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Welcome to “The Grovecast” – a monthly podcast hosted by the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Our goal is to highlight how the City operates, what each department and division does, as well as discuss issues facing Cottage Grove. Hosted by Emily Schmitz and Phil Jents.
Welcome to “The Grovecast” – a monthly podcast hosted by the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Our goal is to highlight how the City operates, what each department and division does, as well as discuss issues facing Cottage Grove. Hosted by Emily Schmitz and Phil Jents.
Episodes

Oct 13, 2025
Finance
Oct 13, 2025
Oct 13, 2025
18 min
Finance Director Brenda Malinowski joins us to talk about the Finance Department. Budgets, AAA bond ratings, and financial management are quite important, so we’re thrilled that Brenda gave us a little time to learn how it all works. Enjoy!

Sep 2, 2025
Public Safety
Sep 2, 2025
Sep 2, 2025
21 min
Public Safety Director Pete Koerner joins us to talk about, well, you guessed it: public safety! He’s in charge of police, fire, emergency management, and a whole lot more, so you can imagine he’s a busy guy. And yet he still finds time to savor a good bowl of cereal. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org

Aug 4, 2025
Parks and Recreation
Aug 4, 2025
Aug 4, 2025
19 min
In this episode of The Grovecast, Parks and Recreation Director Zac Dockter tells us how his team brings the fun. Are they anything like ‘Parks and Rec’ the TV show? Tune in to find out. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org

Jul 9, 2025
The City Administrator
Jul 9, 2025
Jul 9, 2025
20 min
In this episode of The Grovecast, City Administrator Jennifer Levitt joins us to share insights on what it takes to keep Cottage Grove running smoothly. From big-picture planning to everyday problem-solving, hear how her work shapes the city’s future. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org

Jun 16, 2025
The Mayor
Jun 16, 2025
Jun 16, 2025
20 min
You may know of the Mayor. You may see him around town. But in this episode, we dive into what it’s actually like to be Mayor. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot of work, and the job doesn’t come with a limo. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org

May 30, 2025
Introducing: The Grovecast
May 30, 2025
May 30, 2025
18 min
The one where we try a podcast. But why do a podcast? The Grovecast will be a new opportunity to hear more casual conversations about city services and why we do what we do, while also giving listeners a peek behind the scenes to learn a little about the people who provide those services. Emily and Phil introduce themselves, the podcast format, and even make some bold claims. Enjoy!
CottageGroveMN.gov
Podcast recorded by TrueLensMedia.org
