Here is the transcript with speaker names and timestamps added based on the context provided. [00:00] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: All right, good evening. You can hear a lot of commotion in the council chambers. We have some great swearing-in ceremonies that are going to be happening here shortly. But I am Mayor Bailey, and I’m calling this May 15th, 2024, Cottage Grove City Council meeting to order. The first order of business, of course, is the Pledge of Allegiance. So if we please rise. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. Well, Administrator, please do the roll tonight. [00:45] **Jennifer Levitt (City Administrator)**: Councilmember Clausen? [00:47] **Councilmember David Clausen**: Here. [00:48] **Jennifer Levitt (City Administrator)**: Councilmember Olsen? [00:49] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: Here. [00:50] **Jennifer Levitt (City Administrator)**: Councilmember Thiede? [00:51] **Councilmember Dave Thiede**: Here. [00:52] **Jennifer Levitt (City Administrator)**: Councilmember Garza? [00:53] **Councilmember Monique Garza**: Here. [00:54] **Jennifer Levitt (City Administrator)**: Mayor Bailey? [00:55] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Here. Next on our agenda is Open Forum. This is the opportunity if anybody wants to speak on something that’s not on tonight’s agenda, you're welcome to do so. We did have a sign-up sheet out front and nobody did sign up, so I’m assuming nobody wants to speak. But I’ll ask one last time: is there anybody that wants to speak on something that’s not on tonight’s agenda? All right, seeing none, I’ll go ahead and close Open Forum. We’ll move to five, which is adoption of the agenda. [01:15] **Councilmember Dave Thiede**: Move the agenda. [01:17] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: We have a motion by Councilmember Thiede. [01:18] **Councilmember Monique Garza**: Second. [01:19] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Second by Councilmember Garza. All those in favor signify by saying aye. [01:21] **Councilmembers**: Aye. [01:22] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Opposed? Motion carries. Next is six, which is presentations. This is the exciting stuff tonight, especially our very first one here, which is the swearing-in ceremony for the Deputy Fire Chief Nicholas Arrigoni and Fire Captain Brandon Ekran. Council, we’re going to walk down in front while our Director of Public Safety, Brad Petersen, gets the ball rolling with the rest of the group. So let’s roll. [01:45] **Brad Petersen (Acting Director of Public Safety)**: All right. Well, good evening Mayor, Council. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. As you know, each time we do it a little different with our swearing-ins, but tonight we’re going to be swearing in Nick Arrigoni as our newest Deputy Fire Chief and Brandon Ekran as a Captain. Just a real short—as you know, Rick Rinus retired last December 31st. I know he’s in the audience somewhere in incognito. But with that, you know, all of a sudden all the dominoes fall. So Jon Pritchard was promoted to Fire Chief, and with that, Nick took Jon’s position and now Brandon is taking Nick’s position. So without saying more, I would like to introduce Fire Chief Jon Pritchard, and he’s going to read some bios and do a quick welcome, and then we’ll do the swearing-in and badge pinning. Thank you, Chief. Remember, no more than ten minutes. [02:30] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: Well, we’ll get it to nine. So thank you, Director Petersen, Council. I’m going to ask Brandon Ekran—just have Brandon come up here. Yeah, we get to look at you as we introduce you to the crowd. So, Brandon’s being sworn in this evening after a well-deserved promotion to Captain. Brandon started with the Cottage Grove Fire Department in October of 2017 and brought a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills to the department. Brandon started his Fire/EMS career with the White Bear Lake Fire Department in April of 2009 as a part-time firefighter and EMT. In 2015, Brandon was promoted to a part-time firefighter paramedic at White Bear Lake after his graduation from the Hennepin County Medical Center Paramedic program. Brandon has also served as an EMT for HealthEast, which is now known as M Health, for four years. Brandon has been a foundational part of the fire department since his arrival six years ago. Brandon has been such a great role model for professionalism, excellence, and leading by example. He’s contributed profoundly to the development and training of many firefighters and has led the way through the department’s many improvement efforts. Brandon has served as one of our primary field training officers, helped design the department’s evidence-based field training program, and he’s also served as a Fire/EMS instructor, live burn instructor, and is a member of the Washington County Mobile Field Force. Brandon is also a state-certified fire instructor, live burn instructor, fire officer, and fire apparatus operator. Brandon lives in White Bear Lake with his wife, Bethany, and children Tucker—who’s up there with Brandon—and his daughter, Violet. Brandon enjoys spending time with his family, working out, gardening, fishing, and gaming. So tonight, Brandon’s son Tucker will be pinning Brandon. All right, Brandon, this is your moment now in front of your peers, your family, and the community to take your oath. So please raise your right hand after me and repeat as I go. I, state your name... [04:10] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: I, Brandon Ekran... [04:12] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: Do solemnly swear... [04:13] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: Do solemnly swear... [04:14] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: That I will support the Constitution of the United States... [04:17] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: That I will support the Constitution of the United States... [04:19] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: And of the state of Minnesota... [04:21] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: And of the state of Minnesota... [04:23] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: And faithfully discharge the duties... [04:25] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: And faithfully discharge the duties... [04:27] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: Of the position of Fire Captain... [04:29] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: Of the position of Fire Captain... [04:31] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: For the city of Cottage Grove... [04:33] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: For the city of Cottage Grove... [04:35] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: And the county of Washington... [04:37] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: And the county of Washington... [04:39] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: And state of Minnesota... [04:41] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: And state of Minnesota... [04:43] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: To the best of my judgment and ability... [04:45] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: To the best of my judgment and ability... [04:47] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: So help me God. [04:48] **Brandon Ekran (Fire Captain)**: So help me God. [04:49] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: Congratulations. [Applause] All right, and then I’ll have Nick Arrigoni come up to the front here. So tonight we’re going to be swearing in Nick Arrigoni as our new Deputy Fire Chief. Nick started his career with the Cottage Grove Fire Department in 2009 where he served as a part-time firefighter/EMT and as a part-time firefighter paramedic. After completing his Associate in Science degree and obtaining his paramedic certification in 2013, Nick worked at Lakeview EMS as a paramedic until his promotion to a full-time firefighter paramedic in 2014. In 2020, Nick was promoted to Fire Captain. In his role as firefighter and Fire Captain, Nick has led the department in many, many ways, including supporting Fleet and Equipment Services, serving as a Fire/EMS training instructor, a live burn instructor, incident command instructor, and in many other roles and responsibilities. Nick holds his Associate’s in Fire Science degree and will be completing his Bachelor’s degree this July—and he’s promised he will complete that on time. This may be to many a surprise, but impressively, this is only half of Nick’s background. Nick has served in the Army National Guard for 13 years, with the last 10 years in an elite role as a flight paramedic and squad leader with Charlie 2-211 General Support Aviation Battalion, where Nick is currently a Staff Sergeant in great service to our nation. Nick was deployed overseas from June 2018 through May 2019 to support Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield, where his unit provided medevac coverage for Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. Nick proudly shares he would do it again in a heartbeat. As a lifelong resident of Cottage Grove, Nick is proud to serve the community where he has spent his life and is even more proud to serve the nation that he loves. Nick currently lives with his fiancée, Katie—who’s a saint, by the way. Nick is eternally grateful to his fiancée, family, and friends for all their support. Nick thanks his mentors that have helped him through his career, who have helped him learn and grow; he humbly shares he would not be in this position today if it was not for them. Nick is grateful to the Public Safety and City leadership team for entrusting him with the position. Nick looks forward to many years to come serving the community of Cottage Grove. And Nick’s fiancée, Katie, will be pinning him this evening. All right, raise your right hand, repeat after me. I, state your name... [07:45] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: I, Nicholas Arrigoni... [07:47] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: Do solemnly swear... [07:48] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: Do solemnly swear... [07:49] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: That I will support the Constitution of the United States... [07:52] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: That I will support the Constitution of the United States... [07:54] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: And of the state of Minnesota... [07:56] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: And of the state of Minnesota... [07:58] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: And faithfully discharge the duties... [08:00] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: And faithfully discharge the duties... [08:02] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: Of the position of Deputy Fire Chief... [08:04] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: Of the position of Deputy Fire Chief... [08:06] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: For the city of Cottage Grove... [08:08] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: For the city of Cottage Grove... [08:10] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: In the county of Washington... [08:12] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: In the county of Washington... [08:14] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: In state of Minnesota... [08:15] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: In state of Minnesota... [08:17] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: To the best of my judgment and ability... [08:19] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: To the best of my judgment and ability... [08:21] **Jon Pritchard (Fire Chief)**: So help me God. [08:22] **Nick Arrigoni (Deputy Fire Chief)**: So help me God. [Applause] [08:35] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Can we get all firefighters to come please? That’s always a fun, exciting evening to do that. I agree. All right, while they’re filing out, we do have one more presentation this evening. It is the 2024 Historic Preservationist of the Year. Connor Jakes, who is our Associate Planner, is going to walk us through this. And that’s why I ask Council to stay down here so we can recognize those individuals. [09:05] **Connor Jakes (Associate Planner)**: Good evening Mr. Mayor, members of the Council. It's a pleasure to be with you for the presentation of the 2024 Historic Preservationist of the Year award. Annually, the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation nominates a recipient to the award that goes above and beyond in the promotion of Cottage Grove's history and the preservation of the rich history of the city. This year, the ACP has nominated Cindy Yee and Kathy Deare for their work on the preservation of the history and information that they’ve gathered on the Old People’s Home and Cemetery, which is off of 70th Street South. They’ve created a binder of information that will inform generations of future residents and really just hold the history of that site for residents, staff, and anyone interested in Cottage Grove history. With that, I’ll play a video that talks about the site and then talks about Cindy and Kathy as well. [10:15] **Herb Reckinger (ACHP Chair - via Video)**: Cindy and Kathy, I want to thank you dearly for your work on the Old People’s Home and Cemetery. Due to their efforts and bringing this cemetery back to life to do what they did, we just felt they were the most deserving this year. [10:30] **Cindy Yee (Recipient - via Video)**: I’m Cindy Yee. [10:32] **Kathy Deare (Recipient - via Video)**: And I’m Kathy Deare. And we’re here at the Old People’s Home Cemetery. If you look into the cemetery, you’ll see an empty circle, and that’s what I call it—it's just a circle with grass in it because there’s no markers. If you drive by here, you wouldn’t even know it's here. This is a cemetery. [10:50] **Cindy Yee (Recipient - via Video)**: This is at the top of the hill. A ways over was the Old People’s Home. They farmed and did all their own food. The house burned down in the morning of November 16th, 1917. 5:30 in the morning, the workers found a fire in the attic. Everyone that I talked to about this, everyone was saying it's probably just a poor farm. And it’s not a poor farm. These people were here, they were immigrants coming here, probably their families brought them when they got sick and they needed help. Also, a lot of our research was difficult because they were Scandinavian and they were all named Nelson and Johnson and Larson. [11:30] **Kathy Deare (Recipient - via Video)**: We’ve been working on this project for about a year and a half. Well, I think it was just a forgotten place. Maybe with our work, it won't get lost again. It’s giving them back their voice, that people just haven’t forgotten them. [11:45] **Herb Reckinger (ACHP Chair - via Video)**: Not only did you find information that none of us were aware of, but you’ve truly brought forward a whole story on the site. What you have done in turning a small sign on a one-acre lot into a whole book on the history of this site has significant meaning to the city. So once again, Kathy and Cindy, congratulations on this award. [12:15] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Great. All right, let’s give them a round of applause and if you would like to come on up front, that would be fantastic. We’ll start with Kathy. All right, so we’re going to go ahead and present this to you. It says: "The 2024 Preservationist of the Year presented to Kathy Deare for your contribution to the preservation of Cottage Grove's historical resources, May 15, 2024, by the City of Cottage Grove and the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation." So once again, on behalf of myself, the Council, and all the citizens of Cottage Grove, congratulations and thank you. [Applause] And then the next is Cindy Yee. It's the "2024 Preservationist of the Year presented to Cindy Yee for your contribution to the preservation of Cottage Grove's historical resources, May 15, 2024, by the City of Cottage Grove and the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation." And once again, I know it sounds like a broken record, but it’s important: on behalf of myself, the Council, our staff, and all its citizens, thank you for helping us preserve our history. [Applause] Before they go sit down, I’m just going to put them on the spot. My only question for you is: I’ve always driven by there and I do remember that house growing up in Cottage Grove. Any real interesting people that you discovered after going through all the history of the different people that were there? [13:45] **Cindy Yee**: Well, I think the most interesting thing is that they were immigrants and they didn’t come from Cottage Grove; there’s not people in Cottage Grove buried there. So they made it to the United States, they made it to this area that was high in Scandinavian immigration in that time. The families came, they had farms around Minnesota, but the grandmas and grandpas got old and sick, and so they had a place to go. [14:15] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Well, thanks again to both of you. Thanks for your service and the rest of the group's service on the Historic Preservation Committee. We do appreciate all the work that you guys do. Awesome. Though it's a kind of an unnamed cemetery, the reason I asked if they found anybody unique is it took many, many years before we realized that the cemetery next to McDonald's actually has the original heirs of the Mars Candy Company who are buried here in Cottage Grove. All right, so next on here is the 2024 Historic Preservation Month Proclamation. I did ask Councilmember Thiede to read that proclamation. [15:00] **Councilmember Dave Thiede**: Thank you, Mayor. "People have been gathering in this area currently known as Cottage Grove, Minnesota, for many years before and after recorded history. And each individual family or group of people that visited or lived in this community has contributed in one form or another to the interesting fabric that binds our past and present together. And the Cottage Grove City Council wishes to recognize the importance of learning and keeping the knowledge of our unique history accessible and relevant to current and new residents as well as the general public. And the Cottage Grove City Council holds deep gratitude for individuals and organizations that gather, interpret, and share information and stories on our distant and current past. Now, therefore, the Mayor and the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, County of Washington, State of Minnesota, hereby proclaim that May 2024 shall be declared Historic Preservation Month for the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota." [15:55] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: All right, so with that I’ll ask you if you’d like to make the motion to pass that proclamation. [15:58] **Councilmember Dave Thiede**: I will make the motion to pass this as May 2024 as Historic Preservation Month. [16:02] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: Second. [16:03] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Second by Councilmember Olsen. All those in favor signify by saying aye. [16:05] **Councilmembers**: Aye. [16:06] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Opposed? Motion carries. And next is D, which is the Building Safety Month Proclamation. I did ask our Councilmember Garza to read this one. [16:15] **Councilmember Monique Garza**: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. "Proclamation: Building Safety Month. Cottage Grove is committed to recognizing that the growth and strength of our community depends on the safety and essential roles our homes, buildings, and infrastructure play. And we are confident in the vigilant experts in building safety, fire prevention, and others in the construction industry who work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings. And Building Safety Month is also a time to remind the public about the critical role of our local code officials who assure us of safe, sustainable, and affordable buildings that are essential to our prosperity. Now, therefore, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Cottage Grove, County of Washington, State of Minnesota, hereby proclaim the month of May 2024 to be designated as Building Safety Month. Passed this Wednesday, the 15th day of May, 2024." [17:10] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: All right, so with that would you like to make that motion? [17:12] **Councilmember Monique Garza**: I will make a motion for the Building Safety Month of May 2024. [17:15] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: All right, so we have a motion. [17:16] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: Second. [17:17] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Second by Councilmember Olsen on that one too. All those in favor signify by saying aye. [17:19] **Councilmembers**: Aye. [17:20] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Opposed? Motion carries. And then finally, E—National Public Works Week, May 19th through the 25th. Councilmember Clausen is going to take us through this one. [17:35] **Councilmember David Clausen**: Thank you, sir. "Whereas Public Works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of Cottage Grove. And whereas these infrastructure facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of Public Works professionals who are engineers, managers, and employees. And whereas the year 2024 marks the 64th annual National Public Works Week. Be it now, therefore, the Mayor and City Council of Cottage Grove do hereby designate the week of May 19th to the 25th, 2024, as National Public Works Week." [18:25] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: All right, so Councilmember Clausen, would you like to make that official motion? [18:27] **Councilmember David Clausen**: I would like to make the motion, yes. [18:28] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Do I have a second? [18:29] **Councilmember Dave Thiede**: Second. [18:30] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Second by Councilmember Thiede. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. [18:32] **Councilmembers**: Aye. [18:33] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, Council. Next on our agenda is Consent Items. Does any councilmember have anything they want to pull on consent? [18:45] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: I would like to pull item I, Mayor. [18:47] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Okay, anyone else? All right, seeing none, I'll turn it over to Councilmember Olsen on Item I, which is the Highway 61 River Oaks R-cut Cooperative Construction Agreement. [19:00] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: Thank you very much, Mayor. The reason I chose to pull this item is because this is something that's been a long time coming. I wanted to make sure that the residents knew exactly what this is and why it is occurring. So I’m not sure if our City Administrator, perhaps our Public Works Director or City Engineer, wants to take this. But if we could just give the residents a brief explanation of what we're doing and why we're doing it. [19:30] **Ryan Burfeind (Public Works Director)**: Mr. Mayor, members of the Council. For this item, it’s called the R-cut intersection, or 'Reduced Conflict U-turn' intersection. They’re coming much more commonplace on these high-speed, limited access highways throughout Minnesota. You see a lot on Highway 52. And really what they’re targeting is these areas where it’s just not practical or safe to have something like a signal. What this does is it really takes out that median opening right at River Oaks entrance and the south entrance to Gerlach's, but it builds two u-turns in pretty close proximity. So it’s a safer access to the highway. The most deadly and dangerous crashes are those right-angle crashes at high speed. This really—I don't want to say eliminates them—but it's about a 90% reduction in serious injury and fatality crashes. [20:15] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: Thank you very much, Ryan. I appreciate that. We’ve been talking to MnDOT about this for a long time. I think it’s pretty exciting that we actually are moving forward with it. If you're visiting River Oaks, this is going to create a much safer way for you to get out. Yes, you’ll have to take a right-hand turn and move down 61 just a smidge before you're able to take that U-turn, but I think this is going to save lives. And with that, Mayor, I’ll turn it back to you. [20:40] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Since no other items were pulled on consent, I’ll look for a motion for consent. [20:43] **Councilmember Monique Garza**: I'll make a motion for consent. [20:45] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: I have a motion. Do I have a second? [20:46] **Councilmember David Clausen**: Second. [20:47] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Seconded by Councilmember Clausen. All those in favor signify by saying aye. [20:49] **Councilmembers**: Aye. [20:50] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Opposed? Motion carries. We’ll move to number eight, which is approve disbursement. 8A is to pay the bills. [21:00] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: Move the bills. [21:01] **Councilmember Dave Thiede**: Second. [21:02] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Motion by Councilmember Olsen, second by Councilmember Thiede. All those in favor signify by saying aye. [21:04] **Councilmembers**: Aye. [21:05] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Opposed? Motion carries. 9 is public hearings, there are none. 10 is bid awards, there are none. 11, we don't have anything on our regular agenda. So we’re all the way down now to Council comments and requests. I’ll go to my customary starting point here, which is Councilmember Clausen. [21:20] **Councilmember David Clausen**: I don't have anything to add. [21:22] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Awesome. We'll move right on then to Councilmember Olsen. [21:25] **Councilmember Justin Olsen**: Thank you, Mayor. I have four things briefly. Junk Day was May 4th. It was a rainy, gloomy day, and I know that our Public Works team and our Parks and Rec team certainly didn't relish being out in the rain all day. That being said, they did an incredible job. I think we were close to a thousand cars. So I just wanted to express my thanks to the team for braving through the rain. Second thing, Park Football Boosters have a pancake breakfast this Saturday at Muddy Cow from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM. Tickets are $10. I also wanted to mention that we are quickly approaching Memorial Day. That event will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday the 27th of May right out in front of City Hall. Our guest speaker this year is Herb Reckinger. And the last thing, Mayor: today, May 15th, is Peace Officers Memorial Day. We’ve already lost 58 brave law enforcement officers across the country this year. So when you go to bed tonight, if you can take an extra minute and say a prayer for the families and the colleagues of those who have been lost, including those in the city of Burnsville. With that, Mayor, I'll turn it back to you. [22:45] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Thank you, Councilmember Olsen. And we’ll move on to Councilmember Thiede. [22:50] **Councilmember Dave Thiede**: I think it’s just five weeks until Strawberry Fest. It is June 20th through the 23rd this year at Kingston Park. We still need volunteers to help out. If we get the same kind of weather and turnout that we've had the last couple of years, it'll be a fantastic event. [23:10] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: Thank you, Councilmember Thiede. How about Councilmember Garza? [23:14] **Councilmember Monique Garza**: I don't have anything tonight. [23:15] **Mayor Myron Bailey**: All right. The only quick things that I would mention: every Thursday here at City Hall, there is a food truck. It is open to the public from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This week, "Loand Combo Roll" is going to be out tomorrow. And then, the fourth annual One Family Sports Festival will be May 25th and 26th at Kingston Park. This is a huge event with a lot of sports and food trucks. With that, the next item is a workshop open to the public on the Public Safety 5-year Strategic Plan. After that, there is no workshop closed to the public. Council will join our staff and Public Safety team in the training room. Everybody have a great evening.