city of cottage grove mn annual report 2012

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www.cottage-grove.org 2012 Annual Report 2012 photo contest entry from Kinsey Fink City of Cottage Grove

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Page 1: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

www.cottage-grove.org

2012 

Annual Report 20

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City of Cottage Grove 

Page 2: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

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Mayor ’s Message This past year was an exciting one and we’re proud of what we accomplished in 2012. 

A fter years of planning, we opened the new City Hall and Public Safety building, which was completed under budget! Our police, fire and

ambulance administration are now under one roof making it easier to serve you.

Our former City Hall is being reused as a new business accelerator for entrepreneurs.

We welcomed 13 new businesses to the community and saw five additional businesses expand. I encourage you to continue to “Shop Cottage Grove” which helps our existing businesses thrive and to bring in additional ones.

A residential survey—the first in four years—was conducted. We heard clearly that you like calling Cottage Grove home. We will continue to work on maintaining the quality of life you enjoy in this community.

We began work on the new Sunnyhill Park, reconstructed and improved Woodridge Park and added a Splash Pad in Highlands Park which proved to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Our history of being fiscally conservative was acknowledged when Standard & Poor’s affirmed our AA+ rating. In 2012 we once again passed a budget that allowed for the third tax levy in a row without an increase.

The website was revamped making it easier for you to find the information you need and to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the City.

What’s in store for Cottage Grove in 2013? 

We’re continuing our efforts to bring new amenities and services to the community. As the Twin Cities economy continues to improve I anticipate new retailers and employers will likewise choose to make Cottage Grove their home. We also continue to make improvements to our infrastructure with several miles of roadway reconstruction planned for this upcoming year. We will be adding additional park amenities as well.

Your opinions and suggestions help drive informed decisions and I encourage you to get involved. Attend a public meeting, serve on a board or committee, comment on our Facebook page, send an email or call and let us know how we’re doing.

I intend to continue to work to make Cottage Grove the very best it can be. A place you and I are proud to call home.

Mayor Myron Bailey

Page 3: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

To view City Council meeting videos scan this tag. 

Your City Council

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Council Mission Provide excellence in the delivery of public services to community residents, businesses and owners of property.

Meetings City Council meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. An open forum is held at 7:15 p.m. where residents may speak on any topic not included on that evening’s agenda.

Elections Mayor Myron Bailey was re-elected for his second term through 2016. Councilmembers Justin Olsen and Jen Peterson each won their bids for re-election.

Credit  Cottage Grove’s credit rating was reaffirmed as AA+ by Standard & Poor’s, one of the nation’s top credit-rating agencies. The rating reflects the credit-worthiness of the city. A rating of AA+, is considered a high credit-quality investment.

Budget For the third year in a row, the City Council managed the budget process that resulted in a flat tax levy.

Old City Hall The old City Hall building was rebranded as the Business Enterprise Center (BEC). This ground breaking initiative will provide an incubator for small businesses.

City Administrator 

The City Administrator, Ryan Schroeder, is responsible for the overall administration of the City, including implementing policies set by the City Council. With the help of city staff, the City Administrator provides Council with needed information to fulfill its policy-making role.

Back from left: Councilmember Derrick Lehrke, Mayor Myron Bailey, and Councilmember Jen Peterson. Front from left: Councilmember Justin Olsen and Councilmember David Thiede. 

2012 photo contest entry from Brian Wegwerth 

Page 4: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

On time and under budget One of our biggest events of 2012 was the opening of the new City Hall. The state-of-the-art building was designed to reduce energy costs, streamline service delivery and improve operational efficiencies. The final cost of the project was under $14.9 million, almost one million dollars under the cost estimates.

Veterans Memorial On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the Veterans Memorial was formally dedicated. The memorial was installed to honor all who served in the United States of America military, including prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Serving you better

Building dedication  A formal dedication and Honor Guard flag raising ceremony kicked off the Oct. 20 open house where almost 1,000 people showed up to get a behind the scenes peek at the building, including the inner-workings of the Police Department. Feedback on the new facility has been overwhelmingly positive.  

Page 5: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Your City

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Survey says... According to a survey by an independent research company, Cottage Grove residents think life here is pretty darn good, with 95 percent reporting the quality of life here as excellent or good. High marks were given for the small town feel, peaceful lifestyle and the friendly folks.

Over 89 percent felt the parks are maintained in excellent to good condition and 82 percent gave an excellent to good rating for the trail system.

Seventy-nine percent said the services received for the taxes paid is excellent or good.

Almost 90 percent said they feel safe everywhere in the city with high marks for the job the police (96 percent) and fire department (94 percent) are doing.

 

“The survey results reflect the feeling that the majority of the ci zens of our community appreciate the work that this City Council and staff have done in the past four years.”  

–Mayor Myron Bailey Keeping you informed Cottage Grove’s website was updated in 2012 to make it easier for you to read and navigate. You can now register for recreation programs, rent a park site, download job applications, inform city crews about infrastructure problems and check out upcoming events.

CG Reports—the monthly residential newsletter—also received a facelift in 2012. It still includes news you can use, but in an easier to read format accompanied with colorful photos.

The City’s Facebook page is another way the City reaches out to you. It ended the year with almost 4,000 fans. Look for us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CottageGroveMinnesota.

The South Washington County Telecommunications Commission (SWCTC) produces videos highlighting news and programs specifically for and about Cottage Grove residents at www.swctc.org.  

To view the SWCTC videos scan this tag.  Blitz, Cottage Grove’s K9, enjoys the attention of a group of

kids at the Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest.  

A new look In 2012 the City was rebranded with new logos and a motto reflecting the city’s heart, Cottage Grove: Where Pride and Prosperity Meet.

Page 6: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Contest winners

Berry Lucky!  Lori Kugel designed the winning logo for the 2013 Co age Grove Strawberry Fest  and will be grand marshal for the 2013 parade. 

The seventh annual Green Garden Award was presented to Dee Denning and Mark Yzermans in the residential category for their beautiful garden (top photo) and Applebee’s in the commercial category (bottom photo). 

The winners of the fourth annual Winter Lights and Decoration Contest were Bill and Barb Johanson (top photo) and Lori and Todd Nelson (bottom photo).  

A partnership between the City and South Washington County Telecommunications Commission (SWCTC)

resulted in some award winning videos.

National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) awards:

1st place–Shop Local, Shop Cottage Grove PSA.

2nd place–Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest Parade, The Weekly Wire and The Cottage Grove Spotlight.

3rd place–Cottage Grove Citizens’ Academy and SWC-TV Excellence in Government Programming.

You’ve Got Talent! Gardeners, designers, photographers, decorators—Cottage Grove is brimming with talent and we love to show it off.

Page 7: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

“We have so many talented 

people in Co age Grove. I 

look forward to this photo 

contest every year as the 

entries really showcase our 

great city. I’m always amazed 

at the variety of photographs 

entered.”  

‐ Mayor Myron Bailey  

Photo contest winners

Bill Pohlmann–Streetscape Bill Pohlmann–Celebrations and Events

Bill Pohlmann–Historical Nathan Klok–Black and White

Rachel Smoot–People Nathan Klok–Parks and Trails

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Page 8: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

It ’s about celebrating   2012 photo contest entry from Kinsey Fink 

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." – Dr. Seuss 

Poodle skirts, cat eye glasses and classic cars galore were on hand as hundreds of Cottage Grove residents bid adieu to the Cottage View Drive-in at a farewell celebration in September.

Page 9: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Volunteers  We’re grateful for the many Cottage Grove volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents throughout the year. They help make this community a great place to live, work and play.

To show our appreciation we recognize the top volunteers at an annual banquet where the top volunteer of the year is announced.

Pat Forsythe (right), President of the Cottage Grove Lions, received a special recognition award for his work reinvigorating the Lions Club.  

Dick Swanson and Ellen Edwards (far right) were named 2012 volunteers of the year for their work on the WAG Farms Dog Park. 

Pat Forsythe  Dick Swanson and Ellen Edwards 

It ’s about community

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Everyone’s a winner when you recycle Students at Cottage Grove Elementary (pictured above) were rewarded with an ice cream social when the fifth graders at the school successfully completed a waste sort and recycling contest. The contest was the result of a partnership between the City, Washington County, and Independent School District 833.

2012 photo contest entry from Juli Holm 

Mayor Bailey at a neighborhood event 

Page 10: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Keeping you safe

Friends and neighbors held 36 neighborhood block parties to

celebrate Night to Unite on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Police, fire fighters, the Mayor and City Council members visited many of the parties, bringing along McGruff the Crime Dog, our K9 Blitz, balloons, as well as patrol cars and fire trucks.

“Noon out” was held at Norris Square, with folks from White Pines and the District Senior Center joining in the fun. At the neighborhood events, Cottage Grove residents also collected diapers and baby supply donations for Tubman Shelter.

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Page 11: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Fire Prevention week means Fire Department Open House. Both kids and adults tried using a fire hose, were trained in hands-only CPR, witnessed an auto extrication demonstration, and learned to use a fire extinguisher.

Keeping you safe

Last year more than 300 folks took part in our Community CPR and Training, including hands-only CPR training sessions for 80 kids and adults as part of Night to Unite. The kids especially liked knowing how easy it was to make a difference. The City offers low-cost CPR classes on a bi-monthly basis throughout the year to anyone interested in being certified.

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Page 12: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Keeping you safe

Participants of the second Citizen’s Academy on SWAT Day. The Academy is offered annually by the Cottage Grove Police Department.

2012 photo contest entry from Abby Erickson   The annual Strawberry Fest parade 

The Cottage Grove Police Reserve is made up of citizen volunteers who assist the police department with a variety of duties. In 2012, the Police Reserves volunteered 3,230 hours!

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Police Reserve volunteers directing traffic 

McGruff visiting at a community event 

Page 13: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Happy, healthy and active

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Natural Open Spaces ~ Picnic Areas ~ Playgrounds  Rental Buildings ~ Sports Fields ~ Skate Rinks ~ Trails ~ Programs 

The new Highlands Park Splash Pad opened in July to an enthusiastic crowd. It proved to be a hit with almost 20,000 enjoying the summer fun in just 11 weeks.  

2012 photo contest entry from Dawn Brennan 

2012 photo contest entry from Hank Drabczak 

One of 400 skaters enjoying the annual Skate Night at Highlands Park Pond

Page 14: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Happy, healthy and active

Parks and Recreation by the Numbers

1,900 ACRES OF PARKLAND

80 ATHLETIC FIELDS

46 MILES OF TRAILS

30 PARKS

25 PLAYGROUNDS

22 PARK BUILDINGS AND SHELTERS

8 OUTDOOR SKATE RINKS

1 ARCHERY RANGE

1 DISC GOLF COURSE

1 DOG PARK

1 SPLASH PAD

1

ICE ARENA

1 GOLF COURSE AND BANQUET CENTER

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The Ice Arena hosts a variety of events including hockey tournaments, Park and East Ridge high school hockey games, skating shows, figure skating competitions as well as providing recreational programs for the entire family.

The Skate School offers lessons to skaters of all levels and abilities. At the end of each season the skaters perform at an Ice Show displaying the skills they learned.

Some special events last year include the Jose Cole Circus and a charity event that NHL players participated in to provide assistance to local hockey players of military families.

In 2012 the Ice Arena also hosted the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce annual spring showcase, with more than 700 visiting with local businesses and organizations.

NHL players at charity event 

A group of 2012 Ice Show skaters 

East Ridge vs. Woodbury hockey game 

Page 15: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Happy, healthy and active

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

2012 photo contest entry from Hank Drabczak

2012 photo contest entry from Paula J Mueske

2012 photo contest entry from Heather Olthoff

2012 photo contest entry from Jess Schultz

2012 photo contest entry from Logan Wegwerth

Arbor Meadows Park ~ 8505 Johansen Ave.

Belden Park ~ 8200 Belden Blvd.

Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor ~ Greenway corridor linking Kingston Park to Hidden Valley Park Foothill Park ~ 8400 Foothill Road S.

Granada Park ~ 8371 Granada Ave.

Grey Cloud Dunes ~ Hadley Ave. and 103rd St.

Hamlet Park ~ 8883 Hamlet Ave. S.

Hardwood Park, 6909 Hardwood Ave. S. Hazen P. Mooer Park ~ Grey Cloud Island Trail Drive

Hearthside Park ~ 8245 Hearthside Road S.

Hemingway Park ~ 8259 Hemingway Ave. S.

Hidden Valley Park ~ 7220 Hidden Valley Trail

Highlands Park ~ 6975 Idsen Ave. S.

Ideal Park ~ 8227 Ideal Ave.

Kingston Park ~ 9195 75th St. S.

Lamar Fields ~ 7025 Lamar Ave.

Meadow Grass Park ~ 6698 Meadow Grass Ave. S.

Nina's Park ~ 7738 Ideal Ave. S.

North Ideal Park ~ 7380 Ideal Ave. S.

Oakwood Park ~ 7851 Harkness Ave.

Old Cottage Grove Community Park ~ 7500 Langly Ave. S.

Peter Thompson Park ~ 6327 Highland Hills Blvd.

Pine Coulee Park ~ 11841 Lofton Ave. S.

Pine Glen Park ~ 9701 Hamlet Ave. S.

Pine Tree Pond Park ~ 8641 80th St. S.

Pine Tree Valley Park ~ 8431 Indian Blvd.

Ravine Regional Park ~ 9940 E. Point Douglas Road

Sunnyhill Park ~ 6201 Ideal Ave. S.

WAG Farms Dog Park ~ 9475 Glendenning Road

West Draw Park ~ 7050 Meadow Grass Ave. S.

Woodridge Park ~ 9000 90th St. S.

Your Neighborhood Parks 

To view a map of Cottage Grove parks scan this tag.  

Page 16: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Every Cottage Grove resident is a member of River Oaks Golf course. Your golf course:

Rated 3rd Best Value in the Twin Cities by Hacker’s Guide 2012 

Golf Digest Best Places to Play 4-1/2 star (out of 5) rating 

River Oaks Patio #2 in Twin Cities by readers of TwinCities.com  

In 2012:

36,686 rounds of golf were played—an increase of 15 percent from the previous year.

Snow-golf, introduced in 2011, continued to be popular with rounds played increasing 400 percent.

More than 10,000 views of our on-line video lessons. Visit riveroaksmunigolf.com to watch the lessons.

Participation in the golf leagues for seniors, men, ladies and couples, increased 10 percent.

Changed Twi-Light start time to 3 p.m. daily.

Kids under 17 golf free after 6:45 p.m., as does the accompanying adult.

Pace of Play program decreased the time spent on the course by seven minutes for 18 holes played prime time.

Purchased 75 new golf carts as well as new rough and fairway mowers to improve mowing conditions and operations.

Enhanced the outdoor patio area with chairs, paint and plantings making it more enjoyable to use.

River Oaks Golf Course

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Page 17: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Celebrating friends and family

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Imagine your wedding with a beautiful sunset overlooking the scenic Mississippi River Valley. River Oaks Golf Course offers all the pleasure and comfort you've searched for while still being exceptionally affordable. River Oaks Golf Course is a first-class venue located on 160 acres of gracefully winding hills along the Mississippi River Valley. Our clubhouse boasts 7,000 square feet of breathtaking beauty that complements the rolling hills of the golf course. Have your ceremony and reception on our serene outdoor grounds or in our beautiful banquet room.

Book your next special occasion, school event, or anniversary with River Oaks Golf Course and Banquet Facility. We host over 200 events annually and would welcome the opportunity to work with you.

During the “course” of the year we participate in, as well as host, many community events including the Youth Activities Expo, a Santa Breakfast, golf tournaments and our ever popular fish fry that runs the first Friday in February until Good Friday.

Stop by for a casual dinner or drink on our award winning patio at River Oaks Golf Course. 

Wedding reception at River Oaks Golf Course 

We’re located along Highway 61 in Cottage Grove To visit River Oaks Golf Course website scan this tag. 

To visit River Oaks Weddings website scan this tag. 

Wedding reception at River Oaks Golf Course 

Youth Activities Expo at River Oaks  Volunteer banquet at River Oaks 

We were selected as a Top Wedding Professional by The Knot. Reviews written by brides used in selecting the winners.

Page 18: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Better streets and infrastructure  

Belden Railroad Crossing

Kingston and West Central Parks Trail

Gateway Pond

Woodridge Pond

Pinecliff 5th

As trains sped past the Belden Railroad Crossing they no longer had to sound their whistles after concrete medians were built at the crossing. This safety improvement at Belden Blvd. and 80th Street S. prevents motorists from driving around the railroad crossing arm while it is down. The improvement not only helps keep you safer but folks living near the crossing now enjoy a “quiet zone” made possible with a $70,000 Federal Aid Grant.

It’s now easier—and safer—to cross 80th Street S. between Kingston and West Central Parks because of a pedestrian underpass connecting the park trails. The construction was done in conjunction with a storm water improvement project already planned for that area. The box culvert was built to help storm drainage flowing from Woodbury to the Mississippi River and made possible because of a $1.2 million South Washington Watershed District grant.

The Gateway Pond, near the west side of Highway 61 and the 80th Street S. exit, was completed, just one more step towards making the entrance to the City a welcoming view as one enters Cottage Grove. In 2013, landscaping around the pond will begin.

The Woodridge Park entrance was improved making it more inviting to users. The pond was constructed to hold water allowing sediment to settle out. This will improve the water quality downstream and nourish the surrounding nature giving you even more beauty to enjoy.

Utilities and streets were added to the Pinecliff 5th addition, the final step in preparing this area for the development of future homes.

The number of places to play or relax grew with the addition of Sunnyhill Park. The park received final grading as well as a playground, picnic shelter and trees. The park is the first in the Upper Ravine development area and will be ready for you to enjoy by summer 2013.

Flashing yellow arrows were added to four busy intersections—Jamaica Avenue and East Point Douglas Road, Jamaica and 90th Street, East Point Douglas and Cottage Grove Plaza, and 80th Street and E. Point Douglas/Hardwood Avenue—making it more efficient to drive through these areas. You use less fuel because you won’t have to wait as long at the signal light.

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Page 19: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Welcome to the neighborhood

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

Learn more about Cottage Grove’s economic development. Scan this tag to go to www.growthpartnerscg.com  

New Businesses $5 Tan

AJacks Automotive

Cherry Berry

Diversified Manufacturing Corp. (DMC)

Dollar Tree

Lindgren Dental Care

Liquidation Treasures

Manufacturing Solutions

MK Salon

Modern Automotive Performance (MAP)

Optimal Health and Performance (OHP)

Sport Clips

Yo-Joe’s Frozen Yogurt and Coffee

Expansions 3M

American Motor Sports Bar and Grill

Acorn Mini Storage

Snap Fitness

Hope Glen Farm (event facility)

New Cottage Grove Businesses 

The Cottage Grove business community grew in 2012, with 13 new businesses calling Cottage Grove home, and five more celebrating expansions.

The transformation of the old City Hall building into the Business Enterprise Center kicked off with an open house in October.

The Business Enterprise Center will provide affordable work space with supportive services to increase entrepreneurs’ chances of success, bringing more businesses and jobs to Cottage Grove.  

Business Enterprise Center  

Ravine Parkway providing a scenic connection linking

the entire development together

Ravine Parkway Shoppes

at Almar Village

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park

Shoppes at Cottage View

Coming Soon 

70th Street S

Keats

Ave

/Cou

nty R

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Shoppes at Cottage View 

In 2012 plans for the construction of a new Walmart supercenter were approved as the first phase of the new Shoppes at Cottage View. Construction is scheduled to begin spring 2013.

2012 photo contest entry from Jared Grayden 

Looking for employment? Visit www.cottage-grove.org

where our business park employers advertise their job openings!

Page 20: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Spending wisely

In 2012, for the third year in a row, we did not raise property taxes. The property tax levy of $12.2 million for 2013 is the same amount levied by the City in 2010—$12.2 million.

The City Council held the line and kept the levy flat to do what they could to help keep your taxes moderate.

Over the same period (2010–2013) the City’s tax rate has remained at the mean (or average) of similarly sized cities. That means the cost of city services paid with tax dollars is the same or less than many, other cities the size of Cottage Grove.

The City Council will continue to work hard to spend your tax dollars wisely and responsibly.

EXPENSES REVENUE 

6%

Other taxes and tax increment

12% Intergovernmental

12% Charges for services

5% Special assessments

4% Licenses and permits

4% Other

2%

Unrestricted investment earnings

55% Property taxes

46% Capital outlay

2%

Economic development

7%

Culture and recreation

8% Debt service

6%

General government

12% Public works

18% Public safety

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To view Cottage Grove’s entire 2012 budget document scan this tag or visit www.cottage-grove.org, search budget.  

Page 21: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Giving generously

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

2012 Donors $100,000 –$400,000

LSP COTTAGE GROVE $1,000–$5,000

3M COMPANY

COCA-COLA

COTTAGE GROVE CRIME BOARD

NORTHERN TIER ENERGY

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

$250–$500 ALERUS MORTGAGE

CHERYL KOHLS

COTTAGE GROVE LIONS CLUB

KOHLS DEPARTMENT STORE

$100–$249 A-DOORABLE GARAGE DOOR

COTTAGE GROVE CITIZENS ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS

GREGG G. HIPPLE, DDS

UNDER $100 BORST CONSTRUCTION

CCE TECHNOLOGIES

JD BOBCAT SERVICE

JOHN S. GERMO INSURANCE AGENCY

PARK GROVE PET HOSPITAL

SALON 80

T MANN EXCAVATING

TOTAL MECHANICAL

IN-KIND GIFTS: $25–$500 BONNGARDS FAMILY MEATS

NORRIS SQUARE

RIVER OAKS

STARBUCKS

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER

TENNIS SANITATION

Donations help us with community activities that are not included in the annual budget. Donations received in 2012 supported the Holiday Train, Safety Camp, Strawberry Fest, economic development, parks and recreation, and public safety.

Safety Camp kids goofing off for the camera 

Thanks to you, the Cottage Grove Holiday

Train raised over $100,000!  

Page 22: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Get involved

Advisory Committee on  Historic Preservation  

Conduct continuous surveys of the City’s cultural resources and make recommendations to the City Council on which sites, landmarks or districts should be designated as historic. The committee meets on the second Tuesday every other month at 7 p.m.

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) 

Make recommendations on development proposals and work on efforts to improve attracting and retaining businesses as well as raising awareness of business opportunities within the community. The Board meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

Environmental Commission  

Research and provide advice to the City Council about physical environment issues, such as air, water or soil quality, that affect the general well-being and physical health of Cottage Grove residents. The commission meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Human Rights / Human Services Commission 

In cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission of other agencies, make recommendations to the City Council on human rights issues. The commission meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

 

 

 

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources  Commission 

Assist in the decision-making process for the entire parks and recreation system in Cottage Grove. The commission meets nine times per year (two months on, one month off) on the second Monday at 7 p.m.

Planning Commission 

Make recommendations on land use-related issues to the City Council including the preparation and implementation of a master plan for community development and municipal plan-ning activities. The commission meets monthly on the fourth Monday at 7 p.m.

Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission 

Make recommendations to the City Council on matters which affect the health, safety and protection of the citizens of Cottage Grove. The commission meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Public Works Commission 

Make recommendations to the City Council on repairs, replace-ments and additions necessary to properly maintain the City's infrastructure and public utility system. The commission meets monthly on the second Monday at 7 p.m.

Youth Seats 

In addition, three commissions—the Human Services/Human Rights; Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; and Public Works—each have two additional seats open for youth, ages 18 and younger, who are residents of the community.

You can play an active role in local government by volunteering to be part of a citizen advisory committee or commission. The City Council receives advice from the commissions. The time commitment is minimal, with most groups meeting a few hours monthly. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and kept on file for one year. Visit our website for more information.

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Page 23: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

Contact us

www.cottage-grove.org ● Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report

City of Cottage Grove 

12800 Ravine Parkway

Cottage Grove, MN 55016

City Hall hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Police Lobby hours: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Monday to Friday  

Police and Fire Emergency 9-1-1

Police and Non-Emergency Dispatch 651-439-9381

Police Administration and Records 651-458-2850

City Hall 651-458-2800

Building Inspections 651-458-2804

Ice Arena 651-458-3400

Public Works and Parks 651-458-2808

Recreation Programs 651-458-3400

River Oaks Golf Course 651-438-2121

River Oaks Club House 651-438-3627

City Council Mayor Myron Bailey [email protected] 651-459-4734

Derrick Lehrke [email protected] 651-459-3932

Justin Olsen [email protected] 651-459-6336

Jen Peterson [email protected] 651-271-2287

Dave Thiede [email protected] 651-331-9995

Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator 651-458-2822

Bruce Anderson, Golf Manager 651-438-2121 ext. 4

Les Burshten, Public Works Director 651-458-2810

Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director 651-458-2847

Gail Griffith, Public Information Officer 651-458-6040

Bob LaBrosse, Chief Building Official 651-458-2828

Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer/Comm. Dev. Director 651-458-2890

Sharon Madsen, Communications Coordinator 651-458-2882

Danette Parr, Economic Development Director 651-458-2824

Robin Roland, Finance Director 651-458-2832

Rick Redenius, Fire Chief 651-458-2855

Caron Stransky, City Clerk 651-458-2814

Craig Woolery, Public Safety Director 651-458-6014

2012 photo contest entry from Kinsey Fink 

Page 24: City of Cottage Grove MN Annual Report 2012

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2012 photo contest entry from Juli Holm 

2012 photo contest entry from Neal J. Durand 

2012 photo contest entry from Bill Pohlmann 

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Cottage Grove 2012 Annual Report