We’ll Save a Seat for You!

City of Owatonna Weekly Meeting Schedule

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this week. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

October 23: Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall, 540 West Circle Drive.

October 24: Owatonna Public Utilities Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Morehouse Meeting Room at OPU, 208 S Walnut Avenue. Planning Commission Meeting at 5:30 pm in the Gainey room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue.

Winter Parking Restrictions Begin November 15

The Owatonna Police Department would like to remind community members of the upcoming winter parking clause in the City of Owatonna parking ordinance which goes into effect beginning November 15 and remains in effect until March 31, 2024. The purpose of the ordinance is to facilitate snow removal and street maintenance.

If it is necessary for you to park a vehicle on the street between 12:01 a.m. and noon, you should park on the even house numbered side of the street on even numbered calendar days and on the odd numbered house side of the street on odd numbered calendar days. If you park your car after noon and intend to leave it parked overnight, you should anticipate the midnight date change. Also keep in mind that in December and January, there are two odd days in a row, December 31 and January 31. It is the responsibility of hosts to notify visitors or guests of the odd/even side winter parking restriction.

Odd/Even parking enforcement is not contingent on an impending snowstorm or a snow event. It is the objective of the Owatonna Police Department to educate community members and seek voluntary compliance, followed by consistent enforcement for a significantly more effective and efficient street maintenance operation.

Use the Owatonna Winter Parking Map App to see where to park where parking is allowed and areas that are exempt from the winter parking restriction. Easily search an address to determine the odd and even side. Please review the initial screen for pertinent information that explains how to interpret and understand the winter parking restriction. A green line indicates the side that is even. A red line indicates the side that is odd. A black line indicates this area is exempt from the winter parking ordinance due to restrictions. A yellow line will appear during 12:01 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon) to indicate the side of the street you should park on if the area is not restricted. You can also access the Winter Parking Map App by scanning this QR code.

The Owatonna Police Department would like to thank everyone for adhering to the winter parking restriction ordinance. For more information, please call the Owatonna Police Department at 507-774-7200 or visit owatonna.gov.

West Hills Social Commons Seniors Updates

Treasure Island with Bingo Option December 13
Visit 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.

Jersey Boys December 6

Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Experience electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn” and “My Eyes Adored You” which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

Visit owatonna.gov and search ‘catalog’ for details and registration or call 507-444-4321.

Stormwater Management 

Clean H2Owatonna is the City of Owatonna’s Stormwater Management Program designed to help reduce pollution in streams, rivers and waterways. Check out the tips below to support the program.

Clean streets for clean water!

In urban areas, stormwater carries phosphorus and other pollutants directly into Minnesota’s water resources through drainage systems. Unlike Owatonna’s household wastewater, stormwater does not go through the Wastewater Treatment Plant. In many cases, stormwater is discharged directly to rivers and creeks.

Fall clean water tips: 

• Volunteer to adopt a nearby storm water drain and receive a complimentary rake to keep it free of leaves and debris. To obtain a Storm Drain Marking Kit, email stormwater@owatonna.gov.
• Sweep up grass clippings, leaves and other debris from driveways, sidewalks and the street.
• Keep gutters clear of leaves and other debris.
• If fertilizer lands on hard surfaces during application, be sure to clean it up so it doesn’t run off with the rain. 
• Dispose of pet waste properly even as the weather turns cold.
• During routine preparations for cold weather, check vehicles and outdoor equipment for leaks.