[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Cottage Grove 4-20-1987. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 5-18-1998; 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-2001; 5-7-2001 by Ord. No. 04-2001; 2-17-2003 by Ord. No. 01-2003; 11-17-2003 by Ord. No. 13-2003; 12-18-2006 by Ord. No. 18-2006; 2-26-2007 by Ord. No. 03-2007; 2-23-2009 by Ord. No. 01-2009; 8-17-2009 by Ord. No. 04-2009; 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 1A-2016; 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022; 7-21-2025 by Ord. No. 10-2025]
A. 
Classifications. There are three types of review bodies established by the Village Board. They are:
(1) 
Standing committees, commissions, and boards.
(2) 
Special (statutory) boards and commissions.
(3) 
Ad hoc committees.
B. 
Definitions of classifications. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AD HOC COMMITTEES
Ad hoc committees are created for a special purpose and for a limited duration of time. They may be created and their members appointed by the President subject to confirmation of the Village Board. When the ad hoc committee has fulfilled the charge given to it by the President, the committee shall be disbanded.
CITIZEN
A person whose primary residence is located in the Village of Cottage Grove, and who is not a Village elected official.
SPECIAL STATUTORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Special statutory boards and commissions are those bodies whose composition, duties and functions are specifically prescribed by the Wisconsin Statutes.
STANDING COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS
Standing committees, commissions, and boards are those bodies which are appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation of the Village Board.
C. 
Classifications of existing committees, commissions, and boards. The existing committees, commissions, and boards of the Council are classified as follows:
(1) 
Standing committees, commissions, and boards.
(a) 
Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Committee.
(b) 
(Reserved)
(c) 
Law Enforcement Committee.
(d) 
Emergency Medical Service District Commission.
(e) 
Cottage Grove Fire District Commission.
(f) 
Public Works, Properties, and Sustainability Committee.
(g) 
Budget Review Committee.
(2) 
Special statutory boards and commissions.
(a) 
Plan Commission.
(b) 
Utility Commission.
(c) 
Zoning Board of Appeals.
(d) 
Board of Review.
(e) 
Ethics Board.
(f) 
Community Development Authority.
D. 
Meetings: standing committees, commissions, and boards. All standing committees, commissions, and boards shall meet on an as-needed basis. Meetings shall be noticed by the Village Clerk in accordance with Ch. 19, Wis. Stats. Special meetings may be called by the Chair and any two committee, commission, or board members upon written request therefor to the Village Clerk.
E. 
Quorum. Every commission, committee, or board is deemed to have a quorum present for the purpose of transacting business if at least 51% of the voting members are present, unless this Code or statutes require a different quorum, in which case such provisions shall apply.
F. 
Records and reports. Every commission, committee, or board shall keep written summary of its proceedings and shall file copies of same with the Village Clerk.
G. 
Procedure. Every commission, committee or board shall elect a Chairperson.
H. 
Appointments.
(1) 
Except as otherwise provided herein, the Village President shall appoint trustee and citizen members for Village standing, special or ad hoc Village board, committee or commission.
(2) 
The Village President shall, subject to confirmation by the Village Board, have the authority to appoint any Village Board member to serve as an alternate member(s) of any standing, special or ad hoc board, committee or commission when the regular appointee is not able to attend.
(a) 
In the event the position of Village President is vacant as defined by the Wisconsin Statutes for a period of more than 30 days, the Village Board may appoint a Trustee to serve as an alternate member of any standing, special or ad hoc board, committee or commission, when the regular appointee is not able to attend.
(3) 
Any appointment pursuant to § 12-1H(1) or (2) shall be made by submitting a request in writing to have the nominee's name placed on an agenda for consideration at an upcoming Village Board meeting. The Board shall determine what background information, if any, shall be provided in support of the nomination.
(4) 
Any alternate appointed pursuant to this subsection:
(a) 
May receive an appointment limited to a specific meeting or a specified period of time; and
(b) 
Shall have full voting authority.
I. 
Filling vacancies.
(1) 
In the event the position of Village President is vacant as defined by the Wisconsin Statutes for a period of more than 30 days, a Village Trustee shall have the right to nominate any trustee or citizen for a vacant position on a standing, special or ad hoc board, committee or commission by submitting a request in writing to have the nominee's name placed on an agenda for consideration at an upcoming Village Board meeting.
(2) 
In the event any citizen position on a standing, special or ad hoc board, committee or commission remains vacant for a period exceeding 60 days, any Village Board member may nominate a citizen for the vacant position by submitting a request in writing to have the nominee's name placed on an agenda for consideration at an upcoming Village Board meeting.
(3) 
Any nomination made pursuant to § 12-1I(1) or (2) shall be made by submitting a request in writing to have the nominee's name placed on an agenda for consideration at an upcoming Village Board meeting. The Board shall determine what background information, if any, shall be provided in support of the nomination.
[Amended 6-3-1991; 6-21-1999; 2-7-2005 by Ord. No. 07-2004; 12-18-2006 by Ord. No. 18-2006; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 13-2007; 5-4-2009 by Ord. No. 05-2009]
A. 
The Committee shall be comprised of one Village Board member and four citizen members. The Director of Parks and Recreation and the Village Forester shall be the staff liaisons for this Committee. The Committee may include up to two additional members who are current students in Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 in a public or private high school, or the equivalent grade level in a home-based educational program.
[Amended 6-15-2009 by Ord. No. 09-2009; 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 05-2012; 2-3-2014 by Ord. No. 01-2014; 1-3-2022 by Ord. No. 13-2021]
B. 
Appointments.
(1) 
The Village Board member of the Committee shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The Board member shall serve for a one-year term commencing May 1 or until his/her successor is appointed and confirmed by the Board. (The Trustee shall be designated by the Village President to serve as Chairperson of the Committee.)
(2) 
Citizen and high school student members. The citizen and student members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation by the Village Board.
[Amended 1-3-2022 by Ord. No. 13-2021]
(3) 
The citizen members shall serve for two-year terms commencing May 1 or until their successors are appointed and confirmed by the Board. The terms shall be staggered so not more than two such appointments are made annually. Student members shall serve one-year terms commencing May 1.
[Amended 1-3-2022 by Ord. No. 13-2021]
C. 
Duties and responsibilities. The Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities, which are not all inclusive and shall be advisory except as otherwise provided:
(1) 
Parks.
(a) 
To create and develop both a short- and long-term plan and budget for the creation, development, and acceptance of parkland or purchase of parkland, and/or the development of recreational trails. Said plan should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the community.
(b) 
To develop criteria by which the Committee, the Public Works, Properties, and Sustainability Committee and the Village Board can determine if parkland, recreational trails or passive parkland is acceptable. These criteria shall be in a written form which shall be provided to each developer, citizen or interested individual for his or her use in proposing the development of, acceptance of or purchase of parkland or recreational trails.
[Amended 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022]
(c) 
To maintain an inventory of the parks, their usage and to determine if the needs of the neighborhood within which the park or recreational trail is located are being met.
(d) 
To create and develop a plan with an associated budget for maintaining the existing park areas and recreational trails within the Village.
(e) 
To create and develop a capital improvement plan/budget for upgrading, replacing and adding to existing park/recreational facilities, equipment and/or recreational trails within the Village.
(f) 
To research and apply for and seek alternate funding sources such as grants, donations and bequests.
(g) 
To identify projects which will require fund-raising activities, and upon identification, the Village Board shall create an Ad Hoc Fund-Raising Committee. One member of the Committee shall serve on this Committee, along with four citizen members as appointed by the Village President and approved by the Village Board.
(2) 
Forestry.
(a) 
To serve in an advisory capacity to the Village Board relating to trees and shrubs located within street rights-of-way, parks, cemeteries, and other public places in the Village, and to trees and shrubs located on private property that constitute a hazard, threat or nuisance as described herein.
(b) 
To prepare and maintain an inventory of trees located on public lands within the Village.
(c) 
To prepare and recommend to the Village Board a plan for the planting, care and maintenance of trees in the Village, including the number, species and location.
(d) 
To identify, improve and promote desirable plant species.
(e) 
To apply for county, state, federal and private grant moneys for the preparation and implementation of the Village's trees and natural area program upon approval by the Village Board.
(f) 
To recommend such persons or firms who are qualified in urban forestry to assist in the development of urban forestry and natural area management for the Village.
(g) 
To provide a forum for and encourage public comments on Village tree and natural area plans and programs.
(h) 
To annually conduct Arbor Day observance and ceremonies.
(i) 
Inform and educate Village citizens about the care of natural areas in their neighborhoods.
(j) 
To maintain "Tree City USA" status.
(3) 
Recreation.
(a) 
To work with the Recreation Director to provide recreational (educational and leisure) activities, both physical and/or cultural in nature, to the Village and Town residents; to annually review that these recreational, educational and leisure activities meet the needs for all income and age groups of the community.
(b) 
To work with other communities, organizations or service agencies to provide the most cost-effective method of developing and maintaining recreational programs or activities.
(c) 
To develop a working relationship with other educational facilities, schools and colleges to provide programs for the community.
(d) 
To work with the Public Works, Properties, and Sustainability Committee to develop and maintain areas for recreational programs.
[Amended 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 12-3, Public Relations Committee, as amended 6-3-1996; 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-2001; 2-17-2003 by Ord. No. 01-2003; 11-17-2003 by Ord. No. 13-2003 and 12-5-2011 by Ord. No. 09-2011, was repealed 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022.
[Added 11-3-2014 by Ord. No. 09-2014[1]]
A. 
Composition.
(1) 
The Committee shall consist of five members, three of whom shall be Trustees and two shall be citizen members.
(2) 
The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall serve as an ex-officio nonvoting member of the Village Law Enforcement Committee.
B. 
Appointment term of office.
(1) 
Except as provided in Subsection B(3) of this section, members shall be appointed by the Village President for two-year terms, subject to confirmation by the Village Board and continue until his or her successor is appointed and confirmed.
(2) 
The terms of the members shall be staggered so two of the Trustee members and one of the citizen members are appointed during the year the Village President is elected.
(3) 
In order to implement this new § 12-4 and create the staggered terms provided for herein, initial appointments shall be made as follows: two Trustees and one citizen shall be appointed for the time period extending from their initial appointment, until they are reappointed or until his/her successor is appointed and confirmed in 2015; one Trustee and one citizen member shall be appointed for the time period extending from their initial appointment until they are reappointed and confirmed or until his or her successor are appointed and confirmed in 2016.
C. 
Duties and responsibilities:
(1) 
The Committee shall be advisory to the Village Board.
(2) 
Oversee the general operations and management of the Department.
(3) 
When the Committee expressly determines it to be prudent or necessary, prescribe, review and/or approve rules and regulations for the control and management of the sworn and nonsworn personnel of the Department.
(4) 
Contract and purchase all necessary apparatus and supplies for the use of the Department expressly delegated to the Chief through a motion, resolution or procurement policy specifically adopted by the Committee.
(5) 
Audit all bills, claims and expenses of the Department except where expressly delegated to the Chief through a motion, resolution or procurement policy specifically adopted by the Committee.
(6) 
Provide recommendations regarding general policies, plans and long-range goals for the Police Department.
(7) 
None of the functions and powers in this section shall be construed to include powers for a Board of Police Commissioners in Wisconsin Statutes 62.13(3), (4)(a), (5), (7) including but not limited to hiring, firing, disciplining or promotion of personnel, nor shall the Committee conduct any hearing or other quasi-judicial proceeding.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former § 12-4, Joint Village/Town Law Enforcement Committee, effective 12-31-2014.
[Added 4-20-1987 by Charter Ordinance]
A. 
Composition. The Commission shall consist of the Village President, one Village Board member and five citizen members, all of whom may vote. The Village Engineer and Building Inspector shall be ex officio nonvoting members of the Commission.
B. 
Appointment; term of office.
[Amended 10-2-1995 by Charter Ordinance; 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-2001]
(1) 
Village Board member. The Village Board member shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation of the Village Board for a three-year term. The term of office shall commence on May 1 or until his/her successor is appointed and confirmed by the Board.
(2) 
Citizen members. The five citizen members shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation by the Village Board during April for a three-year term beginning May 1 or until their successors are appointed and confirmed by the Board. Two of the citizen members shall be appointed on May 1 during the year the Village President is elected while the remaining two members shall be appointed the following year.
C. 
Powers. The Commission shall be responsible for planning and environmental matters and shall have the powers and perform the functions enumerated in ss. 61.35 and 62.23, Wis. Stats., and as prescribed by the Village Board.
D. 
Comprehensive Master Plan. Subject to the approval of the Village Board, the Commission shall make and adopt a Comprehensive Master Plan for the physical development of the Village, including any areas outside of its boundaries which, in the Commission's judgment, bear relation to the development of the Village. The Commission shall keep such Comprehensive Master Plan current as required by the Code and the Comprehensive Master Plan.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-2001]
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-2001; 5-19-2003 by Ord. No. 07-2003; 7-16-2007 by Ord. No. 10-2007; 7-21-2025 by Ord. No. 10-2025]
A. 
Composition. The Commission shall consist of six members. Two members shall be appointed from each participating municipality.
B. 
Appointment; term of office.
(1) 
The Village members shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The members shall serve for a two-year term commencing on May 1 or until his/her successor is appointed and confirmed by the Village Board. The Village members' terms shall be staggered so that not more than one appointment is made annually.
C. 
Duties and responsibilities.
(1) 
The Emergency Medical Service District Commission has been created to manage and supervise the District.
(2) 
The Emergency Medical Service District Commission shall be bound by the agreement between the Villages of Cottage Grove and Deerfield and the Town of Cottage Grove, which may be amended from time to time.
(3) 
The Village members shall regularly advise and consult the Village Board and receive input and direction from the Village Board on Commission matters affecting the Village.
A. 
Creation and membership.
(1) 
A Zoning Board of Appeals is hereby established.
(2) 
The Zoning Board of Appeals shall consist of five members appointed by the Village President, subject to confirmation by the Village Board for three years, except that of those first appointed, one shall serve for one year, two shall serve for two years, and two for three years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of members whose terms become vacant. The Village President may appoint one or two alternate members for terms of three years, who shall act with full power, only when a member of the Board refuses to vote because of interest or is absent. The members shall serve without compensation and shall be removable by the Village President for cause upon written charges and after public hearing.
B. 
Duties and responsibilities. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the powers and duties as set forth in this section and s. 62.23(7)(e), Wis. Stats.
C. 
Appeals made to the Board of Appeals shall be made not more than 30 days after the decision of the administrative officer that is being appealed.
[Added 10-18-2021 by Ord. No. 12-2021]
[Added 4-18-1994; amended 3-18-1996; 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-2001; 6-4-2012 by Ord. No. 03-2012; 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022]
A. 
Composition. The Budget Review Committee shall consist of the Village President, two Trustee members and two citizen members. All members of the Budget Review Committee may vote.
B. 
Appointment; term of office.
(1) 
The Trustee members of the Budget Review Committee shall be appointed by the Village President, subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The Trustees' terms shall be for two years and shall be staggered so that not more than one appointment is made annually.
(2) 
The citizen members of the Budget Review Committee shall be appointed by the Village President, subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The citizen members' terms shall be for two years and shall be staggered so that not more than one appointment is made annually.
(3) 
The terms of office for all members of the Budget Review Committee shall commence upon appointment and confirmation. The terms for Trustees shall end as provided by law; terms for citizen members shall end when a successor is appointed and confirmed.
C. 
Functions and powers. The Budget Review Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) 
Annually review and recommend updates to the Village's Financial Management Plan.
(2) 
Annually review the Village's draft budget and make recommendations to the Village Board.
(3) 
Review other miscellaneous financial matters of the Village as necessary or as requested.
[Added 5-20-1996; amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-2001; 5-5-2003 by Ord. No. 5-2003; 2-7-2005 by Ord. No. 06-2004]
A. 
Composition. The Committee shall consist of seven members, and include at least one Trustee and four citizens. The Village Director of Public Works and the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director shall be ex officio nonvoting members of the Committee.
[Amended 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022[1]; 9-18-2023 by Ord. No. 06-2023]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also amended the title of § 12-10.
B. 
Appointments.
(1) 
The Trustee shall be appointed by the Village President, subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The Trustee shall serve for a one-year term commencing May 1 of each year or until his or her successor is appointed and confirmed by the Village Board. (The Trustee shall be designated by the Village President to serve as Chairperson of the Committee.)
(2) 
Citizen members. The citizen members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Village President, subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The terms of the citizen members shall be two-year terms. The appointments shall commence on May 1 of the year of appointment, and the members shall serve until their successors are appointed and confirmed by the Village Board.
C. 
Powers and duties. The Public Works, Properties, and Sustainability Committee is created for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations to the Village Board on all public works, public facilities, parkland, park facilities, recreational trail and related facilities.
[Amended 5-4-2009 by Ord. No. 06-2009; 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022]
(1) 
Public works:
(a) 
Responsible for the five-year capital projects plan for infrastructure located within the Village.
(b) 
Construction and maintenance of streets, alleys, sidewalks, gutters, storm sewers, stormwater drainage, and other public projects.
(c) 
Review and recommend to the Village Plan Commission updates, additions and deletions to the Comprehensive Plan - Transportation Plan.
(d) 
Review and recommend to the Village Board all budgetary, revenue and expenditure proposals relating to public works projects.
(e) 
Maintenance of public facilities and properties owned by the Village.
(f) 
Recycling and garbage collection.
(g) 
Collection of leaves and brush.
(h) 
Maintenance of public facilities owned by the Village.
(i) 
To promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare by monitoring and developing a program for management and maintenance of environmental corridors to include greenways, detention basins, wetlands, plant communities in public-owned natural areas or dedicated property areas within Village boundaries
(j) 
Any other duties or responsibilities as directed by the Village Board.
(2) 
Parks and recreational trails:
(a) 
Maintenance of public parks, recreational trails and facilities located within the parks.
(b) 
Review criteria and recommendations provided by the Parks and Recreation Committee in the determination of parkland dedication to the Village; approval by Village Board.
(c) 
Assist in the preparation of the short-term and long-term capital plans for the parks system located within the Village.
(d) 
Assist in the preparation of the short-term and long-term capital plans for the recreational trail system located within and adjoining the Village.
(e) 
Review and recommend to the Village Plan Commission updates, additions or deletions to the Comprehensive Plan - Transportation Plan - Recreational Trails.
(f) 
Any other duty or responsibility in relation to the parks and recreational trail system assigned by the Village Board.
[Added 11-3-1997; amended 7-21-2003 by Ord. No. 09-2003; 6-7-2004 by Ord. No. 03-2004]
A. 
Composition. The Board shall consist of two Trustee members and three citizen members. All members of the Board of Review shall be voting members. The Clerk shall serve as an ex officio member, and any of the Village Board members may serve as an alternate.
B. 
Appointment; term of office.
(1) 
Village Board members. The Village Board members designated by the Village President shall serve a one-year term commencing May 1. The appointments of the Village Board members shall be subject to confirmation by the Village Board.
(2) 
Alternates. All members of the Village Board who have not been designated members of the Board of Review shall serve as alternates who shall act, with full power, only when the designated members of the Board of Review refuse to vote because of conflict of interest or when a member is absent.
(3) 
Citizen members. The citizen members shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The citizen members shall serve for two-year terms commencing on May 1 or until their successors are appointed and confirmed by the Village Board.
(4) 
Compensation, as provided for in s. 70.47, Wis. Stats., shall be $50 per meeting for all citizen members of the Board of Review.
C. 
Functions and powers.
(1) 
Meetings. The Board of Review shall meet annually as provided by law. The Board of Review, through its Clerk, shall establish its meeting hours pursuant to s. 70.47(3)(b), Wis. Stats. The Board of Review shall annually select a member to serve as Chairperson. A majority shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of a quorum shall be required to raise or lower the Assessor's valuation of any property. Two members may hold an evidentiary hearing, but no member may vote or constitute part of a quorum for purposes of determining an assessment unless the member attended the hearing of evidence, or received a transcript or a mechanical recording of the hearing not less than five days prior to the meeting and read such transcript or listened to such recording, or received a copy of a summary of the hearing and all exceptions thereto not less than five days prior to the meeting at which the determination is made.
(2) 
Duties. The Board of Review shall have the functions and duties prescribed by the Wisconsin Statutes, particularly s. 70.47 thereof.
(3) 
Whenever the Assessor, in the performance of the Assessor's duties, requests or obtains income and expense information that is provided to the Assessor, it shall be held by the Assessor on a confidential basis, except, however, that the information may be revealed to and used by persons in the discharging of duties imposed by law, in the discharge of duties imposed by office (including, but not limited to, use by the Assessor in performance of official duties of the Assessor's office and use by the Board of Review in performance if its official duties), or pursuant to order of a court. Income and expense information provided to the Assessor under s. 70.47(7)(af), Wis. Stats., unless a court determines that it is inaccurate, is, per s. 70.47(7)(af), Wis. Stats., not subject to the right of inspection and copying under s. 19.35(1), Wis. Stats.
[Added 5-15-2017 by Ord. No. 02-2017]
D. 
Clerk. The Village Clerk shall serve as Clerk of the Board of Review. The Clerk shall keep an accurate record of all Board of Review proceedings.
[Added 9-20-2021 by Ord. No. 11-2021; amended 7-21-2025 by Ord. No. 10-2025]
A. 
Board committed. The Village has created a board known as the "Village of Cottage Grove Community Library Board," pursuant to Wis. Stats., § 43.54. The purpose of this board is to govern and administer the Village of Cottage Grove public library.
B. 
Composition and appointment.
(1) 
Number of members. The Library Board shall initially consist of seven members. Up to five additional members may be appointed by the county pursuant to Wis. Stats., §  43.60(3), as applicable.
(2) 
Organization. The Village of Cottage Grove Community Library Board is organized pursuant to Wis. Stats., § 43.54. The members shall serve without compensation.
(3) 
Selection and composition. The Village President shall appoint as one of the members of the Library Board the Monona Grove School District Administrator (or their designee). The remaining six members of the Library Board shall be appointed by the Village President, subject to confirmation by the Village Board of Trustees. Not more than one member of the Library Board shall also be a member of the Village of Cottage Grove Board of Trustees. Members of the Library Board other than the Monona Grove School District Administrator shall be residents of the Village, except that not more than two members may be residents of the Town of Cottage Grove. All members of the Library Board may vote on matters before the Library Board.
(4) 
Term of office. Upon first appointment, the members shall be divided into three groups, one group of three members and two groups of two members, to serve for two-, three- and four-year terms, respectively. Thereafter, each regular appointment shall be for a term of three years. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms in the same manner as regular appointments are made. The Superintendent of the Monona Grove School District or their designee shall serve an indefinite term until such representative's successor is appointed and qualified.
C. 
Officers. The Library Board shall annually choose from its members a president and such other officers as it deems necessary. As soon as practicable after the first appointments, at a date and place fixed by the Village President, and annually thereafter, within 60 days after the time designated in this section for the beginning of terms, the members of the Library Board shall organize by election from among their number a president and such other offices that they deem necessary to prescribe and adopt rules and regulations, including bylaws, for the operation of the library.
D. 
Meetings. The Library Board shall meet as needed. A majority of the membership of the Library Board shall constitute a quorum. All meetings of the Library Board shall be held in compliance with the statutory provisions of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law. No vacancy in the membership of the Library Board shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise powers and perform the functions of the Library Board.
E. 
Powers and duties. The Library Board shall have all the powers and duties set forth in Wis. Stats., Ch. 43, including, but not limited to, Wis. Stats., § 43.58.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 12-12, Environmental, Natural Area and Tree Board, added 8-18-1997, as amended, was repealed 5-4-2009 by Ord. No. 05-2009. See now § 12-2, Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee.
[Added 8-2-1999; amended 7-21-2025 by Ord. No. 10-2025]
A. 
Composition.
(1) 
The Commission shall consist of three Village Board members and three Town Board members appointed for terms to be determined by their respective Boards commencing May 1 or until his/her successor is appointed and confirmed by the respective Town/Village Boards.
(2) 
The Chairperson of the Commission shall alternate from year to year between the two municipalities with the Town serving even years and the Village serving odd years, with a year running from May 1 to April 30.
(3) 
A Vice Chairperson from the municipality not serving as Chairperson shall be chosen by his/her Board and shall act as the Chairperson when the Chairperson is not able to serve.
B. 
Appointments. The Village Board members shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation of the Village Board for a two-year term commencing May 1 or until his/her successor is appointed and confirmed by the Village Board. The terms shall be staggered so not more than two such appointments are made annually.
C. 
Duties and responsibilities.
(1) 
The Cottage Grove Fire District Commission shall be the management agency which shall oversee the Cottage Grove Fire District.
(2) 
The Cottage Grove Fire District Commission shall be bound by the agreement entered into between the Town of Cottage Grove and Village, and as may be subsequently amended by majority vote of both the Village and Town Boards.
(3) 
The Cottage Grove Fire District Commission shall adopt procedural rules and regulations for both the Commission and the Fire District subject to the approval of the Village and Town Boards.
(4) 
The Village representatives shall regularly advise and consult with the Village Board and receive input and direction from the Village Board on Commission matters affecting the Village.
[Added 7-19-2004 by Ord. No. 08-2004; amended 2-26-2007 by Ord. No. 03-2007; 2-23-2009 by Ord. No. 01-2009]
A. 
Composition and appointments. The Board shall consist of not fewer than three but no more than five members appointed by the Village President, subject to confirmation by the Village Board, for five years, except that of those first appointed, one shall serve for one year, one shall serve for two years, one for three years, one for four years and one for five years. One of the five members shall be an attorney at law. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of members whose terms become vacant.
B. 
The membership of the Ethics Commission shall be limited to Village residents, and its members shall not concurrently serve in a Village elected position or as a full-time or part-time employee of the Village. The membership shall not serve on any other Village Board, commission or committee during their tenure on the Ethics Commission. No member of the Ethics Commission may be a candidate for a Village elected position. Upon filing nomination papers for a Village elected position, a member will be considered to have resigned from the Commission.
C. 
The members of the Ethics Commission shall be appointed by the Village President and confirmed by majority vote of the Village Board. Terms of office of the members shall be three years, except that when the initial Commission appointments are made, one member shall be appointed for one year, two members shall be appointed for two years, and two members shall be appointed for three years.
D. 
The Ethics Commission shall elect its own Chairperson and Secretary and shall develop written rules of procedure, which shall be submitted to the Village Board for approval, as necessary.
E. 
Members of the Ethics Commission may be removed for cause from the Commission by the Village Board, before the end of their term. Removal for cause shall require a two-thirds vote of the Village Board.
F. 
The Village Attorney shall furnish the Commission with whatever legal assistance that is necessary in carrying out its functions. In the event that the Village Attorney would not be able to provide assistance to the Commission due to a professional conflict, the Commission may seek outside legal assistance after consultation with the Village Board.
G. 
The Ethics Commission may make recommendations with respect to amendments to the Village Code of Ethics Ordinance.[1] The Commission shall also be responsible for coordinating continuing educational opportunities for Village employees and officials regarding federal, state and Village ethics rules.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 13, Ethics Code.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 12-15, Library Board, added 10-18-2004 by Ord. No. 09-2004, was repealed 5-18-2009 by Res. No. 2009-13.
[Added 11-3-2014 by Ord. No. 11-2014]
A. 
Composition.
(1) 
The Commission shall consist of five citizen members.
B. 
Appointment term of office.
(1) 
The members shall be appointed by the Village President subject to confirmation by the Village Board.
(2) 
The Commissioners shall be appointed for five-year terms except for those first appointed, one shall be for a one-year term, one shall be for a two-year term, one shall be for a three-year term, one shall be for a four-year term, one shall be for a five-year term.
(3) 
No appointment shall be made which will result in more than three members of the Commission belonging to the same political party.
C. 
Duties and responsibilities.
(1) 
The Board of Police Commissioners shall have the statutory powers, duties and responsibilities set forth in Wisconsin Statutes 62.13, however, shall not have the optional powers set forth in Wisconsin Statutes 62.13(6).
(2) 
The Board of Police Commissioners shall not have the authority to hire, terminate or discipline nonsworn personnel.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 12-16, Parks Steering Committee, added 1-21-2008 by Ord. No. 01-2008, was repealed 7-18-2011 by Ord. No. 07-2011.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former § 12-17, Economic Development Committee, added 8-17-2009 by Ord. No. 04-2009, was repealed 8-31-2015 by Ord. No. 04-2015.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 12-18, Ordinance Review Committee, added 8-17-2009 by Ord. No. 10-2009, as amended 7-18-2011 by Ord. No. 08-2011, was repealed 3-7-2022 by Ord. No. 02-2022.
[Added 6-2-2004 by Ord. No. 04-2014; amended 5-18-2015 by Ord. No. 02-2015]
A. 
Findings. The Village Board hereby finds, determines and declares that the undertaking of programs and projects for blight elimination and prevention, slum clearance and prevention, urban renewal and redevelopment, and community development and redevelopment (collectively, "qualified redevelopment projects") will encourage well-planned, integrated, stable, safe and healthful neighborhoods, the provisions of healthful homes, a decent living environment, adequate places of employment for the people of the Village and an increase in the general property tax base of the Village.
B. 
Declaration of need. The Village Board hereby finds, determines and declares that there exists within the Village a need for qualified redevelopment projects, and that creation of a CDA in the Village will serve the public interest.
C. 
Creation of the Community Development Authority.
(1) 
Pursuant to ss. 66.1339 and 66.1335 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Village Board hereby creates a CDA in the Village, which authority shall be known as the "Community Development Authority of the Village of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin." Said authority (the Authority) shall be a separate body politic for the purpose of carrying out qualified redevelopment projects, and shall have all powers, duties and functions of community development authorities contained in s. 66.1335 of the Wisconsin Statutes, as amended from time to time. The Authority shall also act as the agent of the Village in planning and carrying out community development programs and activities approved by the Village Board and the Village President under the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The Authority is not, however, authorized to act as agent of the Village to perform the acts which may otherwise be performed by the Plan Commission pursuant to ss. 66.1301 through 66.1329, Wis. Stats.
(2) 
The Authority is only authorized to undertake projects relating to blight elimination, slum clearance, urban renewal and redevelopment programs proceeding under ss. 66.1301 to 66.1329, 66.1331, 66.1333, 66.1337 or 66.1105 Wis. Stats.
(3) 
The Authority shall have no funding authority except as provided in the annual budget or monies received from borrowings or bond issuances by the Authority. Whenever the Authority desires to undertake a project, outside of the annual plan, it shall submit a written proposal to the Board of Trustees for allocation of funds to investigate the proposal and implement only such proposals as are approved by the Board of Trustees.
(4) 
The Village Administrator shall serve as the Executive Director of the Authority.
(5) 
The Executive Director shall identify and estimate the need of the Authority to engage expertise to assist the Authority or Village staff, the Plan Commission and the Board of Trustees in reviewing an application submitted or proposed to the Authority. The Executive Director shall inform the applicant of the requirement and the expectation that the applicant will pay for all or part of costs incurred by the Authority or the Village in considering, evaluating or pursuing a project proposed by an applicant. The amounts that the applicant will be required to pay by advance deposit and/or by reimbursement prior to taking up of the proposal by the Authority or the Village or their staff or consultants shall be confirmed by the Executive Director, subject to review by the commissioners of the Authority at the request of an applicant. These amounts shall be due and payable by the applicant to the Authority or Village within the timetable established by the Executive Director.
D. 
Certification; appointment and terms of Commissioners. The Village Board hereby authorizes and directs the Village Clerk, immediately upon adoption of this chapter, to certify a copy of this chapter, and transmit such copy to the Village President. The Village Board hereby authorizes and directs the Village President, upon receipt of this chapter, to recommend appointment of seven resident persons as commissioners of the Authority having the qualifications required under s. 66.1335, Wis. Stats., which appointments shall be subject to approval by a 2/3 majority vote of the Village Board. Two of said commissioners shall be members of the Village Board and shall serve on the Authority during their respective terms of office as Village Board members. The initial appointments of the five non-Village Board commissioners shall be for the following terms: two commissioners for one year, and one commissioner each for terms of two, three and four years. Thereafter, the terms of the non-Village Board commissioners shall be four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Any vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term.
E. 
Administrative matters.
(1) 
Annual meeting. The Authority shall meet each year during the month of May for the purposes of organization, election of officers and the consideration of any other business that may properly be brought before the Authority.
(a) 
The Authority shall annually appoint by majority vote a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary from among the Commissioners.
(b) 
Terms for the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary shall continue until a successor is appointed and confirmed.
(2) 
Agendas. The Executive Director of the Authority or designee, in coordination with the Chairperson, shall prepare the agenda for all meetings of the Authority, together with such supporting date as may be required.
(3) 
Meetings.
(a) 
All meetings of the Authority shall be held in compliance with the statutory provisions of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law.
(b) 
A majority of Commissioners shall constitute a quorum of the Authority for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes.
[Amended 9-19-2022 by Ord. No. 06-2022]
(c) 
No vacancy in the membership of the Authority shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise powers and perform the functions of the Authority.
(d) 
The Chairperson shall conduct the meeting in accordance with the parliamentary rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised unless otherwise provided by statute or by these rules.
F. 
Budget and fee schedules. The Authority shall propose an annual work plan and budget to the Village Board with associated professional services fee schedules for review and approval. Any approved budget and fee schedule may be amended from time to time at the sole discretion of the Village Board in accordance with s. 65.90(5)(a), Wis. Stats.
G. 
Power and duty of Board of Trustees. At any time, the Board of Trustees may amend this chapter so as to alter or abolish the duties, authority or existence of the Community Development Authority; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees first make legally sufficient alternatives available for the satisfaction of any contractual obligations previously informed by the Community Development Authority.
H. 
Amendments.
(1) 
The Community Development Authority may from time to time consider and by majority vote recommend amendments to this chapter.
(2) 
Any such amendment shall not be effective until consideration and approval by the Village of Cottage Grove Board.
[Added 3-18-2019 by Ord. No. 02-2019; amended 7-21-2025 by Ord. No. 10-2025]
A. 
Creation and purpose. The Village hereby creates the Village of Cottage Grove Tourism Commission (hereafter "the Commission") pursuant to Wis. Stats. s. 66.0615(1m)(b) and (c), as may be amended from time to time, for the purpose of administering the Village's room tax revenues.
B. 
Composition. The Commission shall consist of five members, to be appointed by the Village President and confirmed by a majority vote of the Village Board of Trustees. The Commission shall be comprised of two Trustees, one representative of the Wisconsin hotel/motel industry, and two at-large members. Commissioners shall serve a one-year term and may be reappointed. Any vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner as the initial appointments.
C. 
Officers. Commissioners shall be appointed as soon as practicable after the April election, and shall meet thereafter. At the first meeting after appointments are made, the Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary.
D. 
Meetings. The Commission will meet as needed.
E. 
Powers and duties. The Commission shall exercise the powers and perform the duties granted in Wis. Stats. s. 66.0615. Such powers and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) 
Receiving not less than 70% of the room tax collected by the Village per § 16-9 of the Village Code, and authorizing the expenditure of those funds for the purpose of "tourism promotion" and "tourism development" as those terms are defined by Wis. Stats. s. 66.0615(1)(fm).
(2) 
Reporting any inaccuracies or delinquencies of room taxes to the Village Board.
(3) 
Contracting with a "tourism entity" as that term is defined by Wis. Stats. s. 66.0615(1)(f), with preference given to a local entity such as the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce.
(4) 
Providing an annual report to the Village Board documenting the purposes for which the room tax was spent.