Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City administrator outlines water, school and redevelopment projects in EDA update
Summary
City Administrator Jennifer Lehi told the EDA that local economic activity is flat to slightly down and provided progress reports on the Intermediate Zone Water Treatment Plant, a new concrete-base water tower, multiple school construction projects and a pending land sale at the former Speedway site.
City Administrator Jennifer Lehi used the EDA’s Nov. 19 meeting to review local economic trends and project updates, noting overall activity was "flat to slightly down" while several capital projects move forward.
Lehi summarized the Beige Book reading for the area and said consumer spending, tourism, construction and residential real estate have decreased in recent weeks; she added Cottage Grove still expects to reach residential housing start targets despite October’s slowdown. "Right now, economic activity was flat to slightly down since the previous report," Lehi said.
On infrastructure, Lehi reported the Intermediate Zone Water Treatment Plant (behind the fire station on 80th Street) remains in heavy concrete work to complete underground clear wells and backwash tanks, with an estimated five to six months of concrete pouring remaining to finish below-grade infrastructure before winter. She described progress on a new concrete-base water tower near Highway 61, saying crews completed several lifts and plan to set the concrete bowl in 2026; Lehi noted the tower is important for growth in the industrial park.
Lehi also gave updates on school construction: a transition building owned by the school district at 70th in Jamaica required partial roof removal to accommodate ductwork tie-ins, Park High School’s exterior work and interior systems are progressing and Oltmann Middle School is adding a previously deferred wing and pouring concrete floors for a code-required storm shelter.
Lehi said demolition permits are in place at the Speedway site to remove the fuel canopy and underground tanks; the city anticipates a land sale in December and a possible planning application in 2026. She closed by noting recent community recognitions from the Cottage Grove Chamber and invited EDA members to local holiday events supporting the Friends in Need food shelf.
No public hearings were scheduled during the meeting, and the EDA adjourned after the items were completed.
