Council approves $35,000 sale of city shower trailer to Community Sharing

After public comment from volunteers and social-service representatives about the local shower trailer’s role in serving people experiencing homelessness, veterans and families in need, the Cottage Grove City Council voted unanimously to sell the city-owned two-station Montondo shower trailer to Community Sharing for $35,000.

Public Works Director Stewart explained staff had retrieved the trailer from a partner organization after a November 2025 council direction to recover and sell the asset. Staff pursued auction options but could not identify one that met the city’s timing needs and instead solicited buyers; the manufacturer valued the used trailer between $30,000 and $35,000. Community Sharing submitted a formal offer on Jan. 12 for $25,000 and a revised full-price offer of $35,000 on Jan. 21.

Multiple public commenters urged the council to accept Community Sharing’s offer so the service — used during extreme weather, for people fleeing domestic violence, veterans preparing for job interviews and for disaster response — remains available. Bruce Kelsh, board member of South Lane Mental Health, said his agency made a one-time donation of $35,000 toward Community Sharing’s purchase and urged the council to approve the sale.

Councilor Lammerman moved to accept Community Sharing’s full-price offer of $35,000 and direct the city manager to sign sale documents; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call. Councilors and staff noted that transporting the trailer from city shops back to Community Sharing would be minimal staff time and a small cost.

Action: motion carried unanimously to accept $35,000 offer and authorize city manager to complete the sale; proceeds to be placed in the general fund.

(Reporting note: vote and dollar amounts are recorded from the meeting transcript; the purchaser is named as Community Sharing in the record.)