This transcript has been formatted with the correct speaker names based on the City of Cottage Grove official list and the context provided. *** **[00:00:00] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Um, open this special meeting to order, which is a meeting to fill the term of Councilmember Dennis, who is no longer on the Council. Before we do that, though, I know we need to make it official and do a roll call. **[00:00:15] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Councilmember Clausen? **[00:00:16] Councilmember David Clausen:** Here. **[00:00:17] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Councilmember Thiede? **[00:00:18] Councilmember Dave Thiede:** Here. **[00:00:19] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Councilmember Olsen? **[00:00:20] Councilmember Justin Olsen:** Here. **[00:00:21] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Mayor Bailey? **[00:00:22] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Here. And as I mentioned, the only item on the agenda during this particular part of the meeting is filling a vacant City Council seat with our appointment. Councilmember Thiede, before you got here, I think Councilmember Olsen and myself both kind of explained the process to everybody. **[00:00:40] Councilmember Dave Thiede:** Yeah, I know the process. I know we've been through it a few times, but I just wanted to mention that. **[00:00:45] Mayor Myron Bailey:** So what we'll do is, I have—and I don't know if everybody has your paperwork—the applications and questions you sent in in front of us. I'll just go in alphabetical order. Again, you get three minutes. You can use it or not; it’s totally up to you. We’ll start with the very first person, and that is Terry—is it Dubris? Sorry, Terry. You can go right over here to the podium. **[00:01:10] Terry Dubris (Candidate):** To Mayor Bailey and the Council, thank you for your steady, compassionate leadership. You’ve shown us your resolve as well as your heart in times of need. You wisely invested in our future generations, creating additional quality education opportunities. Our city is stronger because of your leadership and vision. My family and I moved to Cottage Grove from Las Vegas in 2013 for employment with Xcel Energy. In my professional career, I've had many leadership positions with the IBEW Local 357. My current position is at Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant as an electrical maintenance supervisor. In my personal life, I’ve held positions in the Fraternal Order of Moose and the Christian Motorcycle Association. I feel the next natural step is to become actively involved in local government. I will focus on community safety, developing opportunities for new businesses, and supporting our existing community businesses. I will promote responsible fiscal decision-making and work toward offering more opportunities for youth and senior recreational programs. I have a vested interest in the Cottage Grove community and the knowledge, time, and dedication to devote to this position. Thank you. **[00:03:30] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Thank you, Terry. All right, next in order is Michael Falkner. Come on up. **[00:03:40] Michael Falkner (Candidate):** Hello and thank you, Mayor and City Council members. I have lived in Cottage Grove for a little over four years now. I am married with three children. We enjoy the parks, walking trails, and the splash pad. I am interested in City Council to ensure the continuation of this city's growth and safety. I want to ensure the parks remain the greatest I've seen in a long time. Regarding my qualifications, I have worked in the Wisconsin prison system for many years in a leadership role at St. Croix Correctional Institution, leading groups of inmates in rehabilitation programs. in my current occupation, I supervise two production lines, managing safety, schedules, and budgets. Thank you for letting me speak today. God bless you all. **[00:05:40] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Thank you, Michael. The next one is Monique Garza. She is not here, but there is a video. Here we go. **[00:05:55] Monique Garza (Candidate - Video):** Hello, Mr. Mayor, City Council, and community members. My name is Monique Garza. I have been actively engaged in our community for several years, serving on the board of the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce since 2022. My family launched "Movies with Mo," a free community event, in the summer of 2022. As a realtor, I have invaluable insight into our city’s growth. Furthermore, my work in quality assurance has equipped me with essential skills for informed decision-making. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents. I am confident my diverse background makes me well-suited to be an effective council member. **[00:07:30] Mayor Myron Bailey:** All right, next up is Tony Jurgens. **[00:07:35] Tony Jurgens (Candidate):** Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, I’m Tony Jurgens. I’ve been a Cottage Grove resident for over 30 years. I’m asking you to appoint me to the City Council. The person you appoint will serve for just one year until the next election. I think if you appoint someone who plans to run for the seat, you’re giving them an unfair advantage. So, I offer a different approach: if appointed, I will not run for election next year. I’ll serve one year, then step aside to create a level playing field. Issues over the next year include residential and commercial development and public safety regarding legalized cannabis and the fentanyl epidemic. With my experience as your State Representative and my 10 years on the Economic Development Authority, I can step in and be effective immediately. I know the leadership and the staff. I have the experience to hit the ground running. Thank you. **[00:09:40] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Thank you, Tony. Next is Amy Lucas. **[00:09:45] Amy Lucas (Candidate):** Hi, I am Amy Lucas. I’m a lifelong resident of Cottage Grove; I’ve attended four different schools here. My husband and I chose to raise our four children here. I’ve been teaching at Cottage Grove Middle School and Park High School for 30 years, so I have a pulse on the youth. I want to get involved for the long term. I’ve seen the city grow from when the drive-in and the roller rink closed to the flourishing community it is now. I want to ensure our parks and housing, including the new senior housing like White Pines and Nora Square, remain safe and successful. I would like to help our city keep growing. Thank you. **[00:11:15] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Thank you, Amy. And last but not least is Sarah Umbrite. **[00:11:25] Sarah Umbrite (Candidate):** Thank you. I am originally from Newport and moved to Cottage Grove in 2005. Throughout my career in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, I’ve collaborated with various organizations and built strong community relationships. In my current position with the City of St. Paul as a procedures coordinator in the Department of Safety and Inspections, I handle technical project management and compliance. I’ve begun to think about how my own community operates through the growth I’ve gained in my current government role. I am excited to dive deep into the council member arena. Thank you. **[00:12:45] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Thank you, Sarah. Before she hands out the ballots, I want to thank every one of you for throwing your name in the ring. It is difficult, and you must have passion. We have to pick one, so for those not chosen today, please get involved in our commissions. We have openings coming up at the end of the year on the EDA, Parks, and Public Safety commissions. **[00:14:10] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Mayor Bailey, I will be handing out one ballot. You will vote three rounds on the same ballot. *(Clerk collects and reads ballots)* **[00:14:40] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Councilmember Clausen: Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, Sarah Umbrite. Councilmember Thiede: Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, Sarah Umbrite. Councilmember Olsen: Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, Amy Lucas. Mayor Bailey: Terry Dubris, Monique Garza, Amy Lucas. **[00:15:05] Councilmember David Clausen:** I’ll take this brief intermission to compliment everyone. Reading through the credentials, I was really impressed. This is worse than doing regular votes on the council, to be honest. **[00:15:20] Councilmember Dave Thiede:** I’d like to amplify what the Mayor said. Getting involved in commissions is almost a prerequisite. I was on Public Works and Planning before getting on Council. **[00:15:40] Councilmember Justin Olsen:** Thank you all. I know Monique isn't here, but she's here in spirit. We’ve all served on commissions—I was on Public Safety for four years. Please take that passion and apply it toward serving the community even if you aren't chosen tonight. **[00:16:30] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Round two. Select up to two candidates. *(Clerk collects and reads second round)* **[00:17:30] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Councilmember Clausen: Monique Garza and Sarah Umbrite. Councilmember Thiede: Tony Jurgens, Sarah Umbrite. Councilmember Olsen: Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens. Mayor Bailey: Monique Garza, Amy Lucas. **[00:18:10] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Round three. Select one candidate from Monique Garza, Tony Jurgens, or Sarah Umbrite. *(Clerk collects and reads third round)* **[00:18:40] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Councilmember Clausen: Sarah Umbrite. Councilmember Thiede: Tony Jurgens. Councilmember Olsen: Monique Garza. Mayor Bailey: Monique Garza. **[00:19:00] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Any candidate receiving three or more votes will be considered for appointment. At this time, Mayor, you would need to cast an additional vote. **[00:19:10] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Well, I’ll stay with my original, which is Monique Garza. So Monique will get that then. Again, thank all of you. Please get involved. Before we close, I need a motion regarding the appointment. **[00:19:35] Councilmember Justin Olsen:** Mayor, I’ll move that the appointment of Monique Garza to the vacant position previously held by Councilmember Steve Dennis take effect as of the vote at our next meeting. **[00:19:45] Councilmember Dave Thiede:** Second. **[00:19:50] Mayor Myron Bailey:** All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Group: Aye). Motion carries. Motion to adjourn this meeting? **[00:20:00] Councilmember Justin Olsen:** Move to adjourn. **[00:20:01] Councilmember David Clausen:** Second. **[00:20:05] Mayor Myron Bailey:** We are adjourned into our regular meeting. *** **REGULAR MEETING** **[00:20:15] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Good evening. This is the November 15, 2023, Cottage Grove City Council meeting. First order of business is the Pledge of Allegiance. Will the clerk please do the roll? **[00:20:45] Tammy Anderson (City Clerk):** Councilmember Clausen? (Here). Councilmember Thiede? (Here). Councilmember Olsen? (Here). Mayor Bailey? (Here). **[00:21:00] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Next is Open Forum. No one signed up. Moving to Adoption of the Agenda. (Moved by Olsen, Seconded by Thiede). All in favor? (Aye). **[00:21:30] Mayor Myron Bailey:** We have recognition for Kent Griffith for his years of service as he is about to retire. Council, please join me down in front. Pete Kerner, our Director of Public Safety, will speak. **[00:21:50] Pete Kerner (Director of Public Safety):** I’m going to start my timer. No, in all seriousness, we wanted to recognize Kent Griffith. He’s been instrumental since 1989 with Regions Hospital. He’s a registered nurse and paramedic who provided medical direction for our city. He worked as a part-time paramedic with us and supported our COVID-19 response. Kent, you really deserve this recognition. **[00:23:00] Mayor Myron Bailey:** I’ll read the plaque. It’s in recognition of over 34 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cottage Grove. I’ve personally seen you at fire scenes helping people with smoke inhalation. You give yourself to this community. Thank you. **[00:24:15] Kent Griffith:** Thank you very much. I don’t feel I deserve this, but it’s been a pleasure. If it weren't for this job, I probably wouldn't have met my wife! It’s a great department. Thank you. **[00:25:00] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Next is the Proclamation for Small Business Saturday. Councilmember Olsen, please read. **[00:25:15] Councilmember Justin Olsen:** *(Reads Proclamation)* ...Now, therefore, be it resolved to proclaim November 25th, 2023, as Small Business Saturday. I make a motion we approve. (Seconded by Clausen. All in favor: Aye). **[00:26:30] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Consent agenda. (Moved by Thiede, Seconded by Clausen). **[00:26:45] Councilmember Justin Olsen:** Mayor, I just want the public to know that as a council, we pride ourselves on working collaboratively. We may disagree, but when the body makes a decision, we act as one group. It's a tradition I believe in. **[00:27:30] Mayor Myron Bailey:** All in favor of consent? (Aye). Item 8, disbursements. (Moved by Olsen, Seconded by Thiede. All in favor: Aye). **[00:28:00] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Public Hearing for the Gerlock property easement vacation. Emily Schmitz? **[00:28:15] Emily Schmitz (Community Development Director):** This is a housekeeping item. Back in 2012, an easement was recorded against the wrong parcel number. We need to vacate the old easement and record it over the correct pipe. **[00:29:10] Councilmember David Clausen:** Is Gerlock Services aware and okay with this? **[00:29:15] Emily Schmitz:** Yes, we are working closely with the Gerlock family and their trust. **[00:29:30] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Public hearing opened. No speakers. Hearing closed. (Motion to adopt resolution by Thiede, Seconded by Clausen. All in favor: Aye). **[00:30:15] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Council comments? Councilmember Clausen? (Concedes time). Councilmember Thiede? (None). Councilmember Olsen? (Seeds time to Mayor for announcements). **[00:30:45] Mayor Myron Bailey:** I’ll announce the holiday events. November 23 is "Hail to the Bird" at Hamlet Park for the Food Shelf. November 29 is the Hometown Holiday celebration here at City Hall with Santa and reindeer. "Fill the Truck" is December 2 at Woodridge Park. Our Holiday Home Lights tour map is also going live on the website. Finally, the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train arrives December 10. **[00:32:15] Councilmember Justin Olsen:** You missed one, Mayor! December 3 is the Santa Breakfast at the VFW Big Red Barn, hosted by the Cottage Grove Lions. $12 for adults, starts at 8:00 AM. **[00:33:00] Mayor Myron Bailey:** Thank you. We now have two workshops. The first is a closed session for attorney-client privilege regarding DuPont and 3M litigation. After that, we have an open workshop regarding the local option sales tax. Meeting adjourned.