Next City Council Meeting

Community members welcome!
As always, the public is invited to attend official City Council meetings. The October 3 meeting will begin with a City Council Study Session at 5:30 p.m. including a question and answer session regarding the 2024 proposed budget and, if time permits, general updates on City boards and commissions. Then, the City Council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Both will be held in the Gainey Room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

City of Owatonna Financial Rating Upgraded

On September 21, City staff received notice from Moody’s Investor Service that the City’s financial rating had been upgraded. The notice stated the upgrade from Aa2 to Aa1 was due to Owatonna’s growing local economy outside of the Twin Cities and Rochester and sound financial operations with ample reserves.

“This recognition from Moody’s acknowledges the City of Owatonna’s fiscally responsible approach to financial management,” said Finance Director Rhonda Moen. “Cited as the rationale for this significant upgrade, Owatonna’ economic growth and reserve funds have both been developed with the support of the City Council and based on prudent decisions made across all departments to provide a high level of quality services and amenities for the community.” A representative from Baker Tilly, the City’s financial auditor, will present the results of the annual audit at the October 3 City Council meeting along with a request for approval of a Resolution for the City’s Bond Award.

Firefighter of the Year Banquet October 12

For the last 21 years, the Exchange Club of Owatonna has held a banquet every October honoring all firefighters for their contributions to the community. During the banquet, one firefighter is recognized as Firefighter of the Year for outstanding service to the community. Many firefighters distinguish themselves every year and are worthy of this award; therefore, being chosen for this honor is a special recognition of performance beyond expectations.

The Firefighter of the Year is selected by the Owatonna Fire Chief with input from Fire Department staff and previous award recipients. The criteria used to select the award recipient includes demonstrating:

• Individual performance that is above and beyond the regular duties of a firefighter. 
• Behavior indicative of being genuinely good person, in good standing in the community and in good standing with the Fire Department.
• A high level of desire to be a good firefighter.  
• Being a good team member who is willing to work for the benefit of others within the department.
• The use of knowledge and skills in a positive way that improves the Fire Department.

Community members are invited to attend the October 12 banquet. Tickets are only available in advance at Kottke Jewelers, Owatonna InstyPrints and at the Owatonna Fire Station.

Council Chambers Renovation Project Advancing

Last year, the City Council identified the need to renovate the Chambers area at City Hall so it meets today’s standards for holding effective public meetings that allow the community to engage in local government. Visit owatonna.gov to read about the goals and scope of the project.

Construction update

The project kicked off in March and, since then, the demolition phase was completed and a new annex was constructed. Crews are now focused on interior finishes. The project is expected to be completed in time for the November 7 meeting to be held in the new Charles S. Crandall Center Chambers.

Chambers naming to commemorate historic leader

Based on research provided by West Hills Commissioner Nancy Vaillancourt and State Public School Museum Director Anne Peterson, the instrumental work of Charles S. Crandall will be honored through the naming of the updated Council Chambers. Crandall was highly influential in getting Minnesota’s new State Public School located in Owatonna in 1885. 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 formerly used in the school’s Amusement Hall was dismantled. City staff identified an opportunity to reuse the stage front in the final design of the remodeled Council Chambers space. This cost-saving measure provided a way to honor the room’s historical significance by preserving the stage front as a reminder of the rich history associated with the building. A historical display will showcase the State Public School’s history and the City’s commitment to preserving this historical site by purchasing the campus. The display will include a time capsule that was installed in 1887 when the building was constructed.

New space to serve as a community amenity

On September 5, the City Council approved a Facility Use Agreement with the Owatonna Independent School District #761 for its Board to utilize the new Chambers for its public meetings. Other community uses are expected to evolve over time.

Archery for Seniors

The Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Resources through their No Child Left Inside program. This grant will help provide specialized programs to individuals who have different ways of moving, learning, communicating and behaving. By making our programs adaptable to individual needs, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone can participate in activities, regardless of their abilities. For instance, if you find it challenging to pull a bowstring back or aim, we can make necessary adjustments to ensure that you can still enjoy the wonderful sport of archery. Our first senior archery program will be October 14 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Archery Park. Space is limited to 20 participants. Sign up by visiting owatonna.gov or calling 507-444-4321.