City Detail

Background Information

City of Cottage Grove
County: Washington
Population: 34502
GreenStep City category: A
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 117
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Joe Fox
City Staff
joefox@cottagegrovemn.gov
651-458-2800
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
https://www.cottagegrovemn.gov/
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 5 ( )

City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics

City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.

Assessment File
2020 - click to view assessment
Metrics Files
2024 - click to view metrics file

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 47
1 star actions: 21
2 star actions: 19
3 star actions: 6

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

2 star - Action 2:

Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove completed energy audits in 2009 through Xcel Energy. As a result, all lights in the Public Works building, City Hall and Fire Station 2 were retrofitted. The heating system at the Public Works building was updated with fewer and more efficient units, from 9 unit heaters to 5 low intensity infrared heaters.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 3:

Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove received a renovations grant from the Office of Energy Security to retrofit three city buildings. City hall/public safety building, public works facility and fire station 2. The retrofits included replacing inefficient lighting to be replaced with high efficiency fixtures as well as occupancy controls.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

3 star - Action 4:

Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
3 commercial buildings in Cottage Grove have been labeled EnergySTAR as a result of documenting their engery use. Target in 2010, Cub Foods in 2004 & 2008, and Kohl's in 2008, whos commercial building was also LEED registered in 2009.

In the new Public Safety/City Hall building in Cottage Grove, all lighting have daylighting sensors and in the council chambers, SageGlass was installed on all windows letting sunlight in on cool days, blocking it out on hot days while reducing energy consumption.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://sageglass.com/sageglass/
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 5:

Conserve/protect drinking/groundwater resources by creating a water-wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, or guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove has adopted a water conservation ordinance which allows for odd house numbers to water on odd days and even house numbers to water on even days. In December 2012, a time restriction was also put in place which prohibits watering between the hours of noon and 4pm.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=&section_id=847511

Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}

3 star - Action 4:

Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing to minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove maintains two traffic signal corridors (80th street and Jamaica) which include signals owned by Washington County. The City is in agreement with Washington County and MnDOT to maintain and corrdinate our signals continuously through those two corridors. The most recent synchronization was in March of 2012 when traffic counts were taken for all intersections, timing changes were made in corrdination with Washington County and MnDOT to be sure signals in all corridors were running efficiently.
Cottage Grove has also implemented flashing yellow lights at the intersection of Jamaica/90th street/East Point Douglas to keep traffic flowing through instead of idling through entire signal rotaion.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Washington County; MnDOT
3 star - Action 8:

Replace the city's existing traffic signal indications with LEDs.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Currently, all traffic signals are LED within Cottage Grove. Yellow was done in 2010, red done in 2011, and green done in 2012. Cross walks that have not already been replaced with LED lighting will be done in 2013.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Building Redevelopment {BP no.5}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations and encourage adaptive reuse.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove has adopted a Historical Preservation Ordinance protecting places, areas, buildings, structures and other odjects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the people.
This ordinance also established an advisory committee on historic preservation who will request to council designation of historic landmarks, sites or districts within the community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=&chapter_id=27123
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Land Use Land Use

Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Cottage Grove adopted the Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan on March 2, 2011.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance are periodically updated.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 2:

Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Adopted City policies stipulate that all rezoning decisions must conform to the Future Land Use Plan and all new development must conform to the Staging Plan established in the adopted City Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 3:

Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing regional land use and watershed / wellhead impacts, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Comprehensive Plan updates are coordinated with the Metropolitan Council, Washington County, and other municipalities that adjoin Cottage Grove's corporate boundaries.

The City of Cottage Grove works collaboratively with Washington County, South Washington Watershed District, Metropolitan Council and other state and county agencies to prepare, implement and monitor surface water management plans, municipal water and sanitary sewer, stormwater systems and private on-site sanitary sewer systems.

Cottage Grove's Economic Development Department initiated a "shop local" campaign and has partnered with the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerence to promote local restaurants and businesses. The City continues to proactively market the City's attributes through a "Growth Partners campaign to help fill our current and future business needs.

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}

1 star - Action 1:

Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan requires 4.1 to 10 units per acre for medium density residential uses (i.e. duplexex and townhouses) and high density residential development in the MUSA. The City's Official Zoning map and Zoning Ordinance have been amended to allow a wider range of housing densities. The Comprehensive Plan encourages life-cycle housing opportunities and the construction of various housing types for senior housing ownership units, senior rental units and assisted living units.

The City will continue to use the Livable Communities Act (LCA) Housing Plan as an implementation tool in accomplishing the City's LCA housing goals.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 2:

Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove permits site development flexibility through the Planned Unit Development or Planned Development Overlay zoning process. Density bonuses are available in multi-family districts. An accessory dwelling unit is allowed in all residential zoning districts.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}

1 star - Action 3:

Adopt infrastructure design standards that protect the economic and ecologic functions of the highway corridor through clustering of development, native plantings and incorporating access management standards.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove abides by the MnDOT access management guidlines on trunk highway 61 corridor. The City is also currently working on an agreement with Washington County on an access management map to identify all access points to county roadways. Utilizing the Comprehensive Plan and East Ravine Study as an underlying guidance along with county policy on access management.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}

1 star - Action 1:

Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
NRI completed in 1998. Our current comp. plan specifically states that natural resource areas identified as highest quality in the NRI should be given priority in access or preservation efforts and development impacts should be kept to a level that preserves the integrity of the resource.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.cottage-grove.org/images/planning/cg_comp_plan_2030.pdf
1 star - Action 3:

For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Our Code specifies performance standards regarding tree removal in subdivision development. Tree inventory, sampling, and plans must be submitted with initial plan when tract of land requires.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=500&section_id=806968

Transportation Transportation

Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove Comprehensive plan goals include providing safe, high-quality, and cost effective multi-modal transportation systems within the community as well as focus on expanding transit options serving cottage grove. These options include increased bus routes, express bus service and commuter rail via the Red Rock Corridor.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 3:

Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A storm water basin was installed with the construction of the new City hall/Public Safety building. The basin collects runoff from the building and surrounding area then reuses the water for irrigation purposes.
The newly constructed Ravine Parkway project created a parkway in which the designing elements included surface water management in the design of the medians and infiltration basins.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 4:

Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity/safety within your road network by, for example, bike/pedestrian plan, adding a bike route/lane, truck route, sidewalk or mid-block alley.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Through pavement management the city adds both transportation and recreational trails to street corridors and open space. The city also enhances walk-ability and accessibility to neighborhoods through pavement management by adding sidewalk sections and segments in gap areas.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
3 star - Action 5:

Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
80th Street box culvert project created a safe route for pedestrians and trail users to have an at-grade crossing of 80th Street. This trail conection also provides conectivity between Kingston community park and the regional West Central Ravine Park.

Many of our recreation and transportation trails link to the Mississippi River Trail which connects Cottage Grove to both our neighboring communites to the east and west.

Our missing links map also indicates future connections to our neighbor to the north, Woodbury, during future development.

Multiple trail connections connect cul-de-sacs to main roadway and transpertaion trails within the community as shown on the attached trailway map.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 6:

Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
70th Street roundabout was installed summer 2013 at Highway 19. Double round abouts installed at East Point Douglas Road/Highway 61 and jamaica Ave.
Construction of the Ravine Parkway includes medians throughout as well as raised crosswalks.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

2 star - Action 1:

Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Received SHIP Grant in 2010. Used to install bike racks at 5 community parks. (Hamlet, Oakwood, Highlands, Kingston, and Woodridge) Bike rack guidlines have also been created for commercial developments. Requirements for location, spacing, style, quantity and installation.
A map of all City parks and trails can be found on the City's website. The map includes all hard surface trail and all city, county and state natural trails. All recreation facilities, schools, government buildings and all parks with an individual description of what is available at each.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
http://www.cottage-grove.org/cottage-grove-parks
1 star - Action 2:

Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove recently partnered with Washington County and the school district on a grant proposal to fund Safe Routes To School. Our SRTS program was awarded $62,000. Projects planned for the end of the summer 2013 include: create SRTS maps and promote safest routes, embed biking/walking curriculum into PE or other classes, participate in International Walk and Bike to Schools Days, encourage on-going walking/biking through school-based strategies like Walking Wednesdays, park/walk options, etc., training for school safety patrols, Purchase safety equipment
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Jan. 20, 2016
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Resolution No. 2016-014 Purchasing Policy
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 4:

Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense-certified products.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Replaced several facility toilets with U.S. EPA WaterSense toilets and replaced washing machines at Ice Arena with U.S. EPA WaterSense Washing Machines
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Kraft Contracting & Mechanical L.L.C.
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 7:

Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Use of Ipads for Council and Commission packets instead of printing copies as well as making packets available online to others was implemented on April 20, 2011. On January 27, 2012 a report was complied of the savings. Instead of printing 18 packet paper copies, only 2 paper copies are printed for each meeting. This is a savings of approximately $752. When including opportunity cost, where it is beleived the biggest savings have occured, savings equal approximately $3,068.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove has meet the requirements and been a Tree City USA member for 18 years.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
1 star - Action 3:

Budget for and achieve resilient urban canopy/tree planting goals.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In July 2012, Cottage Grove created a Public Landscape Initiative Program to motivate volunteers and employees within the City to contribute to beautification efforts. Projects are focused on active management of the urban forest, reforestation of highly visable community parks, public lands, and transportation corridors as well as provision of tree planting/landscaping , employee team building, and community volunteer opportunities. These tree planting and landscape goals are recorded and budgeted in our CIP through 2018. The city also recorded all of our boulevard trees in the community via GPS to help inventory, identify condition, size, species and other concerns with tree growth projections, disease monitoring, and tree trimming. This allows to provide a detailed management plan that aids in our budget preparation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
2 star - Action 6:

Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Groves staffs a licensed forester and recently hired a landscape horticulture professional.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

2 star - Action 2:

Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove was awarded as a Blue Star City in March 2011 for the City’s efforts to mitigate runoff through a combination of natural resource preservation, storm water management standards, pollution source controls and other activities that exceeded state requirements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 4:

Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater infiltration, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners and renters on the importance of managing stormwater runoff.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove's Surface Water Management Plan requires volume and rates to be controlled. If over used fees are required as a water quality cash dedication as a way to minimize the impacts of development and manage stormwater quality and runoff control. If an applicant is unable to meet the volume control standards the applicant will pay a cash dedication for mitigation. The cash dedications help to finance the system requirements related to stormwater quality and runoff volume control within the City.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
Not rated - Action 6:

Improve smart-salting by reducing chloride use in winter maintenance and dust suppressants to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
11-6-12: Outlines all erosion and sediment control policies for development or redevelopment projects.
City Code requires all applications requesting the approval of a grading, excavating, or and construction plan requires an erosion and sediment control plan from the applicant to assure management of erosion and stormwater during construction, excavation and grading.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=500&section_id=806974
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

2 star - Action 1:

Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Gaps are continuously filled when new development or redevelopment projects occur. Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Department along with planning staff manage a parks and trails map which outlines gaps in the City’s system of trails and open space in order to implement projects to remedy these gaps.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In Cottage Grove’s CIP, improvements scheduled include the purchase of additional park land, planning and development of parks and Trails as well as installing playground equipment in new parks. The revenues coming into the parks trust fund are calculated to reflect the anticipated housing growth and a great dedication of park land instead of park dedication fees.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=500&section_id=238618
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 3:

Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
* Cottage Grove provides 53 acres of park land/open space per 1,000 residents.
* Cottage Grove park land is 8% of net land. A large portion of our land is zoned as agricultural.
* Cottage Grove comprehensive plan specifies City’s park system is designated to serve as the recreational and social focus of neighborhoods which includes active and passive recreation activities geared specifically for those living within a half-mile service area. Page 5-5 of Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.cottage-grove.org/images/planning/cg_comp_plan_2030.pdf
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

2 star - Action 6:

Improve recycling services and expand to multi-unit housing and commercial businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove is committed to reducing, reusing and recycling products in our community. All residential trash haulers must provide weekly curbside recycling service in addition to trash pickup.

The City of Cottage Grove has three licensed trash haulers that are also required to offer recycling pick up. Licensed haulers empty recycling bins placed next to the curbside in conjunction with trash pickup.

Cottage Grove believes recycling and conservation are important. Promoting recycling has been part of many community events through activities, educational materials, and appearances by Freckles, the Recycling and Recreation Frog.

Washington County Public Health and Environment Recycling and Yard Waste provides a recycling facility in Woodbury. Cottage Grove Recycling Program promotes residents to utilize the recycling services provided by Washington County.

The City of Cottage Grove also sponsors a "Spring Clean-up Day" for residents to dispose of hazardous materials, household applicances and itmes that are not generally accepted from local trash haulers licensed by the City of Cottage Grove.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 7:

Improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Grove has a Recycling Incentive Program.
Every resident has an opportunity to win prizes for your recycling efforts. Each week City staff draws two residence addresses at random, checks to see if their recycling bin is out and has recyclable material in it. If it does, the City awards a prize to the resident.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

2 star - Action 1:

Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Cottage Groves Environmental Commission annual goals include achieving further in the GreenStep program. They receive a televised update twice per year on the next goals for implementation of Best Practices and create a reachable goal plan.

The commission also takes part in the communities Strawberry Festival each summer where members provide information to curious residents on their work in sustainable actions within the community.

In 2016 the communication department will be providing a 'weekly blast' via e-mail to residents including announcements, sustainable educational information and GreenStep updates. Currently, a monthly newsletter is distributed to residents which also includes sustainable actions the city is taking as well as opportunities for residents to take action in sustainable practices.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.cottage-grove.org/administration/communication/newsletter
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 2:

Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
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Cottage Grove produces an annual budget document outlining impact and outcome measures for most city departments. These measures are presented at a televised Council meeting each year as well as available on the City's website.
The City will be working to ensure impact and outcome measures are added to those sections of the budget for the 2016 budget. Some of these sections include:
Stormwater
Water conservation
Energy consumption

These updates will be presented at the 2016 annual budget presentation to the community as well as actual outcomes from 2015 and new impact measures for 2017.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.cottage-grove.org/finance-department/city-budget
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 star - Action 4:

Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local "waste" material.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
Cottage Grove Public Works brings all branches, brush and yard waste accumulated to the locally run compost site where the items are then used as mulch, compost, black soil etc.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
2 star - Action 7:

Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2012, area Chambers offered punch cards to be punched at local businesses for support.
Cottage Grove is continuing with our Shop Cottage Grove campaign that was kicked off in January 2012. In 2013, focus was put on raising awareness of why it is important to shop local. Also conducted a Shop Cottage Grove survey, and will be rolling out coupons to encourage people to Shop Cottage Grove.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt wind energy and/or biomass ordinances that allow, enable, or encourage appropriate renewable energy installations.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
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Implementation details:
Our current code allows for solar and wind energy installations in multiple zoning districts and can be found here:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=&section_id=806959
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
3 star - Action 2:

Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy by:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Our City Code Title 11-9E-6 offers a density bonus when - a site planning concept demonstrating innovative energy conservation efforts, including features such as orientation of lots and/or units for maximum use of passive solar energy, earth sheltering, alternative energy sources and preservation of solar access for active solar energy systems.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
3 star - Action 3:

Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
A PACE program has recently been approved in Cottage Grove who has a Joint Powers Agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority to offer a financing tool to commerical, industrial and non-profit buildings. The loan will provide opportunities to finance building upgrades that facilitate clean energy improvments.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 1:

Protect working landscapes - agriculture and forestry - by adopting an ordinance or incentivizing one or more of the following:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
An agricultural preservation district was created to protect productive agricultural capability, promote, maintain and enhance the use of the land for long-term agricultural purposes and to protect land from encroachment by the premature conversion to nonagricultural uses.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=500&chapter_id=27140
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899
1 star - Action 2:

Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
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Implementation details:
* A farmers market is open in the community spring-fall at Old Cottage Grove Church.
* All elementary, middle school and high schools within the community have a garden or wooded area. All areas are utilized by the students as well as the community.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Business Synergies and EcoDistricts {BP no.28}

1 star - Action 2:

Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business or conducts materials exchange activities with another organization.

Rating Guideline
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Implementation details:
Local business 3M uses the waste steam from their next door neighbor LS Power to heat parts of the plant and for other energy needs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Ryan Burfeind (City staff) | rburfeind@cottage-grove.org | 651-458-2899

Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}

2 star - Action 1:

Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2004
Implementation details:
The City of Cottage Grove works with Washington County to update the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (last approved by FEMA in 2012 and currently under review) and Washington County Emergency Operations Plan as appropriate.
Washington County’s All Hazard Mitigation Plan is aimed at helping cities and townships (including Cottage Grove) mitigate (prepare) for a variety of hazards such as flooding, tornadoes, and terrorism before they occur. In addition to the Washington County Plans, the City maintains an All Hazard Plan (Last updated in 2009) which identifies methods utilized for information dissemination during emergencies.
In the event of weather related emergencies, Washington County is responsible for disseminating all watches and warnings to the City of Cottage Grove (except warnings for conditions generated within the City itself). Washington County has the ability to utilize IPAWS to disseminate weather emergency information in English and Spanish, and ECHO Services to disseminate weather emergency information in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
The key City Staff for notifications are as follows: Craig Woolery (Director of Public Safety), Rick Redenius (Fire Chief), Myron Bailey (Mayor) and Charlene Stephens (City Administrator). Cottage Grove specifically identifies the protocol to notify residents by activation of the outdoor warning sirens and to notify the population not covered by the outdoor warning system by house-to-house contact, including alerting individuals with special needs. In addition to information dissemination within the City by the County, there are other available resources to residents for weather related emergencies including local and regional television and radio stations. The City of Cottage Grove identifies KSTP as the primary media outlet utilized for weather related updates and information for the area during weather emergencies.
KSTP maintains multiple media platforms within the greater metro area and includes three radio stations (KS95, 1500 ESPN and myTalk 107.1) and two local broadcast television stations (Channel 5 KSTP-TV and Channel 45 KSTC TV) which broadcast periodic weather updates and include warning tickertape banners (television) during weather events. These media sources provide additional means for the City to effectively disseminate information to its citizens during emergencies.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Washington County
For more information contact:
Jennifer Levitt (City staff) | jlevitt@cottage-grove.org | 6514582800