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THE COTTAGE GROVE RECORDER

Business Directory
RecordingTranscript availableAnalysis ready25:33

Council Member Justin Olsen

Cottage Grove City CouncilSunday, December 14, 2025
Watch on original source

Role and duties of a city council member

Volunteer opportunities in Cottage Grove

PFC contamination and water treatment infrastructure management

Community engagement strategies for local government

Career and background of Council Member Justin Olsen

Full Document Analysis

Notable Quotes (2)

The toughest issue we've had to deal with was when we learned about PFC's and how that affected our public water system.

— Justin Olsen
PFC water contaminationReflecting on his tenure as a council member.

If I had a superpower, it would have to be similar to the Flash so that I could get to all the places that I need to be.

— Justin Olsen
Time managementResponding to a question about his busy schedule.

People (8)

Phil JentzCommunications Manager

City employee, co-hosting the Grovecast podcast.

Emily SchmidtzCommunity Development Director

City employee, co-hosting the Grovecast podcast.

Justin OlsenCity Council Member

Retail district manager at Casey's General Stores and longtime council member.

2 quotes

“If it was any better, I'd be two people.”

Describing his current state of being extremely busy.

“As a city council member, you can be as busy or as little as you choose to do.”

Explaining the time commitment of a council seat.

Pete KernerPublic Safety Director

City staff, noted for his preference for high-quality pizza.

Carla BigumCounty Commissioner

Former council member who encouraged Justin Olsen to join the city commission.

Byron BaileyMayor

Cottage Grove Mayor, encouraged Justin Olsen to run for City Council in 2008.

Jennifer LevitCity Administrator

Former city engineer involved in the PFC water crisis response.

Ryan BerfindPublic Works Director

Former engineering staff involved in the PFC water crisis response.

Places Mentioned

Cottage GroveSouth Washington CountyTwin CitiesDuluthPineree Pond ParkCity Hall

Events & Meetings (3)

  • Park High Hall of Fame dinner (Next night relative to recording)
  • Casey's pizza recipe contest test day (December 3rd)
  • City Council meetings (Held twice a month)
Transcript
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