The Cottage Grove City Council met Wednesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. in the St. Croix Room at City Hall. Included on the night’s agenda were several items, including the swearing-in of two police officers, along with scholarship awards to three students pursuing public safety careers and issued proclamations recognizing Night to Unite and Parks and Recreation Month at its Wednesday, July 15 meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Justin Olsen presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Myron Bailey, currently recovering from back surgery.
The council meeting opened with public comment from Cottage Grove resident Colleen Millard, who asked the council to reconsider a variance request for a metal pole barn at 10590 East Point Douglas Road.
Millard said she and her husband want to construct a 30-by-40-foot steel pole barn on their five-acre rural residential property. The Planning Commission had recommended denial because city regulations do not allow the proposed metal exterior material for an accessory structure in the residential zoning district.
Millard argued that the property is rural and farm-like, surrounded by trees and bordered on two sides by agricultural properties. She said many nearby properties have pole barns and that the proposed building would be similar to one already on their property.
“We have lots of equipment, machinery, tools, and a stock trailer to store in the shed,” she said. “We like things neat and orderly, so we want a place to put them.”
The issue returned later when Council Member David Clausen pulled the variance denial from the consent agenda for discussion. Clausen argued the property presented unusual circumstances that justified granting a variance.
“This seems to be the reason that we have variances for a very unique, individual, one-of-a-kind building situation,” he said.
City Attorney Kori Land cautioned that the city intentionally changed its zoning regulations in 2023 to prohibit metal-clad accessory buildings in the R-1 district and that granting the variance could affect future requests. City Administrator Jennifer Levitt also noted the property is in an area expected to receive attention as part of future comprehensive planning.
A motion to uphold the denial ended in a tie with Mayor Bailey absent. The council subsequently voted to continue the matter to its next regular meeting in August, with Council Member Dave Thiede asking for additional information about the proposed building.
Earlier in the meeting, Cottage Grove celebrated the addition of police officers Peyton Taylor and Michael Tobritzhofer during a public safety swearing-in ceremony.
Interim Public Safety Director Brad Petersen thanked the officers’ families and emphasized the importance of the oath taken by new officers.
“You’re joining a very special elite team tonight,” Petersen said. “We call ourselves guardians serving our community.”
Taylor, a Cottage Grove resident, previously worked as a community service officer before becoming a sworn officer. Peterson said she is currently working the night shift and becoming involved with the department’s Mobile Field Force team. Her father, Bill, pinned her badge following the oath.
Tobritzhofer previously worked as a community service officer with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and South St. Paul Police Department before becoming a Washington County deputy and later joining Cottage Grove. Peterson said he is currently serving as the department’s DWI traffic safety officer. His mother, Patricia, pinned his badge.
The ceremony was followed by presentation of the Craig Woolery Scholarships through the Cottage Grove Public Safety Board.
Public Safety Board President Cindy Bailey said the scholarship was established in 2010 to honor retired Public Safety Director Craig Woolery and his 35 years of service to the community. Eligible applicants must be Cottage Grove residents pursuing post-secondary education for careers in law enforcement, firefighting or emergency medical services and demonstrate community engagement.
This year’s recipients were Alaina Adamez, Brett Salmonson and Wyatt Beaurline. Each received $1,500.
Salmonson and Beurline attended the meeting and spoke briefly about their interest in law enforcement, with both emphasizing a desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
Olsen thanked the Public Safety Board, Cottage Grove Lions Club and private donors who contributed to the scholarship fund.
The council also proclaimed Tuesday, Aug. 4, as Night to Unite in Cottage Grove.
Petersen said the annual nationwide crime prevention initiative gives neighbors an opportunity to meet one another while developing relationships with public safety personnel.
“The intent with this event is to have communities unite together and celebrate, build that community spirit, so neighbors get to know one another and build a network that supports each other and prevents crime,” he said.
Cottage Grove expands the traditional law enforcement event to include the entire public safety operation, elected officials, city staff and volunteers. Petersen said the city typically has approximately 40 to 50 registered neighborhood gatherings.
Council Member Clausen read the proclamation, which recognized Night to Unite as an opportunity to strengthen public safety and community partnerships.
The council also proclaimed July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month.
Thiede, who chairs the Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources Commission, read the proclamation recognizing the role parks and recreation play in health, physical activity, childhood development and environmental well-being.
In other business, the council approved property tax abatements associated with a portion of the city’s planned 2026A general obligation bond issue.
Finance Director Brenda Malinowski said the city plans to issue $5.42 million in bonds, including $1.88 million in tax abatement bonds for improvements at Oakwood Park. Following a public hearing at which no members of the public spoke, the council unanimously approved the abatements.
Council members closed the meeting with community updates.
Council Member Monique Garza highlighted Food Truck Thursday at City Hall, the Cottage Grove United Church of Christ Farmers Market and Locally Grown Theatre performances at the City Hall amphitheater July 17 to 19.
Clausen noted progress on the 80th Street construction project and thanked city employees working outside during hot weather.
“Shout out to our parks people who are out grading dirt, covered fields in this heat,” Clausen said. “The street department putting blacktop down. It’s hot. Thank you.”
Clausen also recognized the Pine Ridge Garden Club for its work maintaining flowers and gardens throughout the community.
Olsen highlighted Discover Cottage Grove’s second annual Patio Week, running July 12 to 18. Communications Director Phil Jents said the promotion encourages residents and visitors to patronize local restaurants and enjoy their outdoor dining spaces.
Olsen also reminded residents of the second annual Hometown Heroes Golf Tournament scheduled for July 31 at River Oaks. The tournament supports law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel, first responders, the Explorer program, military families and veterans.
Cottage Grove Council meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month in city hall. The public is welcome and invited to attend.