Cologne was first incorporated in 1881 as the Village of Benton (north side of Benton Lake) and the Village of Cologne (south side of the lake). In 1891, Benton officially repealed its village charter.
Many long-time residents are direct descendents of the Village founders, and, 125 years later, several of these families have continued to make their homes in and near Cologne. Through the years, the city has also welcomed many new residents — today, more than 1,200 people call Cologne home. New developments will continue to bring additional residential, as well as retail and commercial, growth to Cologne during the next decade.
With this growth comes the opportunity to honor the community’s past while preparing for the future, a future filled with new faces and places that will become Cologne. City leaders, volunteers, residents and businesses are committed to preserving the community’s heritage and retaining the unique small-town qualities that have been, and will continue to be, important to Cologne.

City of Cologne

Cologne City Hall

1211 Village Parkway, P.O. Box 120, Cologne 952-466-2064
(Utility drop-off location at Louis Hall/Fire Station, 110 Louis St. W.)
John Douville, City Administrator 952-466-2064
E-mail j.douville@ci.cologne.mn.us Fax 952-466-2075
City of Cologne
E-mail k.grinnell@ci.cologne.mn.us
Web site www.ci.cologne.mn.us

Frequently Called Numbers
Police and Fire emergency 911
Fire Station (non-emergency) 952-466-2586
Cologne Public Works/Utilities (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) 952-466-5601
After-hours (emergency pager) 612-579-7054 or 612-648-8825

Cologne City Council

Mayor
Barbara J. Swanson 952-466-2542
E-mail barbs@security-banks.com

Council Members
Bernie Shambour Jr. 952-466-5928
E-mail bernie_shambour@entegris.com
Don Meyer 952-466-2775
E-mail don.meyer@profinsproviders.com
Jill Skaaland 952-466-2838
E-mail jskaaland@youngstedts.com
Scott Williams 952-466-3362

The mayor and four council members serve as the city council. The position of mayor is elected at large (citywide) every two years. Council members are elected to four-year terms.

Meetings

Cologne City Council
Meets in the Cologne City Hall on the first and third Mondays at 7 p.m.

Cologne Planning Commission
Meets on the first Monday at Cologne City Hall at 6 p.m.

Cologne Park Board
Meets on the first Wednesday at Cologne City Hall at 7 p.m.

Cologne Fire Department

Cologne and parts of the surrounding rural area are served by a volunteer fire department. The department is in need of additional members to help serve the growing community.
Chuck Joos, Fire Chief 952-466-2586 (non-emergency)

Police Service

The City of Cologne contracts with the Carver County sheriff’s deputy to receive police service in the community.

City Ordinances

Note: Following is an overview of some of the City of Cologne ordinances about which residents most often have questions. For a complete copy of these ordinances or for information about all City of Cologne ordinances, license and permit requirements, please call City Hall at 952-466-2064 or visit www.ci.cologne.mn.us.

Nuisance Ordinances
Construction and lawn mowing/yard maintenance
No construction or lawn mowing/yard maintenance is allowed in residential areas or adjacent to residential areas prior to 7 a.m. on any weekday or 8 a.m. on any weekend day or holiday, and all such construction must terminate by 9 p.m. of any day.
Snow and ice removal
An abutting landowner must remove snow and ice from public sidewalks within 12 hours after snowfall or other precipitation event has ended.
Accumulation of junk
The following are declared nuisances adversely affecting the public health and safety of citizens:
• Any accumulation in open spaces on property of discarded equipment or machinery not in use, household appliances, automobiles or other material in a manner conducive to the harboring of rats, mice or other vermin, or any other health or safety hazard.
• Depositing garbage or refuse, including grass clippings and leaves, on the public right of way other than placing garbage out for collection.
• Allowing a well, hole, open ditch or other excavation to remain uncovered.

Lawn Sprinkling
Watering is allowed between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. as follows: Even street address — sprinkling is allowed on even-numbered days. Odd street address — sprinkling is allowed on odd-numbered days.

Winter Parking Restrictions
Cologne prohibits parking of any vehicle on public streets or alleys — including overnight parking — when two or more inches of snow have accumulated. Once the streets are cleared, street and alley parking may resume.

Outside Storage of Recreational Equipment
No more than two of the following may be stored outside of a house or garage in residential districts: boat (must be on a trailer); camper; motor home; snowmobile (up to two are allowed and count as one if both are stored on the same trailer); personal watercraft (up to two are allowed and count as one if both are stored on one trailer); motorcycle; and trailer. Storage means leaving the object outside for more than 24 continuous hours. Storage must occur on a bituminous, concrete or gravel driveway.

Outside Storage of Motor Vehicles
No more than two motor vehicles may be stored outside of a structure in the residential district. Storage means leaving the vehicle outside of a structure for more than 24 continuous hours.

Weed Control
Any noxious weeds are a public nuisance and must be cut and removed. If weeds are not removed and non-removal continues after the city has given seven days written notice, the city (its agents or employees) may enter the property to cut or remove such weeds at the cost and expense of the owner, lessee or occupant.

City Parks
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Loud and disturbing behavior is prohibited.
• Animals must be on a leash.
• Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated roads and trails. The speed limit is 10 mph.
• No parking of vehicles is allowed in the city parks between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m.
• Alcohol — No person shall transport, possess, offer for sale or consume any alcoholic beverages except those permitted by the City Council.

Licenses & Permits

Building Permits/Utility Sheds
Permits are required for new construction (including utility sheds), remodeling, re-roofing, re-siding, excavating, etc., and must be obtained from the City of Cologne before any work begins. Call City Hall at 952-466-2064.

Fences
Permits are required for all fences. The height of any fence constructed in city limits cannot exceed three feet in the front or side yard.

Dog/Cat Licenses
Dogs, cats and all pets that live within the city limits must be licensed. Tags are purchased at the City of Cologne and licenses are renewed in March of each year (license effective from March through February). Fees: $10 if not spayed or neutered; $5 if spayed or neutered. Licenses are limited to two animals (dogs/cats). Kennel licenses are required for more than two animals (over six months of age). Animals cannot run at large.

Peddlers
A permit is required for any door-to-door solicitation and peddling.

Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are required for buildings constructed after July 2001. Sump pumps cannot be discharged into the sanitary sewer system.

Cologne Community Center
The Cologne Community Center is available for special occasion rentals. There are kitchen facilities, restrooms, and tables and chairs available. Contact City Hall at 952-466-2064 for rental information.