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.

June 26-28: City Administrator Busse, Mayor Kuntz and several City Council Members plan to attend the League of Minnesota Cities Summer Conference in Rochester.

July 2: Study Session at 5:30 p.m. in Chambers at the Charles S. Crandall Center , 540 West Hills Circle, with presentations of the City’s 2023 Audit and an update regarding the City’s redesigned website. The City Council Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will include a public hearing for comments regarding a proposed reassessment for a property included in the 2023 Street & Utility Projects.

Scan this code to submit your feedback regarding the redesigned owatonna.gov website.

Website Redesign

New look and improved navigation at owatonna.gov

The City of Owatonna website has been redesigned to change the appearance of the site and upgrade its functionality. The improved navigation offers more convenient options for frequently visited pages from the homepage and the fresh design aligns with the community-wide brand adopted last year. The site launched June 20.

The City of Owatonna contracts with Civic Plus for its website hosting. Throughout the redesign process, City staff worked closely with Civic Plus staff to consider feedback from the community and City employees in updating the site, modifying navigation and incorporating the new brand. Costs associated with the redesign project were included in the existing website contract with Civic Plus. The redesigned website supports the four Key Focus Areas identified by the City Council and staff in the following ways:

QUALITY OF LIFE: Continually improving the website for better utilization enhances external communications and engagement.
EFFICIENT EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT: Leveraging online technology improves security and accessibility.
ECONOMIC VITALITY: Improving the availability of online information supports collaboration with stakeholders, visitors and potential developers.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Providing easy, online access to information regarding infrastructure plans and improvements helps increase awareness about projects.

The City of Owatonna’s website provides convenient, online access to a variety of services including online permitting, reporting concerns, registering for recreational programs, interactive financial documents and more. Visit owatonna.gov to view the updated site. Staff would appreciate feedback from website visitors - complete this feedback form to help with future website improvements.

Owatonna Selected for Regional Meeting

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) held a regional meeting in Owatonna June 20 for its members in the southern Minnesota area. Owatonna was selected as the site for this regional meeting which was held at the Owatonna Eagles Club. The event provided municipal leaders from around the area with an overview of the 2024 legislative session and its impacts, information about CGMC policy priorities and other issues that affect communities in greater Minnesota. Mayors, council members and city managers from Austin, Dodge Center, New Ulm and Waseca attended the event. Staff from the City of Owatonna and the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce worked with CGMC staff to host the event.

CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents more than 100 cities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Visit greatermncities.org for additional information.

Kris Busse, City Administrator

Annual City Council Strategic Planning

At its June 18 meeting, the City Council approved the City of Owatonna’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan and Work Plan presented by City Administrator Kris Busse. The Strategic Plan reflects the projects and initiatives determined as priorities for 2025 through 2027 by City Council and staff.

The priorities identified in the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan were refined through a series of meetings between City Council and staff that began in April. The Work Plan provides additional details about how various City departments will prioritize operations to ensure the goals in the Strategic Plan are met.

Departments’ accomplishments from 2023 and progress on 2024 plans were also evaluated through the strategic planning process. The City’s Vision statement was updated to align with public input received through the Comprehensive Planning process. “Residents and businesses thrive, with easy access to work, shopping, high-quality education and recreation. We are better together, welcoming and diverse, creating a quality of life unparalleled in Southern Minnesota.” The existing four Key Focus Areas are being carried forward: Infrastructure, Economic Vitality, Quality of Life and Efficient Effective Government.

Another update made due to strategic planning discussions was to adjust City Council assignments to the following structure which was approved by City Council at its May 21 meeting.

Executive Committee: Council President Greg Schultz, Council Vice President Kevin Raney, Council Member At-Large Dan Boeke
Community Center Task Force: Council Members Dan Boeke, Kevin Raney, Brent Svenby
Public Safety Facilities Task Force: Council Members Doug Voss, David Burbank, Nathan Dotson

Progress reports on the Strategic Plan are being provided to the City Council quarterly. The City’s Strategic Plan documents can be viewed online at owatonna.gov. The plan will guide the City Council as it makes decisions about the 2025 operating budget and tax levy. It will be evaluated annually and used to create the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan beginning in February.

Patriotic Spirit Without Fireworks

Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays such as the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. If this isn’t an option, here are a few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks:

Use glow sticks. They glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler.
Noise makers are sure to make a statement. Find them at local party supply stores.
Outdoor movie night. Set up a screen and projector. Don’t forget the bug spray!
Red, white and blue silly string…fun for all ages.
Make a patriotic craft with the family.
Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.

Rec On the Go!

Calling all Owatonna residents! We're thrilled to announce Rec On The Go, a brand new initiative to bring FREE, accessible activities straight to your neighborhood park!

Our goal is to make recreation inclusive and convenient for everyone. Mark your calendars to attend the Rec On The Go launch July 20 from 6 until 9 p.m. at Central Park, right before the Movie in the Park! There will be fun activities for all ages – you won't want to miss it!

Stay tuned! In early July, we'll share more details about upcoming dates, locations and exciting activities on our Facebook page. A big thanks to our major sponsor, Gopher Sport, for helping bring you this unforgettable summer experience!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Senior Softball Hits a Home Run for Health & Fun

Staying active and social is essential for a happy and healthy life, especially as we age. But let's face it, traditional team sports can be demanding on the body. Here's where senior softball steps up to the plate, offering a fantastic option for adults 55 and over to enjoy America's favorite pastime at a slower pace and with a focus on fun and camaraderie. Senior softball leagues are popping up across the country, catering to a growing population of active seniors. These programs understand that while the competitive spirit might still be there, the emphasis is on enjoyment, exercise, and making new friends.

Ready to join the fun?

Most senior softball leagues offer various skill levels, so you can find a team that matches your experience. Leagues typically have registration periods, so it's a good idea to inquire early. Don't worry if you haven't played in years – our leagues is welcome to players of all abilities.

Gear up!

The beauty of senior softball is that you don't need a lot of fancy equipment. A comfortable glove, athletic shoes, and a hat are all you need to get started.

Lace up your shoes and join the game!

Get ready to experience the joy of softball in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Call 507-444-4321 if you have questions.

Game Days:

July 11 – 10 a.m.
July 18 – 10 a.m.
July 25 – 10 a.m.

Night to Unite Events

Save the Date - August 6

The national Night to Unite event always falls on the first Tuesday in August. The Owatonna Police Department encourages everyone to participate in this great celebration of community, crime prevention and strong police-community partnerships.

Night to Unite is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anticrime efforts and, most importantly, it is a time to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Join the celebration August 6 by visiting Owatonna.gov/police. Call Pam Roberts at 507.774.7200 to register a party you would like to help host.

Curfew Reminder for Youth

The City of Owatonna has a curfew ordinance for the following reasons:

To protect the public from illegal acts of minors committed during curfew hours
To protect minors from improper influences that prevail during curfew hours including involvement with gangs
To protect minors from criminal activity that occurs during curfew hours
To help parents control their minor children

The curfew is enforced based on the following hours:

No minor under age 16 shall be in or upon public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public buildings; nor in or upon places of amusement, entertainment or refreshment; nor in or upon any vacant lot, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following day, official city time.
No minor ages 16 or 17 shall be in or upon public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public buildings; nor in or upon places of amusement, entertainment, or refreshment; nor in or upon any vacant lot, between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. the following day, official city time.

To read the full ordinance, visit § 132.01 CURFEW FOR MINORS. (amlegal.com).

Stormwater Management

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or snow that does not soak directly into the ground. Instead, it flows from rooftops, across paved areas and sloped lawns. Different types of land cover produce different runoff rates and volume. Additional impervious surfaces result in increased runoff amounts.

What is the difference between stormwater and sanitary systems?

City storm sewers are separate from sanitary sewers and do not drain into municipal wastewater treatment facilities. They carry stormwater runoff from catch basins into streams, lakes and wetlands. The sanitary sewer is a system of underground pipes that carry sewage from bathrooms, sinks, kitchens and other plumbing components to the wastewater treatment plant where it is filtered, treated and discharged. Stormwater is not treated by the wastewater treatment facility.

Fish holding only rain down the drain sign near a catch basin

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)

As part of Owatonna’s MS4 Permit, the city administers an IDDE Program. This program helps track and eliminate sources of pollution including illegal connections to the storm system, spills, illegal dumping and other sources of contamination. It keeps pollutants from entering the storm system where it may reach a nearby waterway. All illegal connections and illicit discharges are strictly prohibited by City Stormwater Management Code 52.00. Never dump or dispose of anything into the storm sewer or storm drain. Keep absorbent materials such as kitty litter on hand to clean up any accidental spills or leaks.

Keep an eye open for signs of IDDE:

Unusual colors, odors, suds or stains
Persons dumping liquids, oils, leaves, grass clippings or anything unidentifiable into the storm drain
Dead or distressed fish and wildlife near surface waters
Storm pipes and outfalls with high flow during dry weather periods
Excessive sediment accumulation in water bodies near outfalls

How to report suspected illicit discharge or water pollution

If the suspected pollution or contamination is a major spill, unknown or dangerous to human health and safety, the Fire Department should be contacted immediately by calling 911. To anonymously report any suspected illicit discharge or water pollution, visit Owatonna.gov to complete the online Report an Illicit Discharge Form or call 507.444.4350.

Clean H2Owatonna is the City of Owatonna’s Stormwater Management Program designed to help reduce pollution in streams, rivers and waterways. For additional information about the program, email stormwater@owatonna.gov or visit the Stormwater Management page at owatonna.gov.

Helpful Links

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Visit the Stay Informed Page for more information

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