Development News for Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Cottage Grove Awards 2026 Joint Crack Sealing Project to Seal Pros for $163,900

The City Council considered the bid award for the 2026 Joint Crack Sealing Project. The project involves installing crack sealing material on roadways as part of the annual maintenance program and includes work for the cities of Newport and St. Paul Park. Initially, quotes received were over the $175,000 threshold, prompting the rejection of those quotes and a re-advertisement for bids. The re-bid process resulted in a low bid from Stone Pros LLC (doing business as Seal Pros) for $163,900, which is within budget and below the $175,000 threshold. This bid includes the base bid and two alternatives for additional material, which staff recommends accepting. The total cost is $163,900, with Cottage Grove's portion being approximately $91,000, St. Paul Park's $36,000, and Newport's $35,000. Seal Pros is a responsible contractor, though new to working with Cottage Grove, they have experience in other metro communities. The council discussed the significant difference between the low bid and higher bids, with staff explaining that the higher bidders may have been overcommitted with other work. The council approved awarding the bid to Stone Pros LLC, including the base bid and two alternatives, for a total of $163,900 via Resolution 2026-086.

Community Beautification Efforts and Upcoming Events Highlighted by Council

Council Member Clawson recognized the Pinerydge Garden Club for their volunteer work beautifying city hall and boulevards with flowers, enhancing the city's appearance. This led into a discussion about the Green Garden Award, sponsored by the Recreation Department, encouraging residents to submit nominations for great gardens or curb appeal. Awards will be presented on August 5th. Council Member Garza also praised the beauty of community gardens and yards, noting the vibrant blooming flowers and green grass. Mayor Bailey highlighted the dedication ceremony at Shepherd's Farm, a public space with trails, parking, and picnic areas, which received funding for a new pavilion from Marathon and St. Paul Park. The Dodge Nature Center, which operates Shepherd's Farm, aims to increase public awareness of the farm's amenities, including trails, conservation easements, buildings, and animals (like baby goats). Shepherd's Farm also hosts nature programs for children, including bussing in students from St. Paul. Council Member Mathe announced that Strawberry Fest is two weeks away and preparations are complete, with no anticipated issues from school construction. Additionally, Movies in the Park will take place on June 19th featuring the movie 'Wicked'.

Cottage Grove Welcomes New K9 Team: Officer Wellen and K9 Kai Join Police Department

The City Council was introduced to the newest K9 team for Cottage Grove, consisting of Officer Sydney Wellen and her K9 Kai. Officer Wellen recently graduated from K9 school and brings patrol experience. Kai, a one-year-old dog imported from Poland, completed a 16-week intensive training program with Officer Wellen, covering obedience, apprehension, tracking, search, and narcotics detection. They are now certified and have begun night shift patrol. This addition expands the K9 program to three dual-purpose patrol K9 teams and one therapy K9 team. The program is primarily funded through grants and donations and has received recognition for its work. K9 teams serve as locating tools, evidence recovery, missing person searches, force multipliers, and community outreach tools. The document also lists the current K9 handlers and their dogs.

Cottage Grove Receives 35th Consecutive GFOA Award for Financial Reporting; 2025 ACFR Presented

Rebecca Peterson presented the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to the City Council. The city's 2024 financial statements received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for the 35th consecutive year, with anticipation for the 2025 statements to also receive the award. The audit resulted in a clean, unmodified opinion on the financial statements, indicating fair presentation. No internal control deficiencies were found, and no instances of reportable non-compliance with Minnesota legal requirements were identified. Key communications to governance included no significant changes in accounting policies, but highlighted two significant estimates: uncollectible accounts in the ambulance fund and the net pension liability, which is approximately $10 million for 2025. A corrected misstatement regarding the implementation of 2025 approved ambulance rates was noted as immaterial. The report detailed financial highlights including a general fund balance at 50% of subsequent year's expenditures, over $39 million spent on water treatment infrastructure, and a property tax collection rate just under 99%. A comparison of the general fund budget versus actuals showed an increase in fund balance, primarily due to higher-than-budgeted licenses and permits revenue from new construction. The presentation also covered business-type funds (streetlight, EMS, water, sewer), noting the EMS fund is not self-supporting and relies on transfers from the general fund and property tax levies. Per capita revenue and expenditure data was presented, showing Cottage Grove's property tax per capita is lower than nearby cities and statewide averages, while intergovernmental revenues are high due to capital activity. Public safety remains the most significant expenditure category. The Council accepted the ACFR by a unanimous vote.