Cottage Grove funds comprehensive-plan update and stormwater feasibility study; road and trail maintenance planned

COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. — The Village Board on Oct. 27 retained a proposed comprehensive-plan update and a stormwater-utility feasibility study in the 2026 preliminary budget packages while clarifying timing and funding sources.

Planning director Aaron Ruth asked trustees to fund an outside consultant for a full comprehensive-plan rewrite; staff suggested $100,000 as a planning estimate and noted the village could split the work over two fiscal years if the board preferred. Trustees discussed sequencing that update with a separately managed housing-chapter effort with county involvement; staff noted county housing-planning resources are currently constrained.

Public works director Kyla outlined 2026 public-works capital: BB bus and bike-path improvements and Damascus trail work, annual road and trail maintenance (funded from the $1,051,000 allocation), and vehicle/equipment replacement. Kyla described a proposed stormwater-utility feasibility study with consultant Strand (staff said they could complete the study for about $100,000 and plan for potential implementation in January 2027 if the board decides to move forward). The board discussed procurement and whether to solicit multiple proposals; staff said Strand is the village engineer and the firm may offer efficiencies given prior work but that a full RFP is an option.

Administration noted 2026 vehicle and major equipment needs align with a 10-year capital schedule; trustees were reminded that 2027 and 2028 include higher-cost items (a street sweeper and an aerial-ladder truck) and to be cautious deferring too many purchases into those years.

Trustees directed staff to keep comprehensive-plan funding in the 2026 budget (with flexibility to phase the work) and to refine study scopes and procurement approaches before the Nov. 17 public hearing.