COTTAGE GROVE – At last month’s Cottage Grove City Council meeting, the council unanimously instated Resolution No. 2158 to streamline public records requests, enacting a Public Records Request Policy for the City of Cottage Grove. This motion rescinded Resolution No. 1723, which had been in place since Nov. 2009.
In recent years, the City has opted to utilize NextRequest, a Freedom of Information Act system, instead of paper and manual processing. Resolution No. 2158 recognizes the implementation of this online service, highlights the policy’s reasoning, and explains how requests are turned in, processed, and responded to. The policy also details the establishment of cost for request fulfillment and where the cost breakdown could be acquired.
NextRequest grants the City Recorder the ability to receive requests electronically and direct them to the proper staff member. This individual will then locate the desired records and pass them off to the City Recorder, who will reply to the requester and distribute the needed materials within the proper timeline. Additionally, the resolution states that the City will acknowledge requests within five days.
Road improvements eyed for 2025
■ The City’s pre-application for Phase 2 of the Coast Fork River path project has been approved through the Oregon Community Paths Grant Program. The pre-application was filed in partnership with LCOG. At its completion, the path will join Cleveland to 6th Street, with Phase 2 providing an extension from Lincoln Middle School to S. 6th St. beside the railroad tracks. The City has been cleared to submit a State construction application by Jan. 15, 2025.
The application will cost $3,000, which will go to LCOG. If granted ODOT approval, SDC and Bicycle and Footpath Fund dollars will provide a 10% match in 2025-2026 from the 2027-2028 City budget. Staff will research additional grants with qualifying funding matches to assist with project costs.
The council at last month’s meeting unanimously approved proposed Resolution 2159, which will show support for the project.
City manager receives glowing remarks
■ The council broke into a private executive session last month to discuss the performance of city manager Michael Sauerwein. Upon reconvening into the public meeting, Councilor Greg Ervin summarized the proceedings. “The council is quite satisfied with the performance of our city manager at this time. We’re very grateful to have Mr. Sauerwein here.”
Ervin highlighted Sauerwein’s community involvement, availability, and strong leadership skills.
In compliance with the performance standards and evaluation section of the city manager’s employment agreement, the council was granted the ability to vote on a 3% salary increase for Sauerwein, effective Jan. 8, based on satisfactory work quality. The motion passed unanimously.
– Lauren Englet, The Chronicle
