December 13, 2023

City Meetings This Week

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.

December 14: Airport Commission Meeting at 5 p.m. at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, 3400 West Frontage Road.

December 19: City Council will meet with Employee Strategies at 4 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle. This will be a closed session regarding the annual performance review of City Administrator Busse. The session precedes the 7 p.m. City Council Meeting.

December 20: Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle. The Public Utility Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Morehouse Meeting Room, 208 South Walnut Avenue.

Join a City Board or Commission

Have you ever thought about serving on a City board or commission? You might be surprised by how interesting and influential resident input can be! Think about making a difference in Owatonna’s future.

Currently, there is an opening on the Park Board and an opening on the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The Application Form is available on the City’s website until these two positions are filled. Visit Owatonna.gov for additional information.

Annually, there are openings on several boards/commissions which are advertised during February for appointments effective May 1.

Owatonna’s 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

The Owatonna Human Rights Commission will host a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event on January 15, 2024. This free event will be at the Steele County History Center at 11:30 a.m.

Seema Pothini will present Speak Up! Tools for Recognizing and Responding to Injustices in the Moment by Humanizing Each Other. Pothini, the Director of Ally Engagement for the Humanize My Hoodie movement., will provide opportunities for dialogue and action steps to eliminate the criminalization of Black, Indigenous and other people of color. According to Pothini, “Regardless of demographics, in the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. The silence, too often, is not because of ill intentions, but rather because of not knowing how to respond or the fear of potentially causing more harm. Unfortunately, for those who feel harmed by hurtful comments, bias or microaggressions, the silence of bystanders is painful. This keynote utilizes the voices of many and focuses on impact, rather than intent. Participants will leave with new perspectives, knowledge and a deeper conviction to humanize each other to provide more inclusive environments."

Photo of Park & Rec float at holiday parade

City Departments Light up Downtown!

Once again this year, City staff supported Owatonna's annual Lighted Holiday Parade December 1. The parade included 82 floats and drew more than 7,000 attendees. The following City departments displayed lighted equipment during the parade: Police, Fire, Library, Parks, Recreation & Facilities. City crews also provided traffic control, fire barrels, barricades and signage to help Mainstreet plan the event.

Sharing the Trails in the Winter

The use of Owatonna’s parks and 17-plus miles of trails has increased over the past year as shown by full parking lots and busy trails. Nothing beats a sunny, snowy, fresh day outside. These recreational amenities attract fat tire bikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers, hikers, joggers and dog walkers.

It is important for trail users to know how to share these resources so everyone has a great experience! Trails are groomed specifically for various uses and should be used as shown to preserve them. Trails with a distinct track for two skis should only be used for skiing. Groomed fat tire bike trails are narrow. Gravel, woodchip and rustic trails are groomed whenever possible if they are wide enough for the groomer to get through. Paved trails are broomed off after each snowfall so they are easy to use. Please use these on warm days with more slushy conditions to help keep other trails in good shape. Sign up at Owatonna.gov to receive trail notifications.

Check out the quick reference guide below to find the best places to enjoy winter recreation. Or visit Owatonna.gov and search for the park finder app.

Snowmobiles in City Limits

The Owatonna Police Department would like to remind snowmobilers about the City ordinance regarding operating snowmobiles within city limits. Highlights of the ordinance are summarized below:

• A snowmobile may only be operated on a city street going to and from the city limits and on the most direct route.

• It is unlawful to operate on private property without written permission from the property occupant or owner.

• Snowmobiles may not be operated on school grounds, park property, playgrounds, recreational areas or golf courses.

• Snowmobiles shall not create loud or unnecessary noise to create a public nuisance.

• Snowmobiles shall not be used in a careless or reckless manner.

• Snowmobiles shall not be operated in the downtown area.

• The speed limit of a snowmobile operated in the city limits is 15 MPH.

City Spotlight Video

Click here to watch how the Council Chambers were renovated: CivicMedia™ • Owatonna, MN • CivicEngage

Give the Gift of Recreation

Win a gift card!

It’s that time of year to think about thoughtful gift-giving. The City of Owatonna Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department provides easy ways to give the gift of recreation and connecting with others:

River Springs Water Park passes
Brooktree Golf Course passes
Tennis & Pickleball passes
Yoga classes
Swimming lessons
Water aerobics
West Hills Social Commons membership
Trips & much more

Purchase a $25 Parks & Recreation gift card before December 23 to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card to use for any program or event offered through the Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department. For each additional $25 gift card purchased, receive a bonus entry for the drawing. Shop for these and other recreation gifts at the City of Owatonna Parks & Recreation Catalog online at Owatonna.gov/parksrecreation.

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