City Council

COTTAGE GROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 11, 2025 Mayor Solesbee called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. City Recorder Mindy Roberts called the roll. The following were PRESENT IN THE Mayor Candace Solesbee, Councilors Randell Lammerman, COUNCIL CHAMBERS: Dana Merryday, Jim Settelmeyer, and Darrel Wilson PRESENT VIA ZOOM WEBINAR: COUNCIL ABSENT: Councilors Greg Ervin and Christine Hyink YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE: STAFF PRESENT IN City Manager Mike Sauerwein, City Recorder Mindy Roberts, THE COUNCIL Public Works Director Faye Stewart, Chief of Police Cory CHAMBERS: Chase, and Community Development Manager Melany Klemmer STAFF PRESENT ZOOM WEBINAR: CITY ATTORNEY: PRESENTATIONS (a) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Community Development Manager Melany Klemmer shared that the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Cottage Grove planning staff had been working on a Disaster Preparedness Reconnaissance Level Survey of three different areas of town that have historic or potentially historic structures. She said the survey provided findings and recommendations for individual and historic district nominations, as well as disaster resilience recommendations for historic resources paired with general community preparedness. Evan West, Survey and Inventory Coordinator for SHPO, utilized a PowerPoint, attached as Exhibit A, to present an overview of the survey and findings . He explained that a Reconnaissance Level Survey (RLS) was an initial external and visual evaluation of potentially historic or known resources, without entering private property. He noted that the survey involved examining 172 properties in Cottage Grove, in three areas of the community, and identified 30 as preliminarily potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. I - City Council Meeting Minutes 8/11/2025 He outlined information about the three survey areas. Cottage Grove Speedway Area - Had the largest concentration of potentially eligible historic resources ( 15 out of 50) with the earliest date of construction identified as 1920. The Speedway itself was a unique historic resource, with primarily wood construction making it at risk for fire hazards. However, it was also an asset for disaster preparedness as a pre- disturbed surface area that could be used for staging during emergencies. Much of the area was located within a special flood hazard zone. Cottage Grove State Airport Area - The earliest identified construction date was 1935 and the area was noted as an excellent asset for disaster preparedness and showed potential for both individual and historic district eligibility. The area contained PeaceHealth Cottage Grove, representing critical infrastructure in a special flood hazard area adjacent to a regulatory floodway. Tay]or Avenue Area - Close proximity to gathering sites (Harrison Elementary and Lincoln Middle School). Some very early construction was identified, including a building from 1914. Unique hazards in the area included being bisected by the I-5 overpass, having substantial wildland urban interface risk, and having a single point of ingress/egress, which posed safety concerns. Councilor Merryday asked whether areas already in historic districts were surveyed for this plan. Evan West explained that the University of Oregon's precursor project had identified some known historic places in Cottage Grove. He noted that SHPO tried to survey as many parts of communities as possible to gain comprehensive knowledge, and that the final report would address the entire community, including known historic resources such as the Cottage Grove Museum and historic cemeteries. ITEMS ADDED TO THE AGENDA None APPEARANCE OF INTERESTED CITIZENS (a) Items on the Agenda Elaine Burns - City Resident, Ward 1 read a letter she had written to the Sentinel 30 years ago, emphasizing the importance of protecting everyone's freedoms and treating all humans with respect. Kenneth Roe - City Resident, Ward 1 expressed support of expanding the pickleball courts and the need to renovate the current bathroom or build a new bathroom. He added that the pickleball group was willing to contribute to the effort and help maintain it. 2 - City Council Meeting Minutes 8/11/2025 (b) Items not on the Agenda Peggy Good, non-City resident spoke in support of the pickleball community and expressed interest about plans to expand the courts. PUBLIC HEARINGS None CONSENT AGENDA (a) Approval of May 27, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes (b) Approval of June 4, 2025 Town Hall Minutes (c) Approval of June 6, 2025 Agenda Session Minutes (d) Approval of June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes (e) Approval of June 20, 2025 Agenda Session Minutes (f) Approval of June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes (g) Annual Liquor License Renewals City Recorder Mindy Roberts noted a correction to the June 23, 2025, City Council meeting minutes on page 10. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LAMMERMAN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WILSON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. Mayor Solesbee announced the motion with a second and called the vote. The vote on the motion was as follows: VOTE Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Mayor Ervin Hyink Lammerrnan Merryday Settelmeyer Wilson Solesbee AYES X X X X X NAYS ABSTAIN Motion carried 5-0. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (a) Resolution Authorizing Support for a 2025-2027 Department of Land Conservation and Development Housing Planning Assistance Grant Application Community Development Manager Melany Klemmer explained that the Housing Accountability and Production Office, within the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), offered resources to help Oregon communities prepare and update their local land use plans. Additionally, she said the resources would support the implementation of ordinances that address identified housing needs, manage growth, and protect resources. 3 - City Council Meeting Minutes 8/11/2025 She mentioned that the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) planning staff applied for the 2025-2027 Housing Planning Assistance Grant Program for the City of Cottage Grove and required a resolution of support. Community Development Manager highlighted that the primary goal of the grant was to develop, adopt, and implement plans necessary to support housing production, affordability, and choice, in line with statewide planning goal 10 for housing. She said if awarded the grant, City Staff would assist with the project through data gathering, reviewing deliverables, and participating in the project. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WILSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR LAMMERMAN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2172 ESTABLISHING SUPPORT FOR A 2025-2027 DEPARTMENT OF LAND CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT HOUSING PLANNING ASSISTANT GRANT APPLICATION. Mayor Solesbee announced the motion with a second and called for discussion. Seeing none, she called the vote. The vote on the motion was as follows: VOTE Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Mayor Ervin Hyink Lammerman Merrvday Settelmeyer Wilson Solesbee AYES X X X X X NAYS ABSTAIN Resolution No. 2172 was adopted 5-0. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL (a) Concerns from Council Council discussion and reports included: • Councilor Merryday requested Council support to direct City staff to consider declaring part of Daryl Burleson's training route as the Dyrol Burleson Trail. • Councilor Settelmeyer mentioned an opportunity for residents to participate in a world record attempt for gold panning on Main Street on September 13. • Councilor Wilson reported on a meeting with the South Lane District School Board to discuss restarting a student advisory position to Council • Councilor Lammerman inquired about the status of hiring a new Finance Director and Human Resources Director. City Manager Mike Sauenvein stated that recruitment for the Finance Director position was ongoing, and would close September 1. He stated that the City was contracting with Lane Council of Governments for a consultant to serve as the acting HR Director, similar to the initial approach with the Finance Director position. 4 - City Council Meeting Minutes 8/ 11/2025  • Councilor Lammerman raised concerns about the 12th Street safe sleep site, noting that it was underutilized and the fenced area was larger than necessary. He mentioned problems with loitering, trash build-up, noise complaints from nearby residents and businesses, and inquired whether the proposed nuisance ordinance would tackle these issues. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER (a) Report from the City Manager City Manager Mike Sauen.vein noted that he had a number of items to cover with the Council and asked Chief of Police Cory Chase to begin by discussing the 12th Street safe sleep site. Chief of Police addressed Councilor Lammerman's concerns, noting that loitering on City property was not illegal. He said the Police Department's focus was on criminal behavior, with the Police documenting 143 calls for service at the 12th Street camp in the past 90 days, including proactive patrols, arrests for illegal camping, theft, and warrants. Additionally, he said 27 calls were recorded at Trailhead Park, totaling nearly 170 calls. He noted that a security camera would be installed at the site to monitor activity and address illegal dumping. Chief of Police, in response to Councilor Lammerman, stated that he would contact Lane County to obtain data on the Mobile Crisis Unit's activities and visits to the site. Chief of Police, in response to Councilor Settelmeyer, said that while he does not have the data for comparison, he doubted any other location had the same volume of calls in the same period. Public Works Director Faye Stewart shared that Public Works staff opened the site Monday through Friday at 5 pm and closed it at 8 am, often requiring over 30 minutes encouraging individuals to leave. He said staff also collected trash, often filing a 5-yard dump truck weekly. On weekends, he said the Police oversee the site, occasionally calling Public Works for additional cleanup. City Manager reported on several administrative matters: • The League of Oregon Cities conference was October 2-4, and interested Council members should contact the City Recorder to register. • Isler CPA was completing the 2022-2023 audit, with an audit committee meeting scheduled for September 18 and the City Council presentation was set for the September 22 meeting. • At the August 25 meeting, the City Attorney would present the final version of the ordinance for chronic nuisances and a resolution repealing ordinance 2863, which formed the Economic Improvement District and Business Improvement District. City Manager Mike Sauerwein utilized a PowerPoint, attached as Exhibit B to highlight potential park redevelopment. He noted that no money was budgeted for redevelopment and this was the beginning of a discussion. 5 - City Council Meeting Minutes 8/11/2025 He identified three potential areas for development: 1. An 18,000 square foot area near Adams Street that could accommodate a 10,000 square foot skateboard park or other activities. 2. An area south of the pickleball courts that could be developed into a picnic area or an additional restroom. 3. Space adjacent to the existing pickleball courts where four additional courts could be added for a total of eight, which would allow tournaments to be hosted. Key points from Council included: • Councilor Larnmerman expressed concern about any development that might hinder Bohemia Mining Days' use of the park but was open to the other proposed areas if they did not affect the event. • Councilor Menyday noted that during recent Bohemia Mining Days, the southern half of the park was not utilized. • Mayor Solesbee expressed support for the pickleball group and appreciated their willingness to take an active role rather than simply asking the City to fund improvements. • Councilor Wilson supported the idea of additional or improved restroom facilities located near the courts. He noted that pickleball was noisier than tennis, so the proposed location away from residential areas was appropriate. He echoed concerns about protecting Bohemia Mining Days. • Councilor Settelmeyer suggested the southeastern area of the park be used for the skate park while developing the picnic area for Bohemia Mining Days activities. He proposed that a shuttle service address parking concerns during the event. • Councilor Menyday mentioned previous work with Councilor En,in on bringing improved skating facilities for Cottage Grove youth, including the concept of a covered area with movable skate features that could serve as a multipurpose facility. • Councilor Lammerman suggested relocating the safe sleep site and putting the skate park in its place, as it was close to Main Street with access to the trail and plenty of parking. City Manager responded that staff had looked at other potential locations for the Dust-to- Dawn site but the current location appeared to be the best solution available. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY (a) Report from the City Attorney None ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None 6 -City Council Meeting Minutes 8/ 11/2025  EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Solesbee announced that Council would be meeting for Executive Session held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2) (e), which allowed the Council to meet in Executive Session to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions. Mayor Solesbee recessed the regular meeting at 8: 15 pm. Mayor Solesbee reconvened the regular meeting at 8:27 pm. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Solesbee adjourned the regular meeting of the City Council at 8:27pm. The next regular City Council Meeting will be held August 25, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 7 ~City Council Meeting Minutes 8/ 11 /2025 ~ E-t H CCl H ::r: fJ  Evan West, Survey & Inventory Coordinator (503) 979-4189 evan.west@oprd.oregon.gov https ://www.oregon.gov/op rd/oh/pages/defa uIt. aspx  What is a Reconnaissance Level Survey • Foundational "first look" evaluation. • External and visual evaluation only. • Useful for community planning, including next steps in historic preservation. • May or may not be followed by other types of survey or planning actions. • Information collected is added to the Oregon Historic Sites Database. • Accessible to public. • Similar or less information as available through assessor records.  Disaster Resilience Plan for Heritage Resources in Cottage Grove • Developed in coordination between the City of Cottage Grove and Oregon " ~•• I ,/ ,t J,,, Heritage • Dual functionality: Reconnaissance Level ........,,, (rt; CI COtl l&l'f.if<.'fl' Survey (RLS) of historic resources bu ilding on -100[.M.ln,:,:,.,.r ( trl"t• ( ,r, _ 011 i7◄ }-1 recommendations of Disaster Resilience Plan .......... .,,1hhJl~ I ,.. Pdl"v R..-, ~~ th~ i ""t"'li~"'i:-"I for Heritage Resources in Cottage Grove ',,(O,::,el o l I'll""'"'- P.,~I( P:):l(y,,1nc M ,"-w;~ ..,,.,.t ur~W,"lll'Y ol ~'t'J"'~ University of Oregon, 2020.  / I -. , ..:-,,_·• ....... - . /,j \ ., '.:· . _.::::. •• f ' ,,, '.7 • 172 individual properties (resources) surveyed in three survey areas. • 30 resources preliminary identified as potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. • Substantial uniformity of building type/plan and construction material. • Final reporting will make recommendations for individual nomination, historic district nomination, and disaster resilience for historic resources paired with general community preparedness.  ,i " )( )( 'r" :tt: .. • ~ - :g ~ < "' < "'"' < • Largest concentration of potentially eligible resources (15/50). • Earliest identified construction dates from 1920 (1041 Lord Avenue). • Cottage Grove Speedway is a unique historic resource, as well as a unique asset for disaster preparedness and response.  Q) ::::, C: Q) ~ "C I,.. _g LO N M M Q) ::::, C: Q) ~ "E 0 .....J M o::t" 0 M  -=--=======---~_::.=.. - - ----- • Substantial area of wildland urban interface. • Majority of survey area located in Special Flood Hazard Zone AE. • Survey area bisected by railroad right of way. r... -►- ~ -/✓ ~ ------- ~ .... ' ~ ""!..._ ...... --,- ___ ;---. 7 ~ ~ , _ ___,,, ·"-,..:. ~ - - -;.. - ~- ' " _I1 ·: rt : ·., • Earliest identified construction dates from 1935 (78957 Thornton Lane). • Cottage Grove State Airport is another unique asset for disaster preparedness and response. • Potential individual and historic district eligibility.  Q) C ro ___, C ...., 0 C L. 0 ..c l- oo o::!" 0) 00 r--- Q) C ro ___, C ...., 0 C L. 0 ..c I- r--- 1./'l 0) 00 r--- • Critical infrastructure in special flood hazard area and adjacent to regulatory floodway. ~: • Lowest number of potentially eligible resources of all survey areas. • Extant potentially eligible resources under threat of city center development and encroachment.  • ~ <1. 0 ::,,., n: JO ~ iilP!S//!I-( n a • Proximity to potential gathering sites and emergency operation center locations (Harrison Elementary, Lincoln Middle School). • Earliest identified construction dates from 1914 (1505 Taylor Avenue). • Potential individual and historic district eligibility. "'C ro ~ V) ~ ~ ro c.. ~ o::::t" o::::t" M Q) ::::, C: Q) ~ ~ 0 > ~ 0 0 00 M  --------~ • Substantial area of wildland urban interface. • Single point of ingress/egress. • Grade of public right of way (Approx 12%). SR St c., ~ C: ., 0 ;:; :X: l:J S 3: c., l:J 1 S > <{ C 0 -::; :c 3: IS I) Cl ~ l:J AS C 0 ~ ;:; :c 3: ~ <{ C: QI :e"' • Ongoing Coordination with OEM, FEMA, and other Disaster Preparedness Partners. • Intensive Level Survey of properties identified for potential listing. • Detailed look at individual resources. • Includes both interior and exterior of buildings. • Exploration of grant and other funding opportunities. • Certified Local Government Grant. • Diamonds in the Rough. • Special Tax Assessment for Commercial Properties. • Federal Emergency Management Agency, "National Resilience Guidance: A Collaborative Approach to Building Resilience." U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2024. • Federal Emergency Management Agency, "Marshall Fire Mitigation Assessment Team : Best Practices for Wildfire- Resilient Subdivision Planning." U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2023. • National Park Service "Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation & Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings." U.S. Department of the Interior, 2021.  EXHIBIT B Coiner Park 2025 Monday, August 11, 2025 Cottage Grove City Council Regular Meeting _,, ,,,,,,. ,,,-✓-  2025 Coiner Park 8/6/2025, 10:11:26 AM 1:2,048 c:::::J UGB 0 0 .02 0.04 0 .07mi Parcel Labels 0 0.03 o.ce 0 . 11 km Parcels Wor1d_ Hinshade @ ~~~ ~~- ~~~-~: !JOIICM: CM. 'TtWTI""'"'- a.min. rAO. ~ \.l!l.G..:J, o ~ ~ and .... GI~ UMr ..MA..C..s ,,..,.,..,·~™-~  Possible Redevelopment Location Coiner Park 8/6/2025. 10:14:40 AM 1:737 c::::J UGB 0 0 .0 1 0 .01 0 .02ml Parcel Labels 0 0.01 0.02 0 .04km Parcels Wortd_ HHIShade @ ~ 1!at1. lbrnltm. cam.,. FAO. NOAA.. U!PO!l, o o,pt,IQ 1Ct.. ~ aia . , . Gl3 UMr eon,,,,u,,ry_ sourcet:: 61'1. ~ Nll'tlul. 00. USG$. ~ NA!lA., CGVJlll. N l'\OOIW)n. HC!!AS, NLS , OS. NMA. r-..oo:Jt l)ii'JWon. P a l ~ GSA, Grtcbncl,  Potentia l Coiner Park Redevelopment Area #2 8/6/2025, 10:21 :23 AM 1:7 37 C J uGB 0 0 ,01 0.0 1 0 .02 ... Parcel LabelS 0 0 .01 0.02 0.04km ParcelS World_ Hillshade @ ~ ~ : ~ 'Tbm'Tbm. ~ . f'AO. NOAA. USGS. 0 ~ and l'M!' ~ ~ COn'rnl.rtrty. ~ e.an. t.lalai(. ~ O S , ~ - HG,,\, NA:)A. CQNI. N ~ N ceA!., Nl..!J. 00. NMA.. C".....,..,:at ,,.-.,., ...~ CSf\. Gtot;1n1.  Possible Pickleball Court Expansion 8/6/2025. 10:18:02AM 1:737 c:::J UGB 0 0.01 0.01 0.02rt"M Parcel Labels 0 0 .01 0 .02 0.04km Parcels World_Hillshade @ ~ ~ 'JbfflltW'n. G.arnwi. f'AO. ~ u:>G:J. 0 ~ ~ C0nYTu"l!'f ~ ana .... GIS us« : esn. t.t;a:x, All'tlU5 oo. uses. ~ NA:iA. CGIN'\, N ~ Na!AS, ~ . al. NMA. _ _ "'I_GSA._no.