Cottage Grove council approves 2026 commission liaisons, honors retiring detective and highlights holiday donations
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Summary
Cottage Grove’s City Council on Dec. 17 approved the mayor’s list of commission and committee liaisons for 2026, recognized Detective Terry Raymond’s upcoming retirement, and noted more than $10,000 in holiday-train donations to a local food shelf.
Cottage Grove — The Cottage Grove City Council on Dec. 17 approved Mayor Bailey’s list of commission and committee liaisons for 2026 and marked the end of the council’s business for the year with routine votes to adopt the agenda, approve the consent agenda and authorize payment of bills.
Mayor Bailey read the roster of appointments — including mayor pro tem, liaisons to the Cottage Grove Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Economic Development Authority leadership, and representatives to several regional commissions and city advisory committees — and Council Member Olson moved to approve the selections. Council Member Claussen seconded the motion, which the council approved by voice vote.
The appointments include, among others, Council Member Olson as mayor pro tem and liaison to the Cottage Grove Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau; Council Member Claussen on the investment committee and Public Services Commission; Council Member Thiede on the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission; Council Member Garza on the Great River Rail Commission and Red Rock Corridor Commission; and Mayor Bailey remaining as president of the Economic Development Authority.
During council comments, Council Member Olson honored Detective Terry Raymond, who plans to retire Dec. 31, 2025. "We very much appreciate your exceptional service and your commitment to all of the residents of the city of Cottage Grove and South Washington County," Olson said, noting Raymond joined the department in February 2003 and worked in patrol, training and forensics, including computer and phone forensics.
Olson also urged residents to look out for neighbors’ mental health during the holidays and shared the national mental health hotline, (866) 903-3787, as a resource for anyone in crisis.
Council Member Thiede and Mayor Bailey highlighted the community’s holiday fundraising and volunteer efforts. The Lions Club purchased toys for families; the holiday-train stop in Cottage Grove was reported to have drawn nearly 2,000 people, and CPKC Rail presented the Friends in Need Food Shelf with a $10,000 check. Mayor Bailey referenced fundraising totals discussed at the event, citing about $156,000 raised prior to the CPKC check and noting prior fundraising figures of roughly $90,000 to $130,000 at different points.
The council closed its December meeting with a motion to adjourn for the year and holiday wishes from Mayor Bailey.
What’s next: The council’s schedule resumes in 2026 with committee meetings and the January Strawberry Fest committee meeting announced for Jan. 6 at Carboni’s at 6:00 p.m.
