Keeping Sidewalks Clear for Safe Passage

Snow and ice can be dangerous for all ages and especially for children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Property owners in Owatonna are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding their property. City Ordinance 94.005 states the owner, occupant or person in charge of any property within the City of Owatonna must clear sidewalks of any accumulated snow and ice from all city sidewalks within 24 hours from the time the snow ceases to accumulate.

Sidewalk inspections are completed as complaints are received. Property owners who do not adhere to the City of Owatonna snow removal policy may receive a written notice requiring they remove the snow within the next 24 hours. If snow is removed from sidewalks prior to the expiration of the posted 24-hour notice, no further action will be taken. Failure to comply with this ordinance following notification will result in the removal of the snow by the City’s contractor and a penalty will be assessed to the property owner. This penalty includes an administrative fee and the contractor’s clearing costs. A breakdown of costs can be found at owatonna.gov.

To report an unsafe sidewalk due to lack of snow removal, use OpenGov or call 507-444-4350.

Stock photo showing drinking and driving leads to being arrested

Toward Zero Deaths

DWI Enforcement: A Priority for the Owatonna Police Department

Traffic safety is a paramount concern for the Owatonna Police Department. Among the top offenses targeted under the department’s Traffic Safety Initiative is Driving While Impaired (DWI).

In the Owatonna Police Department’s efforts to curb DWI offenses, it recently benefited from the Towards Zero Deaths (TZD) program. Thanks to this state grant, the department was able to conduct four overtime shifts for additional traffic safety enforcement from November 22 through December 31, 2023. These targeted efforts resulted in the arrest of 11 impaired drivers.

Of the 11 arrests made during this period, seven were related to alcohol impairment with the highest recorded blood alcohol content (BAC) level being .17. Impairment caused by drugs accounted for three of the offenses, while one individual refused to submit to a chemical test. These statistics highlight the prevalence of DWI violations in the area and the need for increased enforcement to address this issue effectively.

In addition to enforcement efforts, the department is also dedicated to educating the community about the dangers of impaired driving. Officers regularly collaborate with local schools, organizations and businesses to raise awareness and promote responsible behavior on the road. Through educational campaigns, the Owatonna Police Department strives to change mindsets surrounding DWI by encouraging individuals to make responsible decisions and always designate a sober driver.

While the recent enforcement efforts yielded commendable results, it is crucial to remember that DWI enforcement is an ongoing public safety challenge. Owatonna Police Department Officers remain vigilant throughout the year, continuously monitoring the roads for signs of impaired driving and taking appropriate actions. These officers understand that keeping the community safe requires a multifaceted approach combining strict enforcement, education, citizen tips and prevention.

Winter Parking Reminders

Even when there is no snow! AVOID THE TICKET!

This has been a unique winter thus far with higher-than-normal temperatures and minimal snowfall. What isn’t unique to Owatonna is the City’s winter parking ordinance. On even-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street with addresses that have been assigned even numbers. On odd-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street with addresses that have been assigned odd numbers.

Parking restrictions are enforced nightly from November 15 through March 31 regardless of weather conditions.

Police, Parks, Recreation & Facilities and Public Works Departments are invested in helping inform residents and their guests of the winter parking restrictions to avoid ticketing vehicles. Keep in mind that January ends on the 31st and February begins on the 1^st - both odd dates so parking restrictions are the same both of those days in a row.

The Winter Parking Map web app shows parking restrictions in place from November 15 through March 31 to facilitate effective snow removal and other street maintenance.

Delineator Installation

Park Square West and Main Street West

A delay in the left turn signal activation at Main Street and Park Square West is likely due to motorists missing the loop detection system when approaching the intersection. The City of Owatonna will be installing delineators in the left turn lane to help ensure that the loop detection system is activated by an approaching vehicle.

Reminder: Compost Site

Currently closed for the season

The compost site is closed for the season and is expected to reopen in April, weather permitting. Watch for opening date, hours of operations and other informational updates regarding the Compost Site on the Compost Webpage or subscribe to Public Works Updates to receive a notification!

Winter Weekend Out Activities

The Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department will host its annual Winter Weekend Out, once again, in collaboration with the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Bold & Cold event. The event provides an opportunity for community members to enjoy time with family and friends and includes several new activities this year. Winter has looked a bit different this year, but these events still provide opportunities for community members to get out and enjoy the season!

This year’s programs include the following fun ways to get outdoors:

Family Open Swim & Pool Bingo January 26 - a unique twist on the classic game where the pool becomes your game board and swimming skills are your tickets to winning prizes.
Rock on Ice January 27 - whether you're a seasoned skater or just finding your feet, everyone can enjoy glowing ice and music.
Luminary Hike January 27 - a magical, luminary-lit evening stroll through Brooktree Golf Course’s snow-covered trees and frozen streams under twinkling stars to enjoy a storybook, warm winter refreshments and opportunities to enjoy the natural world.
Snowshoeing January 27 - individuals and families of all ages and snowshoeing skill levels can experience a chance to explore and discover the beauty of snow-covered landscapes at Brooktree Golf Course.

Get all the details, find out about make-up dates in case of uncooperative weather and check out the full list of Bold & Cold events being planned at visitowatonna.org.

Helpful Links

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Visit the Stay Informed Page for more information

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