The Cottage Grove Public Services Commission met Monday, March 16 in the St. Croix Room at city hall. On the night’s agenda were two main items, one a wide ranging update on city public safety from the Cottage Grove Police Department and the other a view at proposed ordinance to address growth in use of e-bikes and scooters.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Lisa Kons, with commissioners approving the agenda and minutes before moving into presentations and reports.
Cottage Grove Police Captain Brad Petersen presented the department’s 2025 annual report, outlining what he described as a “highly professional, high performing” agency serving a rapidly growing community.
Among the year’s accomplishments were the launch of a community service officer cadet program, expanded use of new technology such as automated license plate readers, and the addition of a grant-funded DWI traffic safety officer.
Petersen said the department continues to receive strong feedback from residents.
“Our community satisfaction rating…is extremely high,” he said, noting internal polling shows a 93% to 95% satisfaction rate with city police.
Peterson said crime in Cottage Grove remains low and continues a downward trend dating back to 2019, even as calls for service increase with population. Cottage Grove Police handled more than 50,000 calls in 2025, with increases driven largely by proactive policing efforts and population growth rather than rising crime.
Commissioners praised the report’s depth and clarity.
“This is incredible,” one commissioner said. “The number of metrics and the story that it can tell is amazing.”
The department also reported a high case clearance rate of about 80%, significantly above many comparable communities, and a very low use-of-force rate — just 91 instances out of tens of thousands of calls.
A key highlight of the report was the department’s case management unit, which works with residents facing mental health or substance abuse challenges.
Petersen said the program has led to an 89% reduction in calls for service among participants, along with significant decreases in arrests and hospitalizations.
“That’s just absolute proof of the good work that they’re doing,” Petersen said.
The program was said to have reduced strain on emergency services while improving outcomes for residents.
Looking ahead, Petersen outlined priorities for 2026, including continued focus on public safety, expanded traffic enforcement, officer wellness and succession planning as retirements approach.
Traffic safety remains a top concern among residents, prompting the department to add two dedicated traffic officers. The report with updates will now head to a future council meeting for formal presentation.
Also from March 16, The commission reviewed a proposed ordinance update and education campaign related to the growing use of e-bikes and scooters.
Petersen said the city is working with South Washington County Schools and the Youth Service Bureau to launch a safety and diversion program aimed primarily at youth riders.
Instead of issuing citations, many violations would result in educational diversion.
“We need to educate them, train them better,” Petersen said. “That’s our goal.”
Proposed ordinance changes include requiring helmets for riders under 18, allowing scooters on trails rather than forcing them into roadways, and establishing “reasonable speed” expectations to improve safety.
Commissioners voiced strong support for the approach.
“These are all the things that I was hoping would be in here,” one commissioner said, calling the plan “common sense.”
Public Works staff reported on recent snow removal operations, thanking crews for responding to a March storm that brought up to 11 inches of heavy snow. Crews completed two full passes of city streets and had roads cleared by late afternoon.
Officials also announced:
• Spring street sweeping is scheduled to begin April 6, weather permitting
• Hydrant flushing is expected to start April 13
• The city’s spring cleanup event is set for May 2
• Bids are being opened for a major 80th Street reconstruction project
Fire department officials reported progress on staffing and training initiatives, including efforts to secure a federal SAFER grant that would fund seven additional firefighters beginning in 2027.
The department is also expanding specialized rescue capabilities and continuing its community paramedic program, which aims to reduce hospitalizations through proactive care.
The commission closed the meeting with staff and council comments before adjourning