December 2022 Cottage Grove Reports

May 2021 2022 December

Cottage Grove Reports 2022 Year in Review Video

In the December Mayor’s Moment, Mayor Myron Bailey reviewed some of Co�age Grove’s accomplishments from 2022. Of course, the things men�oned only scratch the surface on all the growth and achievement the city has seen in the last year. Some of the highlights included: • •

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The return of in-person open houses for the police and fire departments.

Major improvements to several city parks, and construc�on star�ng at the new Glacial Valley Community Park.

Ribbon cu�ngs and groundbreakings for new stores, restaurants, and other business developments.

Major events like the Strawberry Fest, Monster Bash Parade, Hometown Holiday Celebra�on and the Holiday Train.

The Clean Water for Co�age Grove website where residents and businesses can get updates about water treatment projects.

View the full video online at youtube.com/Co�ageGroveMN.

Cottage Grove Hosts Hometown Holiday Celebration This year, Co�age Grove welcomed in the holidays with an event bigger than in years past. The Hometown Holiday Celebra�on, held Nov. 30, emphasized that Co�age Grove is the place to be during the holidays.

Over 2,000 residents and visitors flocked to City Hall Visitors enjoyed taking photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. to enjoy a variety of holiday fes�vi�es. Mayor Myron Bailey welcomed everyone by declaring, “What be�er way to celebrate Co�age Grove and the holiday season than crea�ng a new family tradi�on!”

Families with young children enjoyed kids’ ac�vi�es like a reindeer toss, elf count and snowman bowling. There were bonfire pits and handwarmers close by to fend off the cold, and the night was not only illuminated by tree lights but also free glow s�cks. Hungry visitors could choose from one of three local food trucks. Wagons were used to shu�le visitors from parking lots at the HERO Center and the Washington County Service Center.

A highlight of the evening, as is typical, was the lit holiday tree and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year, the famous North Pole couple had with them some new guests: live reindeer that visitors could see up close.

The city’s public safety teams were on hand to ensure safety and to help direct traffic, and volunteers from the public works department managed parking for the event.

An event of this magnitude would not be possible without many volunteers and sponsors, and we would like to thank the Lions Club, our public safety and public works volunteers, Stantec, Van Meter Inc., Zywiec’s Garden Center, Basic Needs Inc., Monique Garza Realty Group, Burn Boot Camp Co�age Grove, Mary Slusser Spartan Promo�onal Group, River Oaks Golf Course & Event Center, and Discover Co�age Grove.

Live reindeer were an exciting addition to the festivities.

Thanks to everyone for coming, and we hope to see you at next year’s celebra�on!

CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE • 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY S • COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016 • 651-458-2800

December 2022

Tips for Using Salt Wisely in the Winter

Conserva�on District to use salt wisely:

HERO Center Range Pass Sale

1. Clear walkways before snow turns to ice and before you apply salt. The more snow you clear manually, the less salt you’ll need.

The HERO Center has a sale going on now un�l Dec. 31: purchase two range passes and get one free. The passes can be purchased at the front desk of the HERO Center, located just north of City Hall. The range is open to the public on weekends.

2. Salt doesn’t melt ice if the pavement temperature is below 15 degrees, so use sand for trac�on when it’s too cold or choose a different de-icer.

The center also offers gun safety and other useful courses. Learn more at HEROCenterMN.org.

Salt is an indispensable winter tool we use to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways and roads. But it’s important to use salt wisely because salt (chlorine) pollutes water, harms pets and aqua�c life, and corrodes buildings, cars and bridges.

Follow these �ps from the Washington

3. When you apply salt to pavement, don’t let clumps of salt form – leave one to two inches between granules.

A 12-ounce coffee cup filled with salt is enough to cover ten sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway.

4. Sweep up le�over salt, sand, and other de-icers to save for the next snowstorm.

Signature Dinners and Gift Cards Looking for somewhere special to spend an evening? Join us for the Friday Night Signature Dinners at Eagles Bar & Grill on Dec. 16 or Jan. 20. The menu features delicious items like the Signature Fish Fry, Marinated Ribeye Steak and the Firecracker Burger. Make a reserva�on at RiverOaksMuniGolf.com While you’re at dinner, or from the comfort of home, you can also shop for a River Oaks gi� card, which can be used for golf, Eagles Bar & Grill and the Pro Shop.

Naloxone Training On Nov. 29, trainers from RISE UP Recovery (located in Has�ngs) offered a training to the public on how to administer naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan. Naloxone is an opioid overdose response medica�on.

As our community is not immune to the struggles of substance use, it is necessary to learn how to administer �mely assistance. Learn more about the services offered at RiseUpRecoveryMN.com.

Follow us on social media @Co�ageGroveMN

Recycle Lights at the End of the Year Holiday string lights and extension cords are made with aluminum and copper, which are valuable recyclables.

However, lights and cords can get tangled on machinery at recycling processing facili�es so they should not be placed in your curbside recycling cart. Instead, bring them to the Washington County Environmental Center for recycling.

For address and hours of opera�on, visit Co.Washington.MN.US/604/ Environmental-Center.

May 2021 December 2022

Reminders on City Ordinances Regarding Snow Clearing

With the fresh snow and more on the way, keep in mind these snow removal city ordinances. Ci�zens or private snow removal companies are prohibited from plowing across the road or deposi�ng snow onto city property or public right of ways. It is also required that a private or non-city maintained sidewalk (generally those at businesses or apartment buildings) be cleared within 12 hours of the last snowfall.

If you see any viola�ons of these ordinances, please call the public works department at 651-458-2808 so that the viola�ons

can be addressed. This can help us keep our streets clear and safe throughout the winter.

Public sidewalks are maintained by the city. Per city ordinance, these safety sidewalks will be cleared within 48 hours a�er the last snowfall. Low-use trails are closed from Nov. 15 through April 15 each year.

The city has no wri�en ordinance that requires ci�zens to remove snow from around the fire hydrants near their property; however, the city requests and encourages ci�zens to create a three-foot clearance around fire hydrants if they are able.

If you have general ques�ons or want to request someone remove snow from a city-maintained sidewalk, contact the public works department.

2022 Mayor for a Day Winner On Nov. 16, the city welcomed Mackenzie Delaney, age 8, as the Mayor for a Day. Mackenzie a�ends Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion Elementary School and is a Co�age Grove resident.

Mackenzie’s essay was chosen out of more than 30 entries because of her enthusias�c vision for Co�age Grove as a place where everyone feels welcome and can get the help they need regardless of the language they speak. She also emphasized keeping city parks and trails clean and accessible.

During her �me as mayor, Mackenzie rode the Zamboni at the Co�age Grove Ice Arena, toured the fire and police facili�es, rode in a plow truck and saw other public works vehicles, learned about the du�es of many city staff members, held her own mini press conference where she read her essay, and enjoyed a pizza dinner with the city council. Mackenzie even put her educa�on to use and taught staff some Spanish phrases.

The two mayors at the Nov. 16 city council meeting.

The Mayor for a Day essay contest has become an exci�ng tradi�on each fall. It is a chance for Co�age Grove children ages 8-12 to write about their vision for the community and consider what they would do if they were mayor for a day. Now is a good �me to brainstorm with your children about what they might write for next year’s contest.

A video of Mackenzie’s day as mayor is available online at youtube.com/ Co�ageGroveMN.

Mayor Delaney getting a tour of the Central Fire Station from Fire Chief Rick Redenius.

Co�ageGroveMN.gov

CITY HALL 12800 Ravine Parkway South Co�age Grove, MN 55016 Co�ageGroveMN.gov | 651-458-2800 Mayor Myron Bailey and Council Members Steve Dennis, Tony Khambata, Jus�n Olsen and Dave Thiede

Winter and Holiday Tips from Your Public Safety Officers

Tour the Town with the Holiday Lights Map

Because criminals use the hustle and bustle of this busy season to their advantage, the Co�age Grove public safety team has these reminders to keep you safe as you shop, visit loved ones and partake in holiday fes�vi�es: • Be cognizant of your surroundings.

• Don’t leave your car unlocked or keys in your car, even if you leave your car running in your driveway just for a moment.

• Bring packages inside right away, or ask your delivery service to place them in an inconspicuous loca�on.

• If you are traveling, make your home look occupied.

Have a neighbor collect packages, or have your mail delivery paused while you’re gone. If it snows, have someone keep your driveway and walkways clear.

‘Tis the season for holiday decora�ons. For the last few weeks, residents have been signing up to be on the Co�age Grove Holiday Lights Map. Now it’s �me to see their handiwork! Visit Co�ageGroveMN.gov/ HolidayLights or use the QR code below to find the map of Co�age Grove homes that have been decorated with impressive outdoor lights and other displays.

When you’re ready to begin your lights tour, we suggest star�ng at City Hall where you can drop off le�ers to Santa in the red mailbox near the flag poles and see the city’s lit holiday trees. We hope you enjoy what our fes�ve neighbors come up with!

CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE • 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY S • COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016 • 651-458-2800