The Cottage Grove City Council tackled a busy agenda last Wednesday night, with actions that cleared the way for a development as well as a second drive-through lane at Culver’s and several other items of business.

Many items are included on council agenda’s as part of a consent agenda, whereby councilmembers in one vote give their approval on them. Councilmember Dave Thiede asked for a proposed 70th Street “No Parking Zone” to be taken off the agenda for more explanation.

“It’s quite a busy road,” he said.

The resolution unanimously passed by the council restricts parking on 70th Street South, 500 feet east and 600 feet west of the intersection of Inwood Avenue South.

Background provided to the council from City Public Works Director Ryan Burfeind and Assistant City Engineer Amanda Meyer states, “The City of Cottage Grove has reviewed the need for a “No Parking” zone along 70th Street, extending east and west at the intersection of Inwood Avenue. This issue was raised to staff by a resident during a public hearing at the City Council meeting on January 20, 2021. The main concern discussed was that vehicles traveling southbound on Inwood Avenue experience blocked sight lines by cars parked along 70th Street. The required sight distance was reviewed based on a 50 mph speed along 70th Street. “A no parking zone…would allow better sight lines for vehicles accessing 70th Street from Inwood Avenue. The parking restriction would be reflected on both sides of 70th Street.”

70th Street is a Washington County road, but the City of Cottage Grove is responsible for “No Parking” zones, and county officials have no problem with the restriction.

Cardinal Reserve

The Cardinal Reserve development zoning amendment and preliminary plat were approved. Zoning will be changed to R-3 Single-family Residential with a Planned Unit Development.

The Cardinal Reserve subdivision will consist of 59 lots for single family homes.

The project was proposed by Cardinal Crossings Development on 22.16 acres of land located at 9054 and 9176 Military Road, north and east of the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Military Road and butting up against the City of Woodbury border.

The land currently contains two single-family homes that will be removed. The Northwick Park single-family development is to the east of Cardinal Reserve, and there’s farmland to the west.

Homes will range from 1,500-1,700 square feet on the main floor and will include basements, most of which would be walkout or lookout. Prices are expected in the low-$400,000 range.

Grant Application-Glacial Valley

The city will apply for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant for $250,000 to be used for the Glacial Valley Park Development Project.

A memo on the matter from Parks and Recreation Director Zac Dockter states, “The grant provides local units of government up to 50 percent of the cost of the development of local parks and recreation areas. Parks and Recreation staff believes the development project at Glacial Valley Community Park meets all the grant requirements and would be a good candidate for application.”

Glacial Valley Park will be developed off of East Ravine Parkway at t cost of $2,865,000 with construction between 2022 and 2024. The MN DNR grant has a maximum of $250,000.

“The MN Department of Natural Resources has established the Outdoor Recreation Grant program to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state. The grant provides local unites of government up to 50 percent of the cost of development of local parks and recreation areas,” said Dockter. “The Parks and Recreation Department has been working on development plans for Glacial Valley Park to time with the adjacent housing growth. To date, the park master plan is completed.”

The park will include a playground, softball/Little League field, a high school soccer/lacrosse field, hockey rink, skating rink, sport court, picnic shelter and a warming house.

The park is slated for development between 2022-2024.

Culver’s Drive-Through A conditional use permit for a second drive-through lane at Culver Restaurant at 7998 Hardwood Avenue South was approved.

The second lane is necessary because of an increase in drive-through ordering.

“Over the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic, the applicant has noted an increase in drive-through traffic, which he does not suspect will subside,” Senior Planner Emily Schmitz told the council.

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission

Mike Zurbey was appointed chair and Susannah Brown was appointed vice chair of the Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission.

New Planner On Board!

Mike Mrosla joined the Cottage Grove City Staff as Senior Planner. he introduced himself to the council.

He has previously worked in neighboring communities and has been a Cottage Grove resident for 10 years.

“It’s a great opportunity to use my knowledge to help in the community where I live,” he said.

Commented Councilmember Justin Olsen, “There’s an awful lot going on, and you’ll be put to work.”