Nick Archibald

The meeting commenced with the call to order for the Utility Commission meeting of December 10, 2025. Key discussions included the approval of vouchers and a significant deliberation regarding the sewer utility rate study effective January 1, 2026, which refined a previously approved flat rate increase by evaluating costs based on meter class and size, projecting an average residential user increase of just over 3%. Under new business, an update was provided on the West Lawn fourth edition water main project, detailing the discovery and subsequent flushing of stagnant water caused by a closed interconnect valve that had been shut since 2021. Directors and engineering reports covered updates on the Hydrant Barrier System, the completion of underground utilities for Heyday Cottage Grove, the progress of the Well 2 rehab, and ongoing design for the Gaston Road and TT water main looping. An update was also given on the sanitary sewer farm interceptor project.

The meeting began with the official call to order for the hybrid library board meeting, confirming a quorum and proper posting of the agenda. No members of the public spoke. The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 16th library board meeting. The main discussion focused on the 2026 library board budget request, which seeks to maintain the exact same budget as the previous year to sustain current programming depth and breadth, aligning with strategic goals and recent positive community feedback, including initiatives like Glen Grove and youth/adult outreach. Updates on programming for August and September showed significant increases in program attendance, partly attributed to large events like Community Night Out and a Taylor Swift concert booth. Discussion also covered establishing ongoing Lego STEAM activities, reevaluating the scheduling for the Glen Grove program, implementing a sandwich board sign for visibility, initiating contracted story time and Zoomini classes at Lakeidge Bank, transitioning the Dungeons and Dragons club to the Pathfinder club, and launching a cookbook club in October. Furthermore, an update was provided on the annual All Community Read, noting a potential postponement or change due to logistical issues and the unsuitability of the initially planned Wisconsin-based author.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the February 12th and March 12th committee meetings. New business focused on the discussion and consideration of establishing permanent no-parking restrictions on the north side of Clark Street from Grove Street west to the village limits, primarily to ensure access for emergency vehicles during large events like the Rugby tournament and Parkinson Run. A motion to make the restriction permanent passed. The committee also discussed and approved the removal of an existing fence at the village property located at 101 East Cottage Grove Road to facilitate snow storage operations during winter and improve mowing efficiency in the summer. The engineering report provided updates on several projects, including the anticipated completion of West Lawn this summer, progress on Cory Ridge Phase D utilities installation, review of the TIA for the Amazon facility, and final submittals for Heyday Cottage Grove. Furthermore, the 2025 street and pedestrian improvements project received a low bid from Pesi Construction and is expected to start construction early next week, with notification mailers already distributed. The director's report noted the initiation of brush pickup, the sale of rain barrels, the upcoming e-waste event on April 26th, the submission of the MS4 annual report, and an initial positive outside inspection of the salt shed.

The Plan Commission meeting included public hearings and discussions regarding several agenda items. One public hearing concerned a request from New Tech Golf Carts for a conditional use permit for an outdoor display incidental to indoor sales, which was ultimately postponed. Another public hearing addressed a request from The Village Board of Trustees for the rezoning of multiple parcels from PB (Planned Business) to CB (Central Business), which was subsequently approved. Additionally, the Commission approved a site plan amendment for Stoddard's Meat Market & Catering to construct an approximately 930 sq. ft. addition to their existing building. Future agenda items noted for discussion include a sport complex, Toby Auto, and New Tech.

The Village of Cottage Grove's strategic housing plan outlines core values such as affordability, economic growth, informed community, and economic stability. It addresses six key housing priorities: diversifying housing stock, increasing overall housing supply, providing affordable units for low- and moderate-income households and seniors, supporting affordable single-family homes for first-time buyers, increasing community awareness of housing issues, and expanding senior housing options. The plan details specific strategies for each priority to achieve these comprehensive housing goals.