City of Cottage Grove Annual Report 2013

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Annual Report 2013

Bottom row photos © 2013 BILL POHLMANN

MAYOR’S MESSAGE Last year proved to be another exciting year in Cottage Grove with much to be proud of. You’ll find highlights from the past year in this report.

One of the biggest events of the year was the Holiday Train stop on December 14 with the free concert by Sheryl Crow. What an honor for our City to be chosen as the only city in the United States to host this historic event!

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The former city hall was transformed into the Business Enterprise Center, also known as the BEC. We have been proactively recruiting businesses for the BEC that meet specific criteria and I’m happy to report that 2013 closed with five new tenants.

www.cottage-grove.org

We also welcomed an additional 10 new businesses to the community and had a few others remodel and expand. By continuing to shop in Cottage Grove you are helping our existing retailers as well as attracting new ones.

Development returned to Cottage Grove in a big way last year. In fact, almost $35 million was invested making it our fourth most productive commercial and industrial construction since 2000!

We broke ground for a Walmart Supercenter, which will anchor the future 80-acre Shoppes at Cottage View. Construction began in the new Eastridge Woods subdivision, and 3M initiated a major expansion of one of its larger business units.

We also completed a number of infrastructure projects. East Point Douglas Road was improved, with Walmart paying $1.7 million for the street and utilities as part of the store’s development project. Residential streets were worked on as part of our pavement management. We renovated the park buildings at Hamlet, Lamar and Hearthside parks and expanded the trailways at Pine Tree Pond, Pine Glen and Hamlet parks.

A Washington County-led project realigned County Roads 19, 20 and 22, and a roundabout was built at the County Road and 70th Street intersection.

We were thrilled to assist with the Dodge Nature Center’s acquisition of the 140-acre historic Shepard Family property at 70th Street and Jamaica Ave. The property is projected to be used for additional programming by the nature center, providing even more opportunities for you to enjoy the great outdoors.

For the fourth year in a row, the City Council passed a budget that allowed the tax levy rate to not increase.

Finally, in 2014 you can expect to see new neighborhoods and parks, more road improvements, additional commercial and industrial developments.

This is an exciting time for Cottage Grove! Your City Council is working hard to ensure that Cottage Grove is a place with high-quality services and amenities—a place we can all be proud to call home.

Mayor Myron Bailey

YOUR CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

COUNCIL VISION An accessible community with an appreciation for our environment, trees, hills, ravines, landscapes and river including quality park, green and open space areas.

A good place to raise a family through its life cycle who are proud of their community of well maintained neighborhoods and property.

Back row from left: Councilmember Derrick Lehrke, Mayor Myron Bailey, and Councilmember Jen Peterson. Front row from left: Councilmember

Justin Olsen and Councilmember David Thiede.

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.

A fiscally responsible, engaged government with well maintained infrastructure, access to quality inter– and intra–community transportation and transit and safe residential and commercial neighborhoods and public spaces.

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

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS City Council meets on the first and third Wednesday of each 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. City Council meetings can be viewed live on Cable Channel 16 and on the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission (SWCTC) website; archived meetings are also available on the website.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED The City uses multiple communication tools to keep residents informed of what is happening in the City. One way is through Cottage Grove Reports, a newsletter produced by City staff and mailed to residents monthly. The City’s website contains news, upcoming events, City ordinances, information about City Council actions, and much more.

The use of social media was expanded in 2013 with the addition of a Twitter account (@CottageGroveMN). The City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CottageGroveMinnesota) gained recognition when the Pioneer Press wrote about it in March.

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

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

To create and maintain a base of strong businesses that complement and engage with the community and provide jobs for the City and surrounding area.

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MAKING HISTORY Cottage Grove made national news when the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolled into town on Dec. 14 for a special 15th anniversary celebration featuring a concert

by Sheryl Crow with opening acts The Claytones and Take 6.

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“I was honored to learn Cottage Grove would be the only city in the United States chosen to host this special anniversary show. When I learned Sheryl Crow would headline the free concert I knew this was going to be the biggest single–day event we’ve ever had in Cottage Grove.”

www.cottage-grove.org

– Mayor Myron Bailey More than 15,000 people braved the frigid temps to attend the event. For 2013, the stop was changed to Canadian Pacific’s rail yard which was transformed into the North Pole Station, along with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, ice carving demonstrations and the brightly decorated Holiday Train.

The generosity of the community was on display with the Friends in Need Food Shelf reporting donations of $142,208.08 with an additional 23,202 pounds of food and toiletries collected.

This special Holiday Train stop in Cottage Grove was one that many will remember for years to come.

2013 photo contest entry | Photo by NATHAN KLOK

Photo by KRISTIN KOERNER

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

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From left: Mayor Myron Bailey and Jesse Galloway

HEROES AMONG US Christopher Donahoe, Matthew

Jesse Galloway, 14–years–old, received the Citizen Life–Saving Award for performing CPR on his father until the ambulance arrived. Jesse had learned hands–only CPR just weeks prior.

Labine and Roger Gibney were given Citizen Life–Saving Awards for jumping into action to assist a motorist whose vehicle had burst into flames after a rear–end collision.

A WINNING COMBINATION A partnership between the City and the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission resulted in many award–winning videos.

Northern Lights Award of Merit from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) for the Judy and Dave Bork 3–Day Walk.

BEING GREEN In June, Cottage Grove was recognized for achieving Step Two of the Minnesota GreenStep City program. The program is designed to help cities achieve their environmental and sustainability goals through the implementation of 28 best practices that focus on cost savings, innovation and the reduction of energy use.

National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) awards: 1st Place: Cottage Grove Spotlight on Senator Sieben (Public Affairs) 2nd Place: Cottage Grove Splash Pad (Use of Humor) Freckles Style (Program Promotion) Back to the 50’s Night (Arts/Entertainment) Holiday Train 2012 (Event Coverage) 3rd Place: Interview with Gerry Herringer (Interview) Judy and Dave Bork 3–Day Walk (Public Health and Documentary)

Cottage Grove Rec Connection (Profile of a City Department)

Freckles Style (Use of Humor) Cottage Grove Spotlight (Magazine Format)

From left: Emily Schmitz, City Code Enforcement Officer, Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer/Community Development Director, Councilmember Jen Peterson, and Diana McKeown, Metro Clean Energy Resources Teams (CERTS) Director.

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

From left: Councilmember Lehrke, Councilmember Olsen, Christopher Donahoe, Matthew Labine, Robert Gibney and Mayor Myron Bailey

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION GREEN GARDEN AWARD The Church of St. Rita and Silvia Strong were

Silvia Strong’s garden

the winners of the 2013 Green Garden Award. The Church of St. Rita is located at 8694 80th Street S. and this award is their second. They received the Green Garden Award in 2009. Silvia Strong’s garden is located on 78th Street Court S. Each received a Cottage Grove stone award to add to their gardens. Since 2007, the award has been presented annually to residential and commercial gardeners who work hard to beautify Cottage Grove.

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www.cottage-grove.org

Sylvia Strong’s garden

St. Rita’s garden

St. Rita’s garden

CHAMPION TREES This registry was introduced in 2013 to highlight

Holiday Lights Photos courtesy of SCOTT WENTE, SWC BULLETIN

some of the trees that bring beauty to our community. The winners each received a small tag to place on their tree notifying its significance. Age winner: A Burr Oak on Diane and Ted Fredrickson’s property in the River Acres neighborhood estimated to be more than 200 years old. Height winner: A cottonwood tree near All Smiles Dentistry, 7501 80th Street S., stands 86–feet tall. Girth winner: A cottonwood tree at 7548 Irvine Ave. and overhanging Pine Tree Valley Park measures 12–feet, 10–inches in girth. Historical significance winner: A simple white pine at 8203 Innsdale Ave. arrived in Cottage Grove as a 1-inch seedling from the offspring of white pines that survived the historic 1918 Cloquet Fire.

Tim and Diane Maslowski‘s home

John Kruczek‘s home

A Champion Tree: Girth Winner

HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST The winners of this year’s contest were John Kruczek and Tim and Diane Maslowski. This is the fifth year that the City has partnered with the South Washington County Bulletin to present the contest.

New in 2013 was an opportunity to recognize a business or organization that gave back to the community during the holiday season. The Cottage Grove Lions were selected due to the multitude of activities they were involved in during the holidays.

Cottage Grove Lions being recognized at a City Council meeting

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

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BLACK AND WHITE: JARED BIRD

STREETSCAPES: STEVE CUDDIHY

PARKS AND TRAILS: SUE HOFACKER

PEOPLE: BILL POHLMANN The 12th annual photography contest proved to be popular with residents. Judges had a difficult time determining the winners with more than 40 photographs submitted. The City awarded each winning photograph $50. The images will appear in numerous publications throughout the year.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS: BILL POHLMANN

City of Cottage Grove â—? 2013 Annual Report

HISTORICAL: NATHAN KLOK

KEEPING YOU SAFE DOUBLE DUTY Cottage Grove’s Public Safety Director,

www.cottage-grove.org

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Craig Woolery, received his Firefighter 1, 2 and Hazardous Materials certification in May. Woolery, who oversees both the City’s Police and Fire departments, voluntarily enrolled in firefighting training to gain a better understanding of what firefighters go through.

Beginning January 2013, he spent most of his weeknights and weekends completing the 140 hours of training required of Cottage Grove firefighters.

He did this while continuing to perform his normal work duties for the City.

FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE During Fire Prevention Week the Cottage Grove Fire Department hosted an open house. Both kids and adults had a hands on opportunity to utilize a fire hose, were trained in hands–only CPR, witnessed a kitchen fire demonstration, and used a fire extinguisher. Also during that week, second graders at six Cottage Grove elementary schools received visits from the firefighters to learn about fire safety.

Fire Chief Rick Redenius talks to young visitors at the annual open house. Future firefighters perhaps?

Public Safety Director Craig Woolery at firefighter training

Volunteer Police Reserves receiving recognition at a City Council meeting

POLICE RESERVES In 2013, our police reserves Volunteer Police Reserves assist on scene security

volunteered 2,668 hours, covered 28 emergency callouts and 38 special details outside their normal parades/civic events and patrols.

KEEPING YOU SAFE TELLING AMY’S STORY In March,

IN THE NEWS Two elementary

Cottage Grove’s Public Safety Department hosted a community discussion on domestic violence and showed a powerful, short film "Telling Amy's Story”. The documentary film and public service media project seeks to help in the fight to end domestic violence. Police officers facilitated the panel discussion which included five women who bravely shared their stories with the audience.

school students rode in style on their last day of school when they won a ride in a police car or fire truck. The students were top fundraisers in a PTO–sponsored contest. They each chose two friends to join them in their adventure, which was shown on the June 5 KARE-11 6 p.m. newscast.

people took part in the community hands–only CPR training held at the Fire Department’s open house and as part of neighborhood Night to Unite celebrations. The City offers low–cost CPR classes on a bi–monthly basis throughout the year. Call 651-458-2870 to learn more.

NIGHT TO UNITE Police, firefighters, the Mayor, City Council members and City staff visited many of the 35 neighborhood Night to Unite block parties held on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Friends and neighbors gathered to celebrate, get to know one another and help keep their communities crime-free.

At the neighborhood events, Cottage Grove residents also collected diapers and baby supply donations for Tubman Shelter.

NOON OUT Noon Out is for our senior residents and is the same concept as Night to Unite. It was held at Norris Square, with folks from White Pines and the District Senior Center joining in the fun.

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

COMMUNITY CPR More than 250

In February, Channel 5 interviewed Deputy Fire Chief Wes Halverson about how Cottage Grove changed the way it responds to 911 emergency medical calls. Previously a police officer was usually the first to arrive on the scene, but now fire paramedics are the first responders with police paramedics serving as back-up. The transition to the fire paramedic model is part of a fiveyear plan.

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KEEPING YOU SAFE A SURPRISE THANK YOU Officer Vandervort was

Officer Vandervort looking at the ticket he wrote ten years previous.

CITIZENS ACADEMY During the eight-week Citizens Academy, participants experienced a variety of topics including lectures, demonstrations, ride–alongs, tours, and hands–on exercises.

Each graduate received a Certificate of Completion from the City. This is the third year the police department has offered the academy. Call 651–458–6011 for more information.

www.cottage-grove.org

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surprised at work on Dec. 19 when someone he had arrested for a DWI showed up to thank him! The date was actually the 10th anniversary of the woman’s DWI arrest and she wanted him to know how that event changed her life. She shared when she was arrested she knew she needed help and was determined to use the DWI as an opportunity to get her life back on track, which she did. The ticket she received that night hangs on her refrigerator as a reminder of a life changed. Many of the officers watching commented that it was nice to learn that what they do makes a big difference in a person’s life.

Crews were out in full force during the early May snowstorm

WALKING TO SCHOOL SAFELY On Oct. 9, South Washington County schools participated in the Safe Routes to School program. That morning, Freckles, the Parks and Recreation mascot, greeted students as they arrived at Grey Cloud Elementary school.

KEEPING YOU SAFE

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Armed Forces Day Ride

Providing fire safety education to a group of grade–schoolers.

Stopping to purchase a cup of lemonade from local young entrepreneurs.

ARMED FORCES DAY RIDE On May 18, Cottage Grove Police had the distinct honor of escorting the Tribute to the Troops group as they rode into town to honor and thank the family of fallen U.S. Marine Adam VanAlstine as part of their Armed Forces Day Ride.

Officer Patrick Nickle returned to Cottage Grove and his job with the police department after a year–long deployment.

HAPPY TALES TO YOU One summer evening a young beagle, Copper, wandered away from home setting off a frantic search by her owners. Two days later, Public Works was notified of a dog barking in a storm sewer. Gary Orloff and Jeff Hendrickson immediately set out to rescue the dog. Orloff climbed into the sewer while Hendrickson lowered a cage to carry the scared pup to safety. Copper was soon happily reunited with her family.

Experiencing a house fire is traumatic, as one Cottage Grove family can testify to when their house caught fire late one July evening. Emergency crews responded quickly to fight the blaze but in the chaos the family was unable to locate their cat Snickers. Firefighter Matt Rischette went back the next day to search for the missing cat who had hidden behind a couch. The cat was scooped up and returned to the relieved family.

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

Practicing a mock cardiac arrest using a LUCAS chest compression system.

IT’S ABOUT COMMUNITY

Those who can, do.

Those who can do more, volunteer.

–Author Unknown

www.cottage-grove.org

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Majel and Doug Carroll

John and Gayle Brunkow

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

Majel Carroll, volunteer Executive Director for Stone Soup Thrift Shop, was named Cottage Grove’s 2012 Volunteer of the Year. Carroll was honored for her work on numerous committees throughout the years.

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

A special recognition award was given to a husband and wife team, John and Gayle Brunkow, for their work on the Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest.

ARBOR DAY To celebrate Arbor Day, almost 100 residents stopped by Pine Tree Valley Park to help plant more than 200 trees. Many families plan to go back annually to visit “their” tree.

IT’S ABOUT COMMUNITY

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residents came out in their Halloween costumes to march in or watch the parade.

STRAWBERRY FEST Thousands came to celebrate and kick-off summer at the annual fun–filled, family–focused event.

HALE TO THE BIRD 5K Almost 500 runners and walkers attended the fourth annual Thanksgiving morning run bringing with them donations for the local food shelf. Mayor Bailey joined the fun and pardoned Fatty Bird before the race began.

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

ANNUAL MONSTER BASH PARADE The sun shone bright on a cold and windy October morning as hundreds of

IT’S ABOUT COMMUNITY

www.cottage-grove.org

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PUBLIC WORKS OPEN HOUSE More than 1,000 people had a chance to get an up close and personal look at many of the City’s vehicles, including a chance to take a ride in the cherry picker. They also enjoyed hot dogs grilled by Public Works staff, games, and the educational booths with giveaways.

Public Works is located at 8635 West Point Douglas Rd.

IT PAYS TO GET CAUGHT Beginning Earth Day 2013 students at Cottage Grove Middle School could get a gift card to a local business if they were caught recycling. Making it easy for students to recycle—and providing an extra incentive—is just one way the City is educating and engaging middle school kids about recycling as well as helping to keep waste out of landfills. In addition, every month City staff randomly draw two residential addresses and award a gift card to the resident if their recycling bin is out and contains recyclable material.

FARMER’S MARKET Once a week, from June until October, residents can purchase fresh produce, bakery and gift items and enjoy free entertainment.

Located at 7008 Lamar Avenue S.

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND ACTIVE

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2013 photo contest entry Photo by DEB BRANNAN

2012 photo contest winner | Photo by NATHAN KLOK

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

NATURAL OPEN SPACE ~ PICNIC AREAS ~ PLAYGROUNDS ~ RENTAL BUILDINGS ~ SPORTS FIELDS ~ SKATE RINKS ~ TRAILS ~ PROGRAMS

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND ACTIVE DODGE NATURE CENTER Along 70th Street near

www.cottage-grove.org

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Jamaica Ave., nestled among woodlands and agricultural fields, sit old houses, farm buildings, sheds, a tennis court and swimming pool. They are located on 140-acres that will become part of the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center. The historic property, which has a conservation easement on it, was a gift from Constance Shepard Otis who passed away in January 2013.

Dodge Nature Center, a nonprofit organization that provides environmental education and habitat restoration, expects this will become an important part of the community. Many educational possibilities await but work will be done slowly and strategically to ensure it’s done well and in keeping with the wishes of the Shepard Otis family. Eventually public tours will be available, but for now the property will remain closed as decisions are made regarding its long term use.

INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND A new task force was created to research the creation of an inclusive playground in the city. An inclusive playground is one built for all to enjoy regardless of physical, social, emotional, sensory or cognitive challenges. For more information or to make a donation call 651-458-3400.

FIGHTING EMERALD ASH BORER The City enlisted the

PAYING IT FORWARD Cottage Grove Elementary

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS In 2013, Recreation staff

School made a $1,000 donation towards the City’s Inclusive Playground. The elementary school was chosen by Bell State Bank and Trust to distribute the money as part of the bank’s Pay–It–Forward program.

Theresa Blume-Thole, the school’s principal, said they chose the playground as their school has a higher population of students with physical disabilities and an inclusive park would be a great benefit to the students.

help of residents in minimizing the devastating impact of Emerald Ash Borer. Several hundred residents volunteered to have their boulevard ash trees removed, which the City replaced with a new two-inch tree at no charge. This helped to reduce the ash tree inventory and to diversify the urban forest.

provided more than 57 programs and events designed to make Cottage Grove a more active, healthy and social community. As the City’s recreational facilities received upgrades, the usage increased with more than 500 facility and events permits issued—the highest in six years. Outdoor community movies were introduced in 2013 with hundreds enjoying the first movie, even when severe weather forced it to move to the Ice Arena. The second movie was held outdoors with more than 700 in attendance.

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND ACTIVE

Located at West Draw Park, 7050 Meadow Grass Ave.

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and Natural Resources Commission authorized the construction of the West Draw Bike Park in June. The park includes a tot track, pump track, dirt jumps, a slope style course, a mountain bike skills area and a four-cross (mountain cross) track.

The park is expected to open late spring 2014. Built by volunteers, the park is a joint effort between the Minnesota Off–Road Cyclists (MORC) and the City of Cottage Grove. At 2.4 acres, it is the second park of its kind in the Twin Cities metro area and the largest park (to date) in the entire state.

VOLUNTEER PARK RANGERS A new volunteer opportunity was introduced in 2013, the volunteer Park Rangers program. April through September, six residents acted as extended “eyes and ears” of Parks and Recreation staff. The volunteer rangers were trained, assigned specific parks and spent their time providing instructions and information to park users, and helping with minor park maintenance. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 651–458–3400 to learn more about the program.

Volunteer Park Ranger, Katie Warden. Photo courtesy of SWCTC.

LEGACY GIVING PROGRAM Users of the popular Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor can sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery thanks to a new bench donated by a group of Health East Cottage Grove employees known as the Green Team. The clinic has been serving city residents since 1971. The team felt a strong connection to the community and donated a bench so many people in the area can enjoy a spot to relax while walking.

Other donations from the Legacy Giving Program went toward new trees, trails and athletic facility improvements.

Jeff Nelson, a Health East Cottage Grove Green Team member, on the donated bench.

The Legacy Giving Program accepts donations of any size. Donors can specify where they would like their donation used. Call 651-458-3400 to learn more.

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

BIKE PARK The City Council and the Parks, Recreation

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND ACTIVE COTTAGE GROVE ICE ARENA The Ice Arena, 8020 80th Street S., 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.

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Business Showcase

Business Showcase

Some special events last year include the Jose Cole Circus, the Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase, Just Between Friends children’s clothing consignment sale and the B Pee Wee State Hockey Tournament.

www.cottage-grove.org

Skating Lessons

Business Showcase

2013 photo contest entry | Photo by NATHAN KLOK Just Between Friends clothing consignment sale at the Ice Arena

Enjoying open skate time at the Ice Arena.

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND ACTIVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Arbor Meadows Park ~ 8505 Johansen Ave. Belden Park ~ 8200 Belden Blvd.

Cedarhurst Meadows ~ Coming 2014 Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor ~ Greenway corridor linking Kingston Park to Hidden Valley Park 2013 photo contest entry | Photo by BRENDA WITT

2013 photo contest entry | Photo by STEVE CUDDIHY

2013 photo contest entry | Photo by NATHAN KLOK

2013 photo contest entry | Photo by JENNIFER SAVARD

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

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City of Cottage Grove â—? 2013 Annual Report

Eastridge Woods ~ Coming 2014 Foothill Park ~ 8400 Foothill Road S. Granada Park ~ 8371 Granada Ave. Grey Cloud Dunes ~ Hadley Ave. and 103rd Street 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.

RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE

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River Oaks Golf Course features an 18–hole golf course, driving range, golf shop, lessons, banquets, weddings and receptions, retirement parties, holiday parties, a grill area and superb views!

River Oaks Golf Course:

RATED 3RD BEST VALUE IN THE TWIN CITIES

by Hacker’s Guide 2012

GOLF DIGEST BEST PLACES TO PLAY www.cottage-grove.org

4-1/2 star (out of 5) rating

Every Cottage Grove resident is a member of River Oaks Golf course. Your golf course employs 70 people, including many from the community.

In 2013:  Hosted more than 100 golf tournaments  Had more than 600 league members  The home golf course to both Park High School boys and girls golf teams  New customized outdoor entrance sign that advertises your event  Kids under 17 golf free after 6:45 p.m., as does the accompanying adult—the only Twin Cities golf course promoting junior golf to this level.  Offered great bargain–hunting specials including ladies’ night, kids play free, foursome and player’s specials, and Twi-light golf.  Major upgrades underway for 2014

This is your facility—come out and enjoy!

Weather plays a big part in our golf season and at times it appeared spring 2013 would never arrive.

2013 photo contest entry | Photo by JOHN HEROFF

CELEBRATING FRIENDS AND FAMILY

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City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

WEDDINGS AND SO MUCH MORE Imagine your wedding with a beautiful sunset overlooking the scenic Mississippi River Valley. 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 welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Almost 200 events were hosted at River Oaks in 2013 including many community events such as 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. New community entertainment events were introduced in 2013, including Improv Comedy nights, Ladies’ Night and Fall Fest, an outdoor concert. The clubhouse began offering happy hour and daily lunch specials with opportunities for folks to enjoy the beautiful views while sitting on the patio.

www.riveroaksweddings.com or scan this tag

www.riveroaksmunigolf.com or scan this tag

Top Wedding Professional selected

by The Knot.

BETTER STREETS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND NEIGHBORHOODS PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS The 80th Street box culvert

22 80th Street Underpass with new trail

and pond project was completed in 2013. The box culvert connected a new trail from Kingston Park to the south side of 80th Street providing a safe way for trail users to cross that street. A stormwater pond by Kingston Park was also part of the project. Iron filings are mixed in with the soil in the bottom of the pond which helps to remove phosphorus from stormwater by connecting with the phosphorus in the water and trapping it in the iron filings layer of the pond helping to keep algae from forming in local lakes and rivers.

www.cottage-grove.org

HINTON AVENUE Hinton Avenue, from 70th Street to 80th Street, saw big improvements in 2013. The road surface was replaced with new asphalt, along with spot replacement of curb and gutter. New LED street lights were added on the east side of Hinton Avenue and existing street lights were upgraded to LED. The existing trails were replaced with additional trail segments added from 70th Street to the Cottage Grove Trail Corridor. A new pedestrian crossing sign and flashing signal was installed to help those using the trailway to cross Hinton Avenue safely.

New Pedestrian crossing sign and flashing light on Hinton Avenue

2013 TRAIL AND PARKING LOT MICRO–SURFACING This project involved crack sealing and micro– surfacing approximately six miles of trails throughout Cottage Grove, along with the Oakwood Park parking lot. This is done periodically to help maintain trails and parking lots throughout the City as a cost–effective way to help protect and increase the life of the asphalt.

Resurfaced trail through Hamlet Park

STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS Five city stormwater ponds had work done, including grading and seeding eroded areas, removing sediment that had deposited over the years, clearing trees and brush, and replacing rip rap around storm sewer outlets as part of the City’s annual stormwater maintenance project. Removing sediment and trees from around the storm sewer outlets is especially important as it can cause water to back up in the storm pipes, creating standing water issues around catch basins, on the street, and in backyards.

Additionally, two infiltration basins were constructed on the south side of the football field, along with re-grading of the ditch, and the installation of a new culvert along Keats Avenue all as part of the stormwater improvement project at the Cottage Grove Middle School.

BETTER STREETS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND NEIGHBORHOODS EAST POINT DOUGLAS ROAD East Point Douglas Road

CEDARHURST MEADOWS PARK The park trails for this

was improved the summer of 2013 to facilitate the building of Walmart, the first project at the Shoppes of Cottage View. The project included extending sanitary sewer, water, and storm sewer to support future growth in the area. Roadway improvements were made, including trails, sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping. To help with the additional traffic expected from the Cottage View site, turn lanes were added at the intersection of East Point Douglas Road and County Road 19 as well as East Point Douglas Road at the entrance to Cub and Target.

new park, along with the trails that will travel around the Watershed District’s pond and open space were graded in 2013. These trails connect the new developments and provide access to the Upper Ravine District. Utility services were extended to provide the park with irrigation water, a drinking fountain and a water play structure.

pavement management project involved working on streets in the area north of 80th Street and east of Jamaica Avenue, in the neighborhoods around Kingston Park. It included both the complete reconstruction of some streets, and the mill and overlay of others. As part of the project, improvements were also made to Kingston Park, including the construction of additional trails and a picnic shelter. Also completed as part of this project were repairs to underground utilities, replacement of damaged curb, and replacement of community mailbox pads.

EASTRIDGE WOODS Construction began on a new subdivision—Eastridge Woods by D. R. Horton. The first phase of the project included the development of 37 single family lots, corresponding utility and street infrastructure, and the grading for the future Cedarhurst Meadows Park. Five homes were built by the end of the year. Eventually there will be 134 single–family homes in this neighborhood.

SUNNYHILL PARK This new park in the Pinecliff development had playground equipment, a picnic shelter, some trails installed and grading completed in 2013. Plans to pave the trail leading to the gazebo and playground and the addition of a sport court are also in the works.

THE PRESERVE AT COTTAGE GROVE The final streets were constructed in the spring at The Preserve at Cottage Grove, located north of 70th Street and west of Jamaica Avenue, completing this development.

MISSISSIPPI DUNES 4TH ADDITION Roadway and utilities were installed and new trail and a stormwater pond were constructed in preparation for the addition.

Twenty–nine lots for detached single–family houses in the Mississippi Dunes Estates 4th addition were developed with three homes under construction at the end of the year.

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

2013 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT This year’s

PINECLIFF 5TH SUBDIVISION The Pinecliff 5th subdivision consists of 27 single family lots developed

by Lennar Corporation. It was a busy summer of construction in this area with many new homes being built and Ideal Avenue re–aligned to run through the development. The permit for the final phase of this subdivision has been issued.

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BETTER STREETS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND NEIGHBORHOODS COUNTY ROAD 19, 20 AND 22 REALIGNMENT

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June 11, 2013 County Road 19 and 70th Street

One of the biggest road projects in 2013 was the Washington County realignment of County Roads 19, 20 and 22. County Road 22 and County Road 20 intersected County Road 19 within 800 feet of each other creating safety and mobility issues. In this County–led project the two intersections were consolidated and a roundabout was constructed at County Road 19 (Keats Avenue) and 70th Street. Crews worked on the realignment from May to November.

In addition to the roadwork, a six-foot-diameter stormwater pipe was installed nearly 50–feet below the surface. The pipe will allow regional stormwater drainage to flow to the Mississippi River and is the first step of a multi–year South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) project.

July 31, 2013 County Road 19 and 70th Street

The project provided an opportunity for Washington County, SWWD, and the City to join forces to provide cost savings and allow the entire project to be completed at once rather than over a period of several years.

City officials stand near a section of the sixfoot-diameter pipe during a tour August 31, 2013 County Road 19 and 70th Street

September 30, 2013 County Road 19 and 70th Street

October 29, 2013 County Road 19 and 70th Street

November 25, 2013 County Road 19 and 70th Street

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

From left: Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer/Community Development Director; Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator; Sherry Wilwert, Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce; Gerry Herringer, former property owner; Councilmember Justin Olsen; Councilmember Derrick Lehrke; Washington County Commissioner Autumn Lehrke; Danette Parr, City Economic Development Director; Ted Jones, Walmart; and Lisa Nelson, Walmart.

WALMART Shovels hit the dirt when City, County and Walmart representatives gathered at the site of the new Walmart Supercenter to break ground in May. The 178,000–square–foot store will create 300 new jobs and is expected to open midMarch 2014.

A peek inside Walmart, May 2013

Permits totaling more than $34 million in commercial and industrial construction were issued in 2013.

GOODWILL The corner of 80th Street and Hardwood Avenue took on a new look as the former Coldwell Burnet building was demolished to make way for a 19,000–square–foot Goodwill store. Construction of the new building was well underway as the year ended with an anticipated opening in spring 2014.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers at the Mississippi Dunes site.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Volunteers spent the

The former Coldwell Burnet building being demolished.

summer building four three-bedroom townhomes in the Mississippi Dunes housing development west of Highway 61. Habitat for Humanity will build more townhomes in 2014.

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

The building as it looked May 2013

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WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD ICSC CONVENTION In May, the City’s Mayor and

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Economic Development Director attended a two-day International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) retail convention to meet with retailers and developers.

This is the world’s largest gathering of retail real estate professionals and provides the City an opportunity to bring attention to Cottage Grove.

CONNECTING WITH BUSINESSES AND LEADERS The City and Economic Development Authority host an annual Growth Partners Golf outing at River Oaks Golf Course. This event allows the City to reach out to developers, builders, bankers and business partners.

It is designed to encourage development in Cottage Grove. A record number of participants golfed in the 2013 event. In addition, this year’s event provided an opportunity to bring attention to the City’s Business Enterprise Center (BEC).

The two met with numerous potential retailers and developers about commercial vacancies that exist within Cottage Grove. They also shared the concept plans for the Shoppes at Cottage View retail center (shown below) which will be located near the new Walmart Supercenter on East Point Douglas Road.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

OPEN

FOR

BUSINESS

The Cottage Grove business community continued to grow and expand in 2013.

The City now has 4.4 million square–feet of commercial and industrial business.

NEW BUSINESSES $5 Tan Cherry Berry

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTER (BEC) A transformation took place inside the former City Hall. It is now a business accelerator known as the BEC. It’s designed to help entrepreneurs to succeed by providing affordable work space and supportive services. The BEC targets industries that are eligible for the Minnesota Angel Tax Credit Program (biotechnology, clean technology, IT, and more), production services (i.e. computerized machining) and others with potential for high–quality job growth.

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Hound Around

Pure Chiropractic Tumble Fresh MK Salon M’s Tailor

BEC Tenant Gophermods

Bella Salon Starbuck’s (inside Target) Manufacturing Solutions of MN, Inc.

NEW BUSINESSES INSIDE THE BEC Gophermods Premier Biotech Labs, LLC Conexspace LLC Renew Solar

BEC Tenant Premier Biotech

EXPANSIONS AND REMODELS 3M Renewal By Andersen Anytime Fitness Hope Glen Farm (event facility) The former City Council Chambers has been transformed into a large training room Looking for employment?

Visit www.cottage-grove.org where our business park employers advertise job openings.

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

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

Modern Automotive Performance (MAP)

THE BACK OFFICE

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In 2013, for the fourth year in a row, we did not raise property taxes. The property tax levy of $12.2 million for 2013 was the same amount levied by the City since 2010. 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 below 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.

REVENUE

Other Licenses and Permits

2%

4%

Unrestricted Investment Earnings 1%

Special Assessments 6%

www.cottage-grove.org

Other Taxes and Tax Increment 6%

Intergovernmental 4%

Property Taxes

Charges for Services

69%

7%

EXPENSES

Capital Outlay 7%

Debt Service 7%

General Government 14%

Economic Development 4%

Culture and Recreation 14%

Public Safety 34%

Public Works 20%

To view the City’s entire 2013 budget document scan this tag or visit www.cottage-grove.org, search budget.

GIVING GENEROUSLY

2013 DONORS $350,000–PLUS LSP Cottage Grove

$20,000–$30,000

Donations help us with community activities that are not included in the annual budget. Donations received in 2013 helped to support the Holiday Train, Safety Camp, Strawberry Fest, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Safety.

Cottage Grove Crime Prevention Board

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$1,000–$5,000

$500–$1,000 Ballistic Corporate Cottage Grove Lions

2013 Safety Camp K-9 demo

$250–$499 Alerus Cub Foods Fundraiser Carbone's Fundraiser Sharon Hansen Werner Electric

$100–249 A-Doorable Garage Door Company Corrine Heine MBPTA and members Barb Williams and Jeanne Witczek

2013 Safety Camp participants

UNDER $100 Borst Construction Doug Amos JD Bobcat Service, Inc. KOK Funeral Home Meghan Glotfelty Park Grove Pet Hospital Sam’s Club Tmann Excavating Total Mechanical

2013 Safety Camp participants learning hands-only CPR

2013 Safety Camp graduation

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

Bell Mortgage Conway Olson Health East Cottage Grove Clinic Green Team

GET INVOLVED 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 only a few hours monthly. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and kept on file for one year.

Visit our website for more information.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION

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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.

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ARTS COMMISSION Coming in 2014. Identify and make recommendations on the direction of the Arts policy for the City and how best to embrace a culture of arts appreciation while facilitating awareness of, and growth in, the artistic desires of Cottage Grove residents.

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 planning activities. The commission meets monthly on the fourth Monday 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.

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 fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION

PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE 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.

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

HUMAN SERVICES / HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

YOUTH SEATS

In cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commissions 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.

In addition, four commissions—the Arts; 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.

CONTACT US CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE

CITY STAFF

12800 Ravine Parkway

Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator 651-458-2822

Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Bruce Anderson, Golf Manager 651-438-2121, ext. 3

City Hall hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Police Lobby hours: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Monday to Friday

Les Burshten, Public Works Director 651-458-2810

POLICE NUMBERS

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

Police and Fire Emergency

9-1-1 651-439-9381

Police Administration and Records

651-458-2850

DEPARTMENT AND FACILITY NUMBERS 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/Banquets

651-438-3627

CITY COUNCIL Mayor Myron Bailey 651-459-4734 myronbailey@aol.com Derrick Lehrke 651-459-3932 dlehrke@cottage-grove.org Justin Olsen 651-459-6336 jaymanoh@aol.com Jen Peterson 651-271-2287 councilmemberjen@aol.com Dave Thiede 651-331-9995 thiededj@gmail.com

Gail Griffith, Public Safety Public Information Officer 651-458-6040 Bob LaBrosse, Chief Building Official 651-458-2828 Jennifer Levitt, Engineer/Community Dev. Director 651-458-2890 Sharon Madsen, Communications Coordinator 651-458-2882 Sue O’Connell, River Oaks Banquet Manager 651-438-2121 ext. 4 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

City of Cottage Grove ● 2013 Annual Report

Police and Non-Emergency Dispatch

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www.cottage-grove.org