Cottage Grove EDA 7-14-26

The City of Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) held a meeting on July 14, 2026, but lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken. The meeting included updates on local community development projects such as expansions at Van Meter, ongoing apartment constructions at Roar's Apartments and Hadley Ridge Apartments, and progress on the Cedarhurst mansion and water tower. A significant procurement-related discussion involved a professional services agreement with Dowdle Studios for custom puzzles. The EDA has invested over $122,000 in this project, with about 1,600 puzzles remaining. The board discussed strategies to sell the remaining inventory, including leveraging an online platform to sell puzzles at a reduced price of $15, down from $25-$28, aiming to recover additional costs. Donation of puzzles to nonprofits was considered but requires legal review due to public purpose policies. Another key agenda item was the proposed designation of the Majestic Ballroom building as structurally substandard to preserve eligibility for future redevelopment tax incentives. Due to the lack of quorum, no formal action was taken on this or other items, and the EDA will consult legal counsel regarding next steps. The meeting concluded without votes and was adjourned by unanimous consent.