June 14, 2023

Photo of Mayor, City Council and City Administrator

Upcoming City Council Meetings Rescheduled

Regular City Council Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Several upcoming meetings are being rescheduled as follows:

June 20 at 1 p.m. – rescheduled from June 19 due to Juneteenth holiday
July 5 at 7 p.m. – rescheduled from July 4 due to 4^th of July holiday
August 2 at 7 p.m. – rescheduled from August 1 due to Night to Unite activities so Council Members, Mayor, City Administrator and staff can participate

Photo of construction crew demolishing interior of Council Chambers

Council Chambers Renovation Project Advancing

Construction advancing on schedule

Significant progress has been made in constructing the new Council Chambers space. The demolition phase has been completed and the construction crew is now focused on erecting the walls for the new addition. Despite a few project setbacks, the project is still on track for September completion, which ensures the City Council will be able to begin meeting in the new Chambers this fall.

Chambers naming to commemorate historic leader

At the June 6 City Council Study Session, West Hills Commissioners Anne Peterson and Nancy Vaillancourt provided background on the instrumental work of Charles Crandall and his influence in getting Minnesota’s new State Public School located in Owatonna in 1885. In honor of his efforts, the commission recommended the updated Council Chambers space be named for Crandall. The City Council is expected to decide on the naming for the Chambers during its June 20 meeting. For additional information about the historic City Hall building where the Chambers are located, visit orphanagemuseum.com.

Using the new space while respecting its past

An unexpected discovery was made during the interior demolition process as the stage was dismantled. The staff identified an opportunity to reuse the stage front in the final design of the remodeled Council Chambers space. This effort serves as a cost-saving measure and offers a way to honor the room’s historical significance. Preserving and repurposing the stage front will serve as a reminder of the rich history associated with the space. A historical display will be created in the new Chambers to showcase the historical significance of the State Public School while it operated in this location and highlighting the role of the city’s efforts to preserve the historical site by keeping the campus. Kellen Henrickson is creating a three-dimensional design with four-panels to offer a glimpse into the school's history and its impact on the community.

City leaders join others to break ground on the Home2Suites project

Home2 Suites by Hilton Groundbreaking Event

A groundbreaking ceremony was held June 1 for Home2 Suites by Hilton to mark the beginning of construction on their 84-room extended-stay hotel to be located at 230 Allan Avenue SW. Mayor Thomas Kuntz and City Administrator Kris Busse joined approximately 50 others who attended to celebrate the project. Busse said, “We are pleased to welcome Home2 Suites to the community and look forward to a long-term partnership as this project gets underway, is completed and becomes a part of Owatonna’s landscape.” This project will be constructed by RISE Modular, located nearby, and will provide a new type of lodging for Owatonna’s visitors to help meet a need that will support the community’s continued growth in tourism.

Photo of construction of new paved trail at Kaplan's Woods

Trail Construction at Kaplan’s Woods to Improve Safety & Accessibility

Parking lot bypass construction starts this week

Trail construction began last week at Kaplan’s Woods, bypassing the Kaplan’s Woods parking lot. Access to the park may be limited or redirected at times. Please be aware of construction vehicles in the area.

A local contractor, P&R Construction, was hired to complete the project which is part of a Local Trail Connections grant funded through the State of Minnesota and administered through the Department of Natural Resources. Owatonna was awarded $99,650 for the project with a local match of $33,217 from the City of Owatonna’s Capital Improvement Plan.

Upon completion, expected later this month, the trail will provide a safer connection between Kaplan’s Woods Parkway and the 18^th Street Trail. The paved trail will be ADA-compliant and lighted. It will be ten feet wide to allow space for two-way traffic with a buffer on each side for grooming cross-country ski trails in the winter.

West Hills Social Commons Seniors Outings

City staff plan year ‘round outings designed for seniors. Check out these upcoming activities online, stop by West Hills Social Commons or call 507-444-4321 for details.

Fall Sightseeing River Boat Cruise Trip – October 12
We are excited to bring back one of last year's most popular trips. Join us for a Fall colors paddleboat cruise on the St. Croix River. This two-hour, narrated public excursion departs from Hudson, Wisconsin. After the trip, we will make a pit stop in downtown Stillwater to have a quick beverage or do a bit of shopping before heading back home. The cost is $70 for West Hills Social Commons members and $85 for non-members.

Treasure Island with Bingo Option - June 21

Visit Treasure Island Resort and Casino for a chance to win big and play some Bingo! A $3 food voucher and $15 of free slot play money will be provided. Bingo is not included in the price of this trip, so you need to bring extra money for bingo and food. The cost is $25 for West Hills Social Commons members and $40 for non-members.

Canterbury Park Horse Races - July 29

Come along to the Canterbury Park horse races. Everyone is welcome. The tables are hot..the craft beer is cold. And out on the track, a race is about to begin. This is the magic of Canterbury Park, a favorite destination for horse racing, casino action, concerts, events and all-around entertainment. The cost is $80 for West Hills Social Commons members and $95 for non-members.

Summer Activities & Camps Still Available!

Looking for a fun way to spend the summer? Learn archery, fire building, survival skills or how to make a homemade rocket! Our summer programs include preschool activities, camps and family programs that are sure to keep everyone busy this summer. Camps have limited openings and are filling up quickly. Check out details for all of our great programs online or call 507-444-4321 to register today.

Photo of children watching an archery lesson

Backyard Adventure Camp

We are excited to introduce our new summer camp, Backyard Adventures. This program offers a range of activities including archery, backyard games and how to create a homemade rocket. It's a perfect opportunity to make new friends while enjoying fun and engaging summer activities.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Explore the vast outdoors of Owatonna's parks and learn various skills like archery, fishing, geocaching and survival skills. It's an excellent chance to meet new people while having a blast with exciting summer activities.

Bike Safety Reminders

With summer in full swing, this is a reminder to bicyclists and motorists to be safe while commuting around town. This time of year, there is also an increase in young bicyclists moving about in the city. Here are several safety reminders when using the roadways:

Bicyclists may ride on all Minnesota roads except where restricted.
Bicyclists should ride on the road and must ride in the same direction as traffic.
Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists must.
Bicyclists must signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner.
Bicyclists must use a headlight and rear reflectors when it's dark. To increase visibility, add a rear flashing light.
Drivers must drive at safe speeds and be attentive — look for bicyclists, check blind spots.
Drivers must at all times maintain a three-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist.
Drivers should use caution and look twice for bicyclists when turning.
Drivers should use caution when opening door upon parking on side of road.

The 2023 Havana Road Project has Begun

The 2023 Havana Road Project began June 12. The contractor, Wencl Construction, started the project by milling the bituminous pavement. Then, on June 13, the contractor began watermain work at the intersection of Truman and Havana and is working to the East. This resulted in closing the intersection of Truman and Havana. The detour is anticipated to be removed by June 15. To receive regular updates relating to 2023 construction projects in Owatonna, visit Notify Me • Owatonna, MN • CivicEngage and subscribe to Blog - Engineering Updates.

Stormwater Management

Stormwater grant awarded

The City of Owatonna has been selected to receive a $88,380 Planning Grant for Stormwater, Wastewater and Community Resilience by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Upon receiving the grant award, City Engineer Sean Murphy said, "We are very fortunate to receive this funding that will allow Owatonna to take proactive steps to protect homes, businesses and our watershed."

The goals of this project are as follows:

Develop a climate response plan for underserved portions of Owatonna to maintain access to integral community services during future flood events.
Provide a scientific basis for an upcoming stormwater utility rate update, development of the next 10-year capital improvement plan and state funding grant applications.

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or snow that does not soak directly into the ground. Instead, it flows from rooftops, across paved areas and sloped lawns. Different types of land cover produce different runoff rates and volume. Additional impervious surfaces result in increased runoff amounts.

What is the difference between stormwater and sanitary systems?

City storm sewers are separate from sanitary sewers and do not drain into municipal wastewater treatment facilities. They carry stormwater runoff from catch basins into streams, lakes and wetlands. The sanitary sewer is a system of underground pipes that carry sewage from bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, and other plumbing components to the wastewater treatment plant where it is filtered, treated and discharged. Stormwater is not treated by the wastewater treatment facility.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)

As part of the community’s MS4 Permit, the city administers an IDDE Program. This program helps track and eliminate sources of pollution that include illegal connections to the storm system, spills, illegal dumping and other sources of contamination. It keeps pollutants from entering the storm system where it may reach a nearby waterway. All illegal connections and illicit discharges are strictly prohibited by City Stormwater Management Code 52.00. Never dump or dispose of anything into the storm sewer or storm drain. Keep absorbent materials such as kitty litter on hand to clean up any accidental spills or leaks.

Keep an eye open for signs of IDDE:

Unusual colors, odors, suds, or stains
Persons dumping liquids, oils, leaves, grass clippings or anything unidentifiable into the storm drain
Dead or distressed fish and wildlife near surface waters
Storm pipes and outfalls with high flow during dry weather periods
Excessive sediment accumulation in water bodies near outfalls

How to report suspected illicit discharge or water pollution

If the suspected pollution or contamination is a major spill, unknown or dangerous to human health and safety, the Fire Department should be contacted immediately by calling 911. To anonymously report any suspected illicit discharge or water pollution, visit Owatonna.gov to complete the online Report an Illicit Discharge Form or call 507-444-4350.

Clean H2Owatonna is the City of Owatonna’s Stormwater Management Program designed to help reduce pollution in streams, rivers and waterways. For additional information about the program, email stormwater@owatonna.gov or visit the Stormwater Management page at owatonna.gov.

Helpful Links

Stay Connected: City of Owatonna Social Media

Follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook

Visit the Stay Informed Page for more information

Speech bubble with words "Like this email?"

Don't keep it to yourself...spread the news!

Help keep Owatonna informed by forwarding this email to friends, neighbors and coworkers and encourage them to subscribe to receive ongoing updates! Visit the Notify Me Sign-up page to subscribe, update an email address, unsubscribe or sign up to receive additional alerts. Be sure to add listserv@civicplus.com to your safe sender/address book to ensure delivery.

Sign Up to Receive this Email