Cindi Kelm-Nelson, Village of Cottage Grove President

Committees & Roles

I currently serve in the following roles:

  • Architectural Review
  • Board of Review
  • Budget Review– Chair
  • Deer Grove EMS Commission
  • Emergency Preparedness – Chair
  • Flynn Hall
  • Joint Review Board
  • Law Enforcement Committee
  • Plan Commission – Chair
  • Tourism Commission

My past leadership roles include:

  • Library Board – President (2019-2025)
  • Library Facilities Committee – Chair (2023-2025)
  • Deer Grove EMS Commission – Secretary (2024-2025)
  • Peer Court Steering Committee – Chair (2024)
  • Ad Hoc Centennial Committee – Chair (2024)
  • Community Development Authority (2024-2025)
  • MGSD Sustainability Committee (EIGP solar panel grant award)
  • MGSD Community Engagement, Communications, and Government Relations Committee

Focused on collaboration, responsible growth, infrastructure, communication, and long-term planning for Cottage Grove.

Shared Board Accomplishments

2026-27

  • Expanded community communication efforts and collaboration across Village departments and partners
  • Strengthened partnerships with the School Resource Officer program, Colonial Club, restorative justice efforts, and the library
  • Advanced the new police station project, including the groundbreaking ceremony
  • Approved capital road projects and continued improving traffic safety throughout the Village
  • Supported transportation planning and adopted transportation-related resolutions
  • Continued conversations on e-bike safety and roadway awareness with a new ordinance
  • Supported the sports complex project and reviewed additional development concept plans
  • Engaged with Smart Growth Wisconsin and regional economic development organizations
  • Met with the President of Stoughton Health to discuss regional partnership opportunities
  • Selected a consultant to begin the Comprehensive Plan update process
  • Advanced subdivision ordinance amendments and development review improvements
  • Approved school site improvements and coordinated with MGSD on long-term planning
  • Supported Fire Department training opportunities on Village-acquired properties
  • Continued environmental and sustainability initiatives including Bird Safety efforts and Tree City USA recognition
  • Discussed and advanced a data center moratorium conversation(appointed to the Dane County Data Center Advisory Committee)
  • Updated trustee orientation documents and continued work on the Board handbook
  • Continued onboarding efforts and appointed residents to Village committees and commissions
  • Established and communicated the annual budget timeline process

2025-26

Governance & Leadership

  • Filled all vacant committee appointments and strengthened board structure
  • Led and approved annual budgets, maintaining the Village’s AA bond rating
  • Approved a 10-year road reconstruction plan to guide long-term infrastructure investment
  • Advanced a regional Fire/EMS study to support future service planning with the Town of Cottage Grove

Fiscal Responsibility & Economic Development

  • Closed TID #5, resulting in an estimated $1,300 average tax relief for residents
  • Police station project bids came in $6M under budget
  • Supported new and expanding businesses, including:
    • Mr. Queso
    • OsteoHealth
    • Verizon
    • True Fit Physical Therapy
    • Refined Relics
    • Symmetry and Balance
    • Creed Indoor/outdoor sports complex

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness

  • Implemented Fire Department paid-per-call compensation model
  • Secured funding for public safety equipment:
    • Flock cameras
    • Fire thermal imaging cameras
    • Safety gear
  • Updated Emergency Management plans and approved a third tornado siren
  • Advanced police station development planning
  • Updated ordinances, including false alarm and public safety regulations

Infrastructure, Transportation & Traffic Safety

  • Completed major road maintenance and improvement projects
  • Approved and initiated intersection safety upgrades and traffic studies
  • Installed safety lighting at Taylor & County N
  • Completed bike path connection from Southing Grange to County N
  • Improved traffic flow and parking through updated special event permitting
  • Addressed neighborhood concerns, including Bakken Park traffic and safety

Parks, Recreation & Community Spaces

  • Advanced Miracle League inclusive playground
  • Supported new playgrounds at Huston Park
  • Developed Shady Grove Park
  • Supported indoor/outdoor recreation facility development

Community Engagement & Transparency

  • Launched monthly office hours and special-topic community sessions
  • Transitioned to quarterly direct mailers and enhanced newsletters
  • Improved Village website and communication tools
  • Implemented transparency initiatives, including a public-facing module
  • Increased resident engagement on key issues such as traffic and development

Partnerships & Community Programming

  • Strengthened collaboration with library programming, including:
    • All Community Read
    • Expanded storytimes
    • Grant-funded programs
  • Partnered with the Colonial Club to enhance senior services and communication
  • Supported community recognition initiatives:
    • Public Service Recognition Week
    • Military Appreciation Month
    • Pride Month and Juneteenth

Environmental Stewardship

  • Achieved Tree City USA certification
  • Approved a stormwater feasibility study to support sustainable growth
  • Approved solar panels on the new police station

Regional Leadership & Advocacy

  • Presented at Dane County Cities and Villages meetings
  • Presented to Smart Growth Madison
  • Promoted regional collaboration on growth and planning initiatives
  • Appointed to the Dane County Data Center Advisory Committee

Strategic Opportunities

  • Explored opportunities to increase tourism and economic visibility, including high-profile engagements (PBS) that highlight Cottage Grove’s growth and potential

2024-25

Government & Financial Planning

  • Developed and approved the 2024 budget
  • Conducted strategic planning preparation
  • Revised and approved the Financial Management Plan & Capital Projects Plan to incorporate legacy projects and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability
  • Continued police station planning
  • Transitioned to a new trash provider for cost savings
  • Applied for the WEDC Vibrant Spaces Grant

Public Safety & Infrastructure

  • Transitioned to teen Restorative Justice practices
  • Approved new police officer hires
  • Increased public safety measures in the 2025 budget
  • Achieved fully staffed CG and Deerfield EMS locations
  • Purchased Access Trax mats for accessibility

Economic & Community Development

  • Attended the Amazon Facility Groundbreaking
  • Hired a new parks maintenance position
  • Funded village departments
  • Approved a Bike & Pedestrian Plan

Community Engagement & Inclusion

  • Raised the Pride Flag and Juneteenth Flag
  • Adopted a Disability Pride Month Resolution
  • Adopted a Native American Heritage Resolution
  • Developed a Resolutions Spreadsheet to track and enhance inclusion initiatives

Library Progress & Advocacy

  • Approved Resolution to Support Due Diligence for the Library
  • Secured a successful budget increase for library programming
  • Led due diligence efforts for the Learning Ladder acquisition as a potential library site
  • Launched the Library Capital Campaign as Chair
  • Helped plan 115 library programs
  • Continued grant writing and capital campaign to offset future library capital costs
  • Met with Senator Tammy Baldwin

Community Events & Initiatives

  • Led Centennial Celebration efforts
  • Presented to the Chamber of Commerce on the history of Cottage Grove
  • Installed a StoryWalk for community engagement
  • Revised the Special Events Permit Application to enhance event planning and accessibility

Collaboration & Leadership

  • Established monthly meetings with the Town Supervisor and School Board President
  • Updated the Village Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Community Focused, Progress Inspired