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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-09 Parks Commission Packet1 COTTAGE GROVE PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION February 9, 2026 COUNCIL CHAMBER - 7:00 PM 1 Call to Order 2 Roll Call 3 Approval of the Agenda 4 Approval of Minutes A November 10, 2025 5 Open Forum 6 Presentations 7 Action Items A Still Ponds Park Natural Resources Management Plan B Peterson Park Concept Master Plan Review C Grant Application Letters of Support D Public Landscapes Initiative Program E Commissioner Term Review F Facility Use Reclassification of Special Olympics 8 Action Updates A Denzer Park B CG Trailway Corridor Restoration C Oltman Park D Mississippi Dunes Park E Peterson Park F Still Ponds Park G 2025 Park Playground Donation H Ice Arena Naming Rights 9 Donations 10 Staff Reports and Materials 2 A Staff Reports 11 Commission Comments 12 Council Comments A Council Agendas 13 Workshop 14 Adjournment City of Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting November 10, 2025 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting was held on November 10, 2025. I. CALL TO ORDER & READING OF MISSION & Pledge of Allegiance Meeting called to order at 7:00pm at City Hall II. Roll Call Members Present: Susannah Brown, Kelly Glasford, Adam Larson, David Olson, Debra Gustafson. Members Absent: Samanthia Crabtree, Shane Waterman, Justin Waterman Others Present: Zac Dockter Parks & Recreation Director, Jim Fohrman Parks & Recreation Superintendent, Dave Clausen Council Liaison. Approval of Agenda A Motion to approve agenda made by Commissioner Brown & seconded by Commissioner Olson. Agenda approved. III. Approval of Minutes A motion to approve minutes from September 8, 2025. Motion made by Commissioner Brown & seconded by Commissioner Glasford. Minutes approved. IV. Open Forum-None V. Presentations-None VI. Action Items a. Ice Arena Remodel Design Review i. Over the past few months, we have been looking at the Cottage Grove ice arena and trying to solve some of the logistical problems we are having. The original rink was built in 1973 that included the barrel roof and the added onto it with the square flat roof section in 2008. One of the areas we have never touched since the building was built is from the offices to the concession stand and into the old restroom, which was converted to storage for the concession stand. Some of the problems we are trying to solve is improving the office space as right now the workspaces are severely cramped, and we have multiple staff sharing very small workstations. The concession area is very inefficient, so that needs some improvement since that is obviously a revenue generating operation. The lobby is quite aged, it looks like 1973, so we would like to improve the aesthetic look as well as the traffic flow. And then of course we can always use more storage areas. We are currently working with Ortel Architects who are familiar with this design. Zac presented the concept design to the Commission and the improvements we are looking to do including a new reception area, expanded office area, renovated concession area, expanded storage for concessions and general purpose, extended viewing platform for the north rink, an enclosed heated viewing area for the south rink, expanded stairs for locker room access, & updated floors and lighting. Commissioner Larson asked if we would keep skate sharpening in the office. Zac confirmed yes, we would but it will end up being tucked back away from the reception area to lessen the noise for staff. Commissioner Larson asked why the mezzanine is proposed to be so short & wondered if it could be extended further. Zac explained that the high school is looking to build a JV locker room in the future that would come from the other direction and space might be compromised. We can look into this more as we go through the design process to see if there is room to extend it, or if they are looking to attach to the existing beams and footings. We did look at trying to ease the bottle neck at the stairway, but right now we would have to remove a section of bleacher seating and not sure if we would like to do that, so we are looking to see if there is a better way to do it. The project right now is estimated to be under $2 million, but we will see where we are after completing the design. The ice arena generates revenue and is typically self-sustaining, so we are hoping to pay for this through that ice arena revenue. It would be a bond, and the ice arena would pay the bond through revenue. City Council still needs to give their approval, so tonight we are just looking for Commission feedback. We are still a couple months out from making any major decisions but would like the Commission’s feedback about the design to make sure we are going down the right track with your experiences at the arena. Commissioner Gustafson likes design, as she recently has been taking her son to skating lessons, she has learned how busy the facility can be. Commissioner Larson also liked the look and the openness and the access to the concessions. Having a warming spot on the south rink is going to be a great addition. A motion was made to approve the concept design by Commissioner Gustafson. Seconded by Commissioner Glasford. Motioned passed. b. Ice Arena Naming Rights Service Proposal i. The Council has expressed the desire for marketing rights for the Cottage Grove Ice Arena. We have had the option to sell those naming rights since the expansion in 2008, but we just haven’t had any takers, with the exception of CG Logistics who partnered with the city and re named the north rink to the CG Logistics Rink. We reached out to a few other potential partners but have been unsuccessful on our own. This is why most cities partner with advertising agencies. We reached out to one of the most successful agencies that we know in the area which is Front Burner Sports. We received their presentation on what they have done for other communities, brought that to Council in the form of two different workshops. The Council said to move forward with the proposal. Currently we are working on the final proposal from Front Burner Sports, will then bring it to Council, negotiate those terms, and see if it moves forward from there. Zac shared the full presentation of what the company does and history of success stories. It is a big endeavor, it takes a lot of work, and at the same time it changes the facility. If there were to be a company that wanted naming right for the whole facility, then it would no longer be called the Cottage Grove Ice Arena, and you would lose part of your identity and direct ties to the community. So, this is a pretty big deal, but it also brings in quite a bit of revenue to support operations. Looking for comments and feedback from the Commission. Commissioner Glasford asked if someone has naming rights, is it just monetary, or do they have a say in what goes on or what is done to the facility. Zac stated that no, they do not have any ownership beyond signage. Commissioner Brown asked about evaluating partners, and what types of things do they take into consideration, is it just who is willing to pay for it, or do we look at company values and visions to make sure it aligns with the city? Zac stated that one of the first steps in the process is meeting with the marketing agency and telling them what our policy and procedures are. Currently some of our policies are no gambling, no alcohol, no smoking, and we lay this information out ahead of time to make sure they are finding partners that make sense with our policies and our expectations. Commissioner Olson wanted to know more about the CG Logistics rink contracts and if there are any potential things with that contract that may impact our ability to move forward with others, and do these companies need to play nice with one another? Since CG Logistics is local here in town Commissioner Olson would want them to know we value their partnership, and this is in no way trying to diminish the value for us. Zac agreed with Commissioner Olson. Zac explained that when CG Logistics entered into the agreement it was less about marketing and advertising and more about community support. To the backside of Commissioner Olson’s questions, Zac stated that in the future we would have to make sure that different partners play nice together and we will figure out those things as we go. Commissioner Olson also wanted to express that it would be great to have a local business (Cottage Grove or Washington County) to have as a partnership. He has a little resistance to changing the name of the arena itself, as Cottage Grove is known for this arena. So, what are we losing and how do we value the loss of that name recognition around town. Commissioner Olson wanted to make sure that the Council takes that into consideration. Zac agreed with Commissioner Olson’s statement that he himself has tangled with this as well and will share with the Council. Commissioner Larson asked the average length of a contract. Zac stated on average it is 10 to 15 years. Commissioner Glasford asked what is the expected monetary value of something like this to the city. Zac stated that an entire facility could range anywhere from $750,000 to $1.5 million over the life of the contract. A sheet of ice would be more towards the $500,000 to $850,000 range, so it is quite a significant amount. Commissioner Gustafson asked what happens if you go through all of the phases and the city is out that amount of money that is listed in their presentation. Zac confirmed that yes that is true, but there is a 30-day opt in the contract at any time. A motion was made by Commissioner Gustafson to support the Ice Arena Naming Rights Service Proposal. Seconded by Commissioner Olson. c. 2024-2027 Work Plan Review i. Zac submitted the work plan review to remind the Commission of our mission and our goals. This is a document used to guide our conversations, and we want to make sure we are addressing all the goals that you have set forth. Looking for reaffirmation that the work plan doesn’t need to change. The Commission had no comments to change the current plan. As there are no changes there is no action needed. d. Commissioner Term Review i. Zac presented Commissioner terms. Commissioner Crabtree’s term will expire in February 2026, so we will be looking for one new Commissioner to serve a 2-year term. We are also seeking 2 youth seats ages 13 and up. No action needed. VII. Presentation of Information-None VIII. Action Updates a. Denzer Park i. The homes around the area are being built and the apartment complex is interested in property near the park again. So now that development is moving, we are going to look to next year to start the construction of the park. Construction of the park will take a year to a year and a half to complete. b. CG Trailway Corridor Restoration i. We have been burning some piles and finally getting those large piles of brush and debris out of there. Once the snow is on the ground, we will be able to burn the remainder down. We lost some trees to some over spraying unfortunately from Arbor Day. Most of the trees survived, but there are patches that didn’t make it, so we will plan on doing another Arbor Day planting again next year to fill out those areas and continue with some of the forest management and seeding. c. Oltman Park i. The three fields are pretty much done. They were out dormant seeding today, so the park is about 99% complete. Our crew will go out and excavate the playground which should be delivered and begin construction next week. The fields will have a year of rest and growth and then can be used starting in 2027. Commissioner Olson requested that this be on the tour schedule for next year. Zac stated that this will be one of the stops. d. Mississippi Dunes Park i. Continuing to work on different funding options. We did submit for a grant for State Park Road Access, which if we received this grant and get the road into the park, that will open everything up as that was money that we were not projecting we could get without the 3M settlement dollars. We should know by the end of the year whether we will receive this grant or not. e. Kingston Park Building i. No updates f. Peterson Park i. The developer has started to build homes. We do not own all the land around the lake yet, as the developer has not dedicated the land to us yet. Zac has had the privilege of walking all the way around the lake and it’s an awesome trail around the lake. g. Still Ponds Park i. No major updates IX. Donation and Acknowledgements-None X. Staff Reports & Educational Materials a. Each manager has submitted division updates and Zac included information from his recent MN Recreation Park Association Conference. Zac shared with the Commission that one of the classes he attended by accident was a social media influencer class, which was a mind blowing experience and showed how incredible the impact is from influencers compared to the government. XI. Commission Comments-None XII. Council Comments a. Council Member Clausen shared that one of the big topics that came before the Council and will be for the next few years is the Nelson Amrize Holcim mining proposal. Grey Cloud Island currently has a mining operation. They will be exhausting their current supply in about five years, so they have put a proposal to expand the mine out into another area in the Mississippi, which has created some comments within the community and people that live on both sides of the river. The environmental impact study was recently brought to the Council to approve the statement. The only thing the Council was asked to approve of were very narrow questions; did we follow the state law and did the citizens receive enough time to make their comments. The Council approved that the document was done properly and followed the law. We did not approve of them to start mining, that will be years in the future. Commissioner Clausen expressed gratitude to the Commission for the comments about the naming rights of the ice arena. The Council is divided on whether to move forward or not as if we do not find a partner, the cost to the city at minimum would be $20,000 as well as losing our identity if the facility is renamed. Commissioner Clausen also forewarned the council of the upcoming 80th street project that will be starting in the spring. XIII. Adjournment- Motioned by Commissioner Olson. Seconded by Commissioner Glasford Meeting Adjourned at 7:45pm To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Date: January 27, 2026 Subject: Still Ponds Park Natural Resource Management Plan Introduction/Background The City acquired Still Ponds Park in 2022 and has since been managing this open space. Currently, it is minimally maintained with a combination of paved and natural trails around the pond. Given the intention to keep this park focused on passive and natural recreational opportunities, the City coordinated with South Washington County Watershed District and the Washington Conservation District to develop a natural resources management plan. The goal of the Natural Resource Management Plan is to study existing vegetation and then develop a comprehensive restoration and management strategy to enhance native plant communities. Doing so provides essential ecological functions including pollinator and wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, water filtration, flood regulation and soil development/enrichment. Upon approval, the City will utilize this plan to acquire grant funding support for future restoration activities. Staff Recommendation Approve the Still Ponds Natural Resources Management Plan. Restoration Management Phasing & Cost Estimate Summary Total management costs were based on 4-year management plans. Total 4-year costs for all vegetation management are $693,050.00. Cost estimation is based on current 2025 market rates, contractor rates from 5 different companies, for a similar project, were averaged to get cost estimates. Management unit nuances may influence costs totals and should be considered. Continued Enhancement is recommended beyond the 4 year estimate. Existing Land Cover Management Unit 1 Altered non-native Woodland FDs37 Open W_ater & Wet Meadow Management Unit 2 Pine Tree Planting removal areas FDs37 Pine Tree Planting Thinning and Enhancement FDs37 Management Unit 3 Stormwater Ponds and Buffers UPs24 Woodland MHs39 or MHs49 Acres 8.5 11.4 10.8 1.3 8.9 6.6 Priority High Moderate Moderate Year 1 $82,400 $17,230 $33,300 $69,800 Table 1. 4-year management cost projections by Management Unit and Sub Unit Year 2 Year 3 I ---·- $28�00 $2�900 Year 4 $17,0,\.._ ·,'---,/ / \.� ----· $32,400 $77,240 $6,240 $6,240 $24,400 $2t800 $25,000 $2i,'?_00 $47,000 $2,600 $18,900 $12,000 32 Restoration Management Activity Phasing Total management costs were based on 4-year management plans. Total 4-year costs for all vegetation management are $693,050.00. Cost estimation is based on current 2025 market rates, contractor rates from 5 different companies, for a similar project, were averaged to get cost estimates. Management unit nuances may influence costs totals and should be considered. Management Unit 1 Altered non-native Woodland 8.5 Acres FDs37 Open Water & Wet Meadow 11.4 Acres -Management Unit 2 Pine Tree Planting removal areas Opn92 & WMn82 10.8 Acres FDs 39 Invasive Species Management-Woody Canopy thinning of unhealthy and Ecologically Inappropriate Trees & around Save Trees Understory Enhancement -�eding and planting Continued Enhancement Invasive Species Management-Reed $44,200 $68,000 Canary Gra��-$�,000 Invasive Species Management-Purple Loosestrife Bio control- -Vegetation -�nh��ceme!1! $1,200 Tree Removal-Canopy Removal _$82,400 Invasive Species Manageme__i:!t-He�aceo� $5,200/Acre $8,000/Acre $11,900 $11,900 $2,800/Acre $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $2,000/Acres; 2 yisits per year. $5,000 _ _ 2 visits per y�- - $1,200 $4,5Q9 _ $4,50_0 $4,500 _ �,Q00/Acre $]1,600 _2 visits per y�ar 33 Pine Tree Planting Thinning and Enhancement 1.3 Acres Management Unit 3 -Stormwater Ponds and Buffers 8.9 Acres - ---Prairie Restoration-Site prep Prairie Restoration- seeding Establishment-Tree and Shrub Planting --Establishment- Maintenance -Establishment-Tree and shrub maintenance Invasive Species Management-Woody ____ $6,730 Tree Removal-Canopy thinning of unhealthy and Ecologically Inappropriate Trees and save trees Enhancement-Understory seeding and planting Restoring Ecosystem processes-Continued Enhancement Invasive Species M�nagement-Herbaceous $10,500 $16,000 lnterseeding __ $�,900 Invasive Species Management-Reed Canary_Gras_s_ _i!:escribed Burning $2,400 --$8,900 $10�800 $30,240 $15,000 $20,000 $12,000 $3,§40 _g,640 $2,600 $2,600 $16,000 !16,000 $6,000 --- $2,400 $2,400 _J]S,000 $20,000 $12,000 $2,600 $10,000 $8,900 20 trees/ Acre -------- - 34 To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Date: January 27, 2026 Subject: Peterson Park Master Plan Concept Introduction In 2025, the City acquired land for the future Peterson Park from the Lochridge development area. The first step in park development is to produce a master plan. A draft of the master plan concept is attached and ready for review by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. Background Peterson Park’s concept design centers on the natural elements of the park landscape. Most notably, the lake acts as the focal point of the park with a 1-mile lake looping trail. The land around the lake will undergo a future natural resources management study to assure habitat preservation and restoration are a top priority. The smaller active portion of the park is scheduled to include a playground, picnic shelter, open lawn, dock/water access, benches/tables, landscaping, signage and a small parking lot. Upon approval a park master plan, staff will utilize this concept for future grant applications as well as for marketing and communications with future residents of the neighborhood and community. Staff Recommendation Provide feedback for the Peterson Park Master Plan concept. To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Date: January 27, 2026 Subject: Grant Application Letter of Support Introduction/Background The City is intending to apply for up to $750,000 from the MN DNR’s Outdoor Recreation and/or Local Trail Connections grant programs for the construction of Peterson Park. As a part of that application process, letters of support from community partners express a shared enthusiasm to complete the project. Staff respectfully request Commissioners consideration to authorize the letter of support included with this memo. Staff Recommendation Approve the Peterson Park letter of support. To: From: CC: Date: Subject: Introduction/Background Staff Recommendation To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission From: CC: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Date: January 30, 2026 Subject: Commissioner Terms Introduction/Background Below is a list of the new term details for each Commissioner. Reminder that each Commissioner may serve up to four full terms before their term limit. Commissioner Term Term Expiration Larson Final February 2027 Brown Final February 2027 Gustafson 2nd February 2027 Glasford 2nd February 2027 Crabtree Final February 2026 Olson 2nd February 2026 Samual Larson (Y) 1st February 2027 Youth Seat Open Recommendation No action required at this time. To: Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission From: CC: Noah Ranem, Recreation Specialist Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Date: January 30, 2026 Subject: Blazing Stars Special Olympics Introduction The City of Cottage Grove currently recognizes two athletic associations- Cottage Grove Athletic Association (CGAA) and East Ridge Athletic Association (ERAA). These associations are considered a Priority 3 classification when allocating fields and facilities for each season. Staff are recommending to recognize Blazing Stars Special Olympics as an athletic association and re-classify as a Priority 3 organization. Background Priority 3 athletic associations are invited to the City of Cottage Grove’s annual fields and facilities preparatory meeting each year in January. Blazing Stars Special Olympics is a non-profit organization affiliated with Special Olympics Minnesota. They have been a tremendous partner and user of Cottage Grove fields/ facilities for nearly 20 years as a Priority 4 classification. Currently, Blazing Stars Special Olympics have expanded their programs at Lamar and Arbor Meadows Parks to include kickball, bocce, football, and cornhole for local athletes. Reclassifying Priority 4 status is primarily concerned with the time-intensive process of re-allocating fields and facilities following the City’s annual preparatory meeting with Priority 3 athletic associations. By designating Blazing Stars as a Priority 3 organization enables concurrent field scheduling with CGAA and ERAA and eliminates the need to reallocate field usage from the delay in facility use requests. Staff Recommendation Recognize Blazing Stars Special Olympics as a Priority 3 athletic association for their impact on the Cottage Grove area Special Olympics community and equivalence to pre-existing Youth Athletic Associations. To: From: CC: Date: Subject: Introduction/Background Staff Recommendation � Cottage � Grove 01, \'rosl>erity Meet ere Pride an° COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL 12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA 55016 COUNCIL CHAMBER -7:00 PM 1 Call to Order 2 Pledge of Allegiance 3 Roll Call 4 Open Forum 5 Adoption of Agenda 6 Presentations 7 Consent Agenda A City Council Regular Meeting Minutes (2025-12-17) January 7, 2026 Staff Recommendation: Approve the December 17, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. B Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (2025-11-24) Staff Recommendation: Accept and place on file the minutes from the November 24, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. C Rental License Approvals Staff Recommendation: Approve the issuance of rental licenses to the properties listed in the attached table. D Single-occasion gambling permit and liquor permit -St. Rita's Church Staff Recommendation: Authorize issuance of a single-occasion gambling permit and liquor permit to St. Rita's Church to serve alcohol and conduct bingo at 8694 80th Street, on February 14, 2026, from 6 pm to 9 pm. E Designate a Newspaper Staff Recommendation: Designate the St. Paul Pioneer Press as the official newspaper for the City of Cottage Grove for 2026. F 2026 Business Licenses Staff Recommendation: Approve Resolution 2026-008 approving the Business Licenses listed in Attachment A. G Worksite Wellness Grant Application Staff Recommendation: Authorize the Wellness Committee to apply for the Worksite Wellness Grant through Washington County. H Compensation Study -Paypoint HR Staff Recommendation: Approve the proposal for Paypoint HR to conduct a compensation study in 2026 in the amount of $30,000.00. 1 � Cottage � Grove �IJ �t05perity Meet ere f'ride al\0 COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE AND EVENT CENTER 11099 US 61 SOUTH COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA 55016 -8:00 AM 1 Doors Open & Continental Breakfast (7:30 AM) January 10, 2026 2 Welcome by Mayor Myron Bailey and City Administrator Jennifer Levitt (8:00 AM) A 2025 Strategic Plan Update 3 Warm-up: Wins for the Year. (8:15 AM) 4 Discussion: Fund Balance Allocation and Future Revenue (8:45 AM) 5 15-minute Break (9:15 AM) 6 Community Development Strategic Plan (9:30 AM) A Community Development Department Staffing Report 7 Discussion: City Development Update {10:15 AM) A Economic Development Strategic Plan Report 8 City Landscaping (11:00 AM) A 2025 Strategic Plan -Landscaping 9 Update: Public Works/Parks Building Relocation Project (11:15 AM) A Public Works & Parks Building Relocation Project 10 Lunch and Discussion on City Communication Strategy (11:30 AM) A 2026 Communications Priorities 11 Fire Department Standard of Cover Study Presentation (12:15 AM) A Fire Safety Standard of Cover Study 12 Cottage Grove Parks, Today and Tomorrow (1:15 PM) A East Ravine Park Planning 13 Break (1:45 PM) 14 Financial Management Plan (2:00 PM) A Financial Management Plan Review 15 Recap and Closing (3:00 PM) 16 Adjournment (4:00 PM) 1