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February 7, 2024
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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.

February 7: Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room at the Rice County Government Building, 320 Third St. NW in Faribault.

February 8: Airport Commission Meeting at 5 p.m. in the Board Room at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, 3400 West Frontage Road.

February 13: Human Rights Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center Conference Room, 540 West Hills Circle. Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center Chambers, 540 West Hills Circle.
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Cultural Differences Program

The Public Library will host a program with Joseph L. Mbele February 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room. Mbele, a Tanzanian, is a professor in the English Department at St. Olaf College. He teaches World Literature in English and Folklore. He is also a consultant, and for 30 years has been helping Africans and Americans navigate cultural differences. His publications include two books, Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences and Chickens in the Bus: More Thoughts on Cultural Differences, popular among Africans and Americans. He will offer an engaging and entertaining talk about cultural differences which cause misunderstandings and conflicts between Africans and Americans.
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Job Openings with the City

The City of Owatonna currently has several positions available. Benefits, competitive wages and an opportunity to perform meaningful work that positively impacts the community are just a few reasons to work in municipal government. Apply for any of the following positions at governmentjobs.com or at owatonna.gov “Employment Opportunities” to also subscribe to receive alerts about future opportunities.

Full-time Positions:

  • Assistant City Engineer – Public Works Department (open until filled)
  • Patrol Officer – Police Department (open until filled)

Seasonal/Temporary Positions:

  • Guest Services – Brooktree Golf Course (through February 14) 
  • Guest Services Lead – Brooktree Golf Course (through February 14) 
  • Coordinator - Brooktree Golf Course (through February 14) 
  • Youth Program Official – Soccer (through February 27) 
  • Head Lifeguard (through March 1) 
  • Program Lead – Outdoor Programs (through March 1) 
  • Program Lead – Log Rolling (through March 18) 
  • Water Safety Instructor (through March 18) 
  • Guest Services – River Springs/Lake Kohlmier (through March 18) 
  • Lifeguard (through March 18) 
  • Guest Services – Programming (through March 18)
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KAMP Automation Moved to Owatonna

KAMP Automation has recently moved from Waseca into their new facility in Owatonna’s industrial park. The 50,000 square-foot facility is at the corner of 24th Avenue SW and Lemond Street SW. KAMP Automation provides custom automation systems to manufacturing companies. Their 23 current employees relocated to Owatonna and the company is in the process of hiring 25 additional employees. The City sold the site to KAMP as part of a deal that included tax increment financing. Tax increment financing will be used to pay for the land over nine years. The City also assisted the company in obtaining $175,000 from the Minnesota Invest Fund and $800,000 from the state’s Job Creation Fund. Welcome to Owatonna, KAMP Automation!
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Fire Department Hosts National Fire Academy Training Course

Course offers firefighters valuable experience

During the last weekend of January, members of the Owatonna Fire Department and other fire departments around Minnesota attended a National Fire Academy course called “Shaping the Future” held at the Owatonna Fire Station. The National Fire Academy (NFA), as a part of the US Fire Administration (USFA), provides free, specialized training courses and advanced management programs for fire officers, instructors and technical professionals. Fire departments across the nation are encouraged to apply to host a course taught by a NFA-qualified instructor.

This is one of two courses Owatonna Fire was selected to host in 2024. The two-day course is designed to assist fire personnel in developing knowledge and skills in contemporary approaches to organizational problem-solving. Attendees were challenged to use creative approaches to identify trends and apply problem-solving methods within their organization. This course also covered how to deal with organizational and individual resistance to change and included strategies for implementing change.

Helpful Links
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Brooktree Clubhouse Renovations Continue

Over the winter months, City crews have been working on the third phase of renovations inside the Brooktree Golf Course Clubhouse including a new Pro Shop area. The Pro shop will have its own entrance allowing this space to be locked during non-golf hours. This accomodates the restaurant, Lacey’s at Brooktree, to remain open after the golf course has closed and in off-season months. Is also provides additional room for clothing, equipment and miscellaneous supplies. The project will be completed in time for 2024 golf season.

Brooktree is scheduled to open in early Spring depending on the weather. For additional information, please visit brooktreegolfcourse.com, call 507-774-7100 or follow Brooktree Golf Course on Facebook.
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Wood Orders

The Public Works Department is accepting wood orders for delivery 15 miles within City limits. Fees are as follows: within City limits=$30 per load, within 10 miles of City limits=$45 per load, within 15 miles of City limits=$65 per load. Wood is available for delivery only. Individuals may purchase up to three loads annually. The delivery site must be accessible by a tandem dump truck. All fees must be paid in advance, prior to delivery. Click Here to Submit an Online Order Form or call 507-444-4350 for additional information.
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