executed
- Kids Community Christmas event at High School on Dec. 6, 11am–1pm
Meeting
The Common Council met to approve the city's 2026 budget and authorize payments for city bills. The body also approved a contract for the 2025 audit and the sale of the old fire hall.
- Adoption of Ordinance #25-1 setting the 2026 budget
- Sale of old fire hall to Fairhaven Rentals LLC for $16,100
- Engagement letter for Bauman Associates to perform 2025 audit (not to exceed $32,255)
- Approval of bills totaling $40,124.56
Meeting
The City Council will discuss and act on Ordinance #25-1 to set the 2026 budget. The body will also consider the sale of the old fire hall and an audit engagement letter.
- Ordinance #25-1 to set the 2026 budget
- Sale of old fire hall to Fairhaven Rentals LLC for $16,100
- Engagement letter for Bauman Associates to perform 2025 audit (not to exceed $32,255)
- Payment of bills totaling $40,124.56
Meeting
The Cornell City Council will hold its regular meeting on October 16, 2025, to act on a simplified water utility rate case, a utility pole releasement agreement, and to advertise bids for a new fire hall. The council will also address an ethics allegation against city officials and the police department, and approve bills totaling $69,965.03.
- Act on pursuing a Simplified Rate Case for the water utility
- Act on draft of a utility pole releasement agreement
- Advertisement for bids — Fire Hall
- Act on bills totaling $69,965.03
- Dan Osborn alleging ethics violations of city officials and the police department
Meeting
The Common Council discussed a water rate case and reviewed a pole release agreement. The body also heard testimony from citizens supporting the Wisconsin Veteran Farm & Winery.
- Proposed 3% increase in water rates via PSC simplified water rate case
- Approval of bills totaling $69,965.03
- Approval of draft pole release agreement
- Discussion regarding support for Wisconsin Veteran Farm & Winery
- Budget Hearing scheduled for Nov 6, 2025
Meeting
The City Council will meet to discuss infrastructure updates and 2026 budget preparations. The body will act on requests for a new emergency warning siren and garage door replacements at the City Shop.
- Endorsement of HWY 27/64 (Bridge Street) reconstruction for the state D.O.T. 6-year plan
- Purchase of a new emergency warning siren to replace the one at the old fire hall
- Replacement of garage doors at the City Shop
- Payment of bills totaling $38,564.76
- 2026 Budget Preparations and budgetary worksheets
Meeting
The Cornell Common Council approved several items including the purchase of a new emergency warning siren and endorsed reconstructing Hwy 27 from Johnson Rd. to 8th Street for the 2032 state DOT plan. The council also discussed budget work for 2026 and approved bills totaling $38,564.76.
- Approved $9,161.00 for fixing and enlarging city shop garage door for bucket truck access
- Endorsed Hwy 27 reconstruction from Johnson Rd. to 8th Street for 2032 state DOT plan
- Approved purchase of new emergency warning siren to replace old one at old fire hall
- Approved bills totaling $38,564.76
- Approved Trick or Treat hours for October 31st, 4-6pm
Meeting
The City Council will review police updates, a 2026 contract with the Chippewa Humane Association, and approve bills totaling $32,000.43. The meeting also includes committee reports and upcoming community events.
- Act on 2026 contract with Chippewa Humane Association
- Act on bills totaling $32,000.43
- Police Officer update: Chris Erickson field training completed
- Update on goose hunting within city limits
- 2026 Budget Preparations – Budgetary Worksheets
Meeting
The Cornell Common Council held its regular meeting on September 18, 2025, approving a 2026 contract with the Chippewa Humane Association for animal shelter services and paying $32,000 in bills. The council also discussed a conditional use permit request and regionalization of local housing improvement loan programs.
- Approved 2026 animal shelter contract with Chippewa Humane Association at $1.15 per capita
- Paid bills totaling $32,000.43
- Discussed reconsideration of conditional use permit for Dan Osborn
- Heard update on regionalization of CDBG home improvement loan programs
- Approved new police officer Chris Erickson for solo patrol
Meeting
The Common Council discussed potential revocation of a conditional use permit for the Wisconsin Veteran Farm Winery at 921 S. 8th Street following noise complaints. The body also approved a health plan agreement and an updated emergency operations plan.
- Discussion of conditional use permit revocation for 921 S. 8th Street
- 3-year Teamcare health plan agreement at $506.40/week
- Approval of updated City of Cornell Emergency Operations Plan
- Resolution #25-9 applying for exemption from the County Library levy
- Approval of bills totaling $45,578.45
Meeting
The Common Council approved a liquor license for a Bridge Street business and agreed to pursue a water and sewer connection for the Estella mobile home park. The council also approved over $51,000 in bills and discussed cemetery funding and goose hunting plans.
- Approved Class A Beer & Class A Liquor license for WI Cstore Inc. at 713 Bridge Street
- Approved pursuit of city water and sewer connection for Estella mobile home park
- Approved bills totaling $51,868.77
- Discussed $3,000 contribution request for 2026 from Cornell Cemetery Association
- Discussed DNR approval for goose hunting north of Mill Yard Park
Meeting
The Common Council approved a federal grant for road work and awarded a contract for library window replacements. The council also established a limited permit system for goose hunting near Mill Yard Park.
- Acceptance of $1,000,000 CDBG-PF grant for Bates Street reconstruction
- Contract awarded to KLS Building for $1,400 to replace 7 library windows
- Professional services agreement with Forster Electrical Engineering for fiber extension
- Permit approval for shotgun discharge for goose hunting northwest of Mill Yard Park
- Approval of bills totaling $32,540.72
Meeting
The Common Council met to approve city expenditures and a pole attachment agreement. Members discussed goose management at Mill Yard Park and upcoming bids for a satellite fire station in Lake Holcombe.
- Approval of bills totaling $152,103.65
- Approval of pole attachment agreement with Brightspeed of North Central Wisconsin LLC
- Discussion of permit-based firearm discharge for goose control at Mill Yard Park
- Report of upcoming bids for a new satellite fire station in Lake Holcombe
- Extension of library window replacement bid deadline to July 30th
Meeting
The Common Council met to approve city bills and a contract for facility maintenance. The body also reviewed an advertisement for library window replacements.
- Contract with Anthony Byler of Cattail Enterprises for $4,430 to resurface Mill Yard Park pavilion stage, restroom, and kitchen floors
- Approval of bills totaling $41,460.31
- Review of library window replacement advertisement
Meeting
The Common Council decided on alcohol permits for an upcoming community event and approved wastewater compliance reporting. The body also reviewed 2024 water quality data and authorized city payments.
- Approval of alcohol consumption on Main Street from 1st to 3rd Street on July 3rd
- Approval of Resolution #25-8 regarding the 2024 Wastewater Treatment Plant performance
- Approval of bills totaling $45,186.83
- Review of the 2024 DNR Consumer Confidence Report on water quality
- Discussion of Library window replacement and Mill Yard pavilion floor/bar top proposals
Meeting
The Common Council approved a series of alcohol beverage applications for various businesses on Bridge St., Main St., and S. 3rd St. The council also approved bills totaling $375,878.36 and discussed the upcoming 2026 Teamsters Union contract negotiations.
- Approval of bills totaling $375,878.36
- Issuance of Class A and B beer and liquor licenses for multiple premises on Bridge St., Main St., and S. 3rd St.
- Notification from Teamsters Union to begin 2026 contract negotiations
- Report on the upcoming satellite fire station in Lake Holcombe
- Report on paving maintenance and the emptying of the old fire hall for sale
Meeting
The Common Council approved several items including the appointment of Tim Smith to fill a vacant council seat, the transfer of administration of the city's revolving housing loan fund to Cedar Corp, and the acceptance of a $11,500 purchase offer for Lot 11 in Brunet Estates. The council also approved bills totaling $37,472.74 and nominated Steve Turany as Council President. Upcoming community events were noted.
- Appointment of Tim Smith to vacant council seat
- Nomination of Steve Turany as Council President
- Transfer of revolving housing loan fund administration to Cedar Corp
- Acceptance of $11,500 offer for Lot 11 of Brunet Estates (R-1 zoned)
- Approval of bills totaling $37,472.74
Meeting
The Common Council met to approve city expenditures and address a vacant council seat. The body also authorized a temporary street closure for a school event.
- Approval of bills totaling $26,110.83
- Decision to advertise the vacant council member seat with letters of interest due May 9th
- Approval to close N. 8th St. on May 22, 2025, for a school spirit club carnival
- Report of $850 in additional donations for the July 3rd fireworks show
- Placement of a sharps disposal kiosk outside the police department building
Meeting
The Cornell Common Council held its organizational meeting, swearing in newly elected alderpersons and approving routine items. Key actions included approving a resolution to commit matching funds for a CDBG-PF application to reconstruct Bates Street, approving a liquor license for Cornell Oil 600 LLC at 600 Bridge Street, and accepting $850 in fireworks donations to supplement the city's budget.
- Approved class A beer and class A liquor license for Cornell Oil 600 LLC (Karen Birch, agent) at 600 Bridge Street
- Approved Resolution #25-7 authorizing commitment of match funds for CDBG-PF application for Bates Street reconstruction
- Accepted $850 in fireworks donations (Northwestern Bank $750, Mary Hoel $100) and added to city's $5,640 budget for July 3rd fireworks
- Noted FEMA’s withdrawal of BRIC program funding (reported by school administrator Paul Schley)
- Approved bills totaling $33,780.75
Meeting
The Common Council approved a series of bills and a retail outlet request for Wisconsin Veterans Farm LLC. The body also received updates on a fiber build agreement and police department operations.
- Approved bills totaling $79,870.73
- Approved unlimited transfer full-service retail outlet for Wisconsin Veterans Farm LLC at Mill Yard pavilion for May 2-3, 2025
- Reported draft pole attachment agreement for Brightspeed fiber build
- Reported Board of Zoning Appeals meeting regarding alcoholic beverage production at 808 S. 3rd Street
Meeting
The Common Council approved Resolution #25-5 prohibiting excessive force and barring entrances for non-violent civil rights demonstrations. They also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Chippewa County Health Dept for a sharps collection kiosk, set $1 annual rent for the Farmer's Market at Mill Yard pavilion, and authorized a Community Development Block Grant application. Bills totaling $28,201.42 were approved. Two council members were absent.
- Resolution #25-5: Policy prohibiting excessive force and barring entrances for non-violent civil rights demonstrations
- Resolution #25-3 and #25-4: Citizens Participation Plan and CDBG-PF application
- Memorandum of Understanding with Chippewa County Health Dept for sharps collection kiosk at Police Dept
- $1/year rent for Farmer's Market and Food Truck Frenzy events at Mill Yard pavilion
- Bills totaling $28,201.42 approved
Meeting
The Common Council approved a resolution supporting state funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, discussed a draft pole attachment agreement for Brightspeed fiber optic expansion, and reviewed a fireworks proposal from J&M Displays. The council also heard about a public hearing on Xcel Energy's proposed transmission line and approved bills totaling $32,641.16.
- Resolution #25-2 supporting reauthorization of state funding for Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program approved
- Brightspeed fiber optic pole attachment agreement draft to be reviewed with attorney
- Fireworks proposal from J&M Displays for July 3rd to be discussed by Finance Committee
- Public input meeting held on Xcel Energy high voltage transmission line route through Cornell
- City signage for Engine Braking and Night Parking to be updated and re-permitted by WisDOT
Meeting
The Common Council approved reapplying for a Community Development Block Grant-Public Facilities grant of up to $3,500 for the Bates Street reconstruction project. Council also approved bills totaling $397,319.95 and heard reports on an Xcel Energy natural resources fund, a pop-up pregnancy clinic, and upcoming community events.
- Approved CDBG-PF application for Bates Street reconstruction, not to exceed $3,500
- Approved bills totaling $397,319.95
- Approved minutes of February 6, 2025
- Heard report on Xcel Energy Natural Resources Fund proposal invitations
- Heard report on pop-up pregnancy clinic and free screenings on April 11
Meeting
The Common Council met to approve city expenditures and write off uncollectible utility bills. The body also received reports regarding the Library Board and upcoming regional events.
- Approval of bills totaling $69,368.96
- Resolution #25-1 to write off uncollectible utility bills listed in Schedule A
- Discussion of Wis. D.O.T. painting of the STH 64 blue bridge planned for 2029 or 2030
- Report on a request for City Shop staff to install a new water fountain for the Library
Meeting
The Common Council approved bills totaling $334,009.63 and held a closed session on litigation. Reports covered EMS volunteer shortages, police commission interviews, a speed limit reduction on STH 64, and a proposed 345 kV transmission line through the city. The council also noted upcoming elections and a resignation.
- Approval of bills totaling $334,009.63
- Closed session on Hutchins litigation
- Speed limit reduction on STH 64 / S Riverside Drive approved by WisDOT
- Proposed 345 kV transmission line through Cornell on existing NSP right-of-way
- Resignation of Samantha Caswell from marketing position
Meeting
The Common Council approved several items, including a new plat and condominium agreement for Brunet Estates Lot 5, a police officer wage scale of $29-$34 per hour for 2025, and bills totaling $79,372.78. The council also approved vacation schedule changes to the employee handbook and set dates for Open Book and Board of Review. Nomination papers for the spring election were due January 7, with incumbents and challengers filing.
- Approved Brunet Estates Lot 5 Plat and condominium agreement with developer Mike Poirer
- Approved wage scale for full-time police officer: $29-$34 per hour for 2025
- Approved bills totaling $79,372.78
- Approved vacation schedule changes to City of Cornell Full-time Employee Handbook
- Set Open Book for April 23 and Board of Review for May 7, 2025