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City of Owatonna Launches New Online Reporting ToolCommunity Members Can Use SeeClickFix to Report Service RequestsCity staff partnered with CivicPlus® to implement the SeeClickFix application which is used widely around the county by other municipalities. Community members can download the app on any iOS or Android device using the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Or visit https://owatonna.gov/concern to get started. The following categories have been established for community members to report issues: - Parks and Recreation – broken park equipment, graffiti, trails, park sidewalks, park signs, park trees
- Signs & Signals – request a sign for deaf, blind or autistic person, street sign maintenance, traffic signals
- Streets and Sidewalks – potholes, roadway damage/debris, snow/ice removal, curbs/sidewalks, mailbox or property damage due to street operations, boulevard trees, street sweeping, street sweeping
- Stormwater – clogged storm sewer, stormwater pond, flooding, pollution
Through SeeClickFix, anyone can submit photos, location information and details directly for City staff to prioritize and respond to. The app also allows community members to view, comment on and follow issues submitted by others. Residents can even create their own “watch areas” to receive notifications about all the reports in their community, enabling them to follow the progress of all service requests—not just the ones they submit. Learn more by reading the City of Owatonna News Release.
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Ascend OwatonnaRoad ClosuresOwatonna’s riverfront redevelopment will be another step closer to construction following the demolition of the buildings currently located on the property. To facilitate the demolition, several road closures will be in place. - Ted Ringhofer Drive and a segment of Walnut Avenue, north of Vine Street West, will be closed indefinitely beginning July 11.
- Vine St W from Oak to Walnut will be closed July 17th and 18th for building demolition.
- There will be a lane closure on Oak Avenue, Steele County is reviewing the closure plan and we will post the final layout once approved by the County.
This development will provide an additional 70 living units and commercial space conveniently located near Owatonna’s Downtown.
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New 328-unit Housing Project AdvancingCity support to help address variety of housing needsThe City Council, at its July 5 meeting, approved the final plat and development agreement for the Mineral Springs Estates project to advance. The City Council also approved a resolution stating no further action is needed from the Environment Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that was completed for the development. This development will provide greatly needed single-family homes in Owatonna and will also introduce new options such as row homes and three-level flats. This new residential development, previously platted as Good Samaritan Addition, was proposed by Prairie LaSalle Partners and will add 328 housing units on an 82-acre parcel east of River Springs Water Park. The proposed development will preserve 16 acres of open space and wetlands. One priority for the design is walkability with a number of 10-foot-wide trails included in the design. An association will maintain the common spaces in the development. Such developments require a number of actions by City Council, staff and the developer. Thus far, the following steps have also been taken to support this project: - June 13 – A public hearing was held at the Planning Commission meeting regarding the EAW to convert 80 acres of farmland. The hearing was part of a 30-day public comment period from May 16 through June 15.
- May 16 & July 5 – City Council approved an ordinance for the City to vacate rights-of-way and easements. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Preliminary Plat was also approved at these meetings to allow various styles of homes in the development.
- May 9 - A public hearing was held at the Planning Commission meeting and information was provided about the development. The hearing provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions and offer comments.
- May 4 – Prairie LaSalle Partners held a neighborhood meeting to provide a preview of the development and an opportunity to express ideas and concerns about the project.
The first phase of construction on the new development is planned to kick off this summer. Construction throughout all four phases could stretch over the next ten years, depending on market demand.
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City Approvals Support New Residential DevelopmentEastgate Apartments Phase TwoAt their July 5 meeting, the City Council approved a resolution supporting Workforce Housing and Application for Housing Tax Credits for the second phase of Eastgate Apartments. The City Council also approved a resolution pledging financial support and amending a purchase agreement for the future project. The City is working with LWO Properties, LLC on another application for Housing Tax Credits through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The City partnered with the developer for the first phase of Eastgate which opened in 2021 and consisted of 36 units of workforce housing. The proposed second phase will have 49 units with underground parking and three levels of apartments with balconies. If awarded the tax credits, the City would contribute the land ($232,000 value) and $330,000 in site improvements. The City would pursue Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to be reimbursed for the $562,000 that would be contributed to the project. This is similar to the first phase of Eastgate when the City contributed $450,000 toward the project that is being paid back through TIF funds. The deadline for submitting the application for Housing Tax Credits is July 13. If the project proceeds, construction is expected to begin in 2025. |
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City Adopts Capital Improvement PlanThe City Council and staff undergo a thoughtful process to shape the City’s annual budget to address ongoing needs while maintaining fiscal prudency and planning for the future. An important step in that process is to consider long range capital expenses and develop a plan to provide funding for them. The City of Owatonna’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2023 through 2027 was recently prepared by department directors with guidance from the City Administrator and Finance Director Rhonda Moen. Moen presented the proposed CIP to the City Council at its June 20 meeting and it was approved unanimously. “To identify our future capital expense, we consider the current year’s budget and our long-term needs,” said Moen. “The City accomplishes this through its formalized five-year Capital Improvement Plan and the vehicle replacement fund (VRF) and building maintenance fund.” The CIP can be viewed online. The CIP is a fluid document designed to be updated regularly as long-term needs and priorities are continually evaluated. According to Moen, the City’s current CIP is based on strategically planning capital needs across all departments. It takes into account several plans that have been created recently for parks, sewer infrastructure and surface water management facilities improvements. “Our department directors have done a great job planning for these expenses and working together to prioritize the long list of needs for the Council to consider,” Moen added. She noted the three components of an effective CIP - to identify projects, estimate their costs and create a funding plan - are included in the current CIP. The City’s four Key Focus Areas are foundational in prioritizing resources as needed – Economic Vitality, Infrastructure, Quality of Life, Efficient Effective Government. |
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Owatonna Public Library EventsSummer MealsOwatonna Public Schools Nutrition Services Department provides free meals to kids and teens ages one through 18. The Owatonna Public Library hosts these lunches from 12:15 until 12:45 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays through August 3. |
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Preview of August Summer Reading Program EventsThe final month of the 2023 Summer Reading Program will feature “Let’s Play a Game” Day (for all ages) August 3 and Create-a-Craft (for ages 3 and up) August 10. Read at least 10 days in August and then bring your reading log to the final Book Fair of the summer between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. August 24. |
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Movies at the Owatonna Public LibraryMovies at the Owatonna Public Library are the fourth Thursday of every month beginning at 2 p.m. in the Gainey Room. Visit owatonna.gov/library for information on the next film being featured.
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Summer StorytimesPreschool Storytimes will run every Tuesday in Children’s Services through August 22 at 9:30 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m.
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July 18 Public Hearing Regarding Naming Council ChambersCharles S. Crandall Center Being ConsideredThe City Council will hold a public hearing July 18 regarding the naming of the Council Chambers space that is being renovated. The name will also apply to the new building being constructed adjacent to Owatonna’s historic City Hall. Following a recommendation from the West Hills Commission, the City Council is considering naming the new space after Charles Crandall, due to his influence in getting Minnesota’s new State Public School located in Owatonna in 1885. After receiving public input at the hearing, the City Council will consider approving the naming recommendation at its August 2 meeting. The renovations underway at City Hall will update accessibility, heating/ventilation, technology and safety features. Construction is expected to be completed in September. The design includes a three-dimensional, four-panel historical display to showcase the history of the State Public School and the City’s efforts to preserve the historical site. For additional information about the historic City Hall building where the Chambers are located, visit orphanagemuseum.com.
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Owatonna Parks, Recreation & Facilities Fall and Winter Activity Guide The Fall and Winter Activity Guide is filled with various activities for all ages including archery, geocaching, water aerobics, youth sports, adult trips and weekly activities, adaptive recreation activities, snowshoeing, tennis, pickleball, special events and so much more! Register for programs online at owatonna.gov, by phone at 507-444-4321 or in person at City Hall during office hours.
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Parks, Recreation and Facilities Summer ActivitiesSummer Camps are in Full Swing!Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure this summer? Look no further than our exciting summer programs! Whether you're interested in archery, fire building, survival skills or even learning how to make your very own homemade rocket, we've got you covered. Our programs cater to a variety of ages and interests with preschool activities, camps and family programs that are sure to keep everyone entertained and engaged. Imagine spending your days exploring the great outdoors, making new friends and learning new skills that will last a lifetime. With limited spots available, don't wait too long to sign up and secure your spot in the fun! Get ready for an action-packed summer that you'll never forget. Check out all the great programs online or call 507-444-4321 to register today. Backyard Adventure CampWe are excited to introduce our new summer camp, Backyard Adventures. This program offers a range of activities including archery, backyard games and creating a homemade rocket. It's a perfect opportunity to make new friends while enjoying fun and engaging summer activities. The final session for this camp will be July 31 through August 4 from 1 until 4 p.m. Outdoor Adventure CampExplore the vast outdoors of Owatonna's parks and learn various skills such as archery, fishing, geocaching and survival skills. It's an excellent chance to meet new people while having a blast with exciting summer activities. There are two sessions still available this summer for this camp from July 24 through 28 and August 7 through 11, both from 1 until 4 p.m. |
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West Hills Social Common's Members enjoyed a group trip to a Minnesota Twins game in June! |
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West Hills Social Commons UpdatesTarget Field Trip RecapOur group went to Target Field last month to watch the Twins play the White Sox and it was an experience like none other! The excitement began as soon as we stepped inside the stadium to find our fantastic seats. The game itself was a nail-biter with both teams playing their hearts out. But the real highlight of day came when several members of our group ended up on the jumbotron! We were all cheering so loudly and having such a great time that the camera crew couldn't resist showcasing our enthusiasm for all to see. From the exciting game to the perfect weather to the thrill of seeing ourselves on the big screen, it was a trip that we will rave about for years to come. It’s not too late to join the fun on any of the of other coming programs by calling 507-444-4321 or signing up online. Winery Trip – August 25Get ready for an unforgettable experience on our bus trip! Indulge in a fantastic combination of wine, ice cream, beer and a mouth-watering meal as we drive through the beautiful bluffs of southeastern Minnesota. We have carefully selected some of the best wineries and breweries in the area and planned some special activities and games, including bingo, at each location. Please note that wine, beer and food are not included in the pricing. Full menus for each location will be provided when we load the bus the day of the trip. Get ready for a fantastic time! Fall Train Ride – September 28Let's embark on a delightful fall train journey lasting an hour and a half at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in Osceola, Wisconsin. There, we can enjoy handmade pizza cooked on the spot. We'll then head to the remarkable Franconia Sculpture Park to behold their stunning outdoor sculptures. Lastly, we'll make a brief visit to the Omi Winery and Tap Room for a refreshing drink on our way back. Fall Sightseeing River Boat Cruise – October 12Come join us for a delightful paddleboat cruise on the magnificent St. Croix River this Fall and enjoy the breathtaking colors. Our two-hour narrated public excursion departs from Hudson, Wisconsin. Following the trip, we will stop in downtown Stillwater for a beer or some shopping before returning home. You don't want to miss out on this amazing trip. Treasure Island with Bingo Option - August 9Visit Treasure Island Resort and Casino for a chance to win big and play some Bingo! A $3 food voucher and $20 of free slot play money will be provided to each participant. Bingo is not included in the price of this trip, so you need to bring extra money for bingo and food. Coffee ConversationsJoin us once a month for a cup of coffee and hear all about the exciting things we are working on. This event is free to anyone in the community who wants to learn more about the West Hills Social Commons and meet our staff. Registration is not required but preferred to make sure we have enough supplies. Join us for a great conversation July 14 from 11 until noon or August 7 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Call 507-444-4321 to sign up. |
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Public Works Project Updates
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2023 Overlay ProjectSections of 20th Street NE, Prairie Place NE, Bellflower Lane NE and Prairie Lane NE south to Jerake Place are included in the 2023 Overlay Project which involves replacing and adjusting manhole castings and structures. The street will then be overlaid with new asphalt. This process preserves the life of the street. The contractor began marking removals July 3. Over the next several weeks, the contractor intends to start removing the asphalt around the manholes to adjust and raise the castings and lids. They will also remove and replace a storm structure at the corner of Prairie Lane NE & 20th Street NE. Street & Utility ImprovementsThe 2022 Street & Utility Project is being continued in 2023 for the construction of 15th Street NE. Last week, JJD removed and installed two storm structures and a storm main in the 15th Street and Third Avenue intersection. Then, starting at Cedar Avenue, they began sub-cutting the street’s subbase, placed the sump main to tie in the sump services, laid geo-fabric and started hauling in the sand subbase and aggregate granular base. This week, the contractor plans to install the last storm structure and adjoining main at Third Avenue. The week of July 17th, the contractor will finish the sub-cutting and placing the sand and aggregate. Then, they will start tolerancing it and the concrete sub-contractor will be on site to prepare for the curbs, gutters and driveway approaches. Havana Road ImprovementsLast week, Wencl Construction started sub-cutting the surface on Havana Road from Minnesota Avenue toward Truman Avenue. They laid down geo-fabric, started placing the edge drains, sand and aggregate. This week, the contractor is removing and installing the storm main and structures located in and around Minnesota and Smith Avenues. Next, they will continue sub-cutting the East end of the project and removing the curb, gutter and sidewalk. The concrete sub-contractor will then prepare to pour the new concrete. Learn more about these construction projects by visiting our website. |
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Stay Connected: City of Owatonna Social Media
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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.
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