City Meetings

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.

July 10: Joint Powers Board meeting at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at the Steele County Administration Building, 630 Florence Avenue.

July 16: Study Session at 5:30 p.m. in Chambers at the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle and the City Council Meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Chat with City Staff

Spin to win a prize!

Owatonna’s Downtown Thursdays feature local food, music, shopping and art on the first Thursday of each month during summer. City staff will have a booth at Downtown Thursdays to share information about City projects and interact with the community. Plus, win a prize by providing the correct answer to a City of Owatonna trivia question! Look for the City’s booth in Central Park. For other Downtown Thursdays dates and additional information, visit Owatonna.org.

City of Owatonna 2023 Audit Results Released

Mary Reedy from CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP attended the July 2 City Council Study Session to present the City of Owatonna’s 2023 annual audit results. Municipal audits provide an independent review of a City’s financial statements. Reedy stated Owatonna received a “clean” audit opinion and highlighted several aspects demonstrating sound financial practices including an increase in licenses and permits, annual expenses that were less than expected and revenues higher than anticipated by $1.6 million. She also noted Owatonna’s investment in capital projects was up 14 percent over the previous year. This increase reflects the City Council’s recent decisions to renovate existing, historic buildings so they can continue to serve the community’s needs. To view the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Statement online, visit Owatonna.gov or stop by the Owatonna Public Library to view a hard copy.

City of Owatonna Financial Rating

In a June 27 notice, Moody’s Investor Service assigned the City of Owatonna a financial rating of Aa1. The notice stated the positive rating was due to Owatonna’s growing local economy and sound financial operations with ample reserves. Owatonna is just one of two cities in Minnesota with this rating.

“The work done by City Council and staff to ensure this impressive financial rating is appreciated,” said Greg Schultz, City Council President. Doug Green from Baker Tilly, the City’s financial advisor, will discuss the bond rating and present the results of the bond sale at the July 16 City Council meeting along with a request for approval of a Resolution for the City’s Bond Award.

“This recognition from Moody’s acknowledges the City of Owatonna’s fiscally responsible approach to financial management,” said Finance Director Rhonda Moen. “Owatonna’s economic growth and reserve funds have both been developed with the support of the City Council and based on prudent decisions made across all departments to provide a high level of quality services and amenities for the community in a fiscally responsible manner.”

July Summer Reading Program

The 2024 Summer Reading Program continues in July with the following special events:

10 a.m. July 11: Sustainable Safari Wildlife Show (all ages)
9:30 a.m. July 17: Gardening Program – Bugs (all ages)
10 a.m. until 6 p.m. July 18: July Bookfair - bring in your reading record and pick out a free book! (all ages)
10 a.m. July 25: International Owl Center (ages three and above)

Spend a Day at the Beach!

Lake Kohlmier beach is open and available for swimming after a temporary closure due to flooding earlier this summer. The beach is open daily. Ropes are in place marking the swimming area. There are no lifeguards on duty. Individuals must swim according to the beach rules posted and at their own risk. Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent hourly for just $6.50 Thursdays through Sundays.

City staff tests water at Lake Kohlmier weekly even though it is not required by the Minnesota Department of Health. Water samples are tested for E. Coli levels by UC Laboratory. Water samples taken this summer have met Minnesota Beach Monitoring Program Sample Standards based on Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

The City of Owatonna takes many steps to ensure Lake Kohlmier is safe and available for use by its community members. At the beginning of the swimming season City staff treats the water for swimmer’s itch based on Department of Natural Resources guidelines. The City of Owatonna also manages weeds in the lake according to an annual DNR permit. City staff rake the beach area daily to help create a safe and enjoyable environment for beachgoers.

Community members with concerns regarding swimming in natural areas are encouraged to visit River Springs Water Park, 3065 St. Paul Road, which is open daily through August 18.

City Facilities Named Best in Southern Minnesota!

River Springs Water Park & Brooktree Golf Course Selected as Readers Favorites

On July 10, the Owatonna People’s Press published its Best of Southern Minnesota section. Two of Owatonna’s municipally-owned facilities were selected by readers as top picks. Brooktree Golf Course was named best golf course and River Springs Water Park was named the best place to swim. This annual honor is based on readers' nominations and votes. Visit owatonna.gov to find out more about both of these facilities that provide fun summer activities for the region!

Photo of golfer swinging club at Brooktree

Brooktree Golf Course Upcoming Events

Call the Pro Shop at 507.774.7100 for details or to register for any of these events:

Sota’ Series Jr PGA golf Tournament was rained out and has been rescheduled to July 26 at 1 p.m. shotgun start. Season pass holders’ children ages 13 through 17 can play at no cost.
City Open (also held at the Owatonna Country Club) August 3 and 4. The entry fee is $70.
Brooktree Club Championship August 10 and 11.
Numerous scramble golf tournaments are being held in August benefitting numerous charities. Grab a foursome and find a spot.

Night to Unite

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

stock photo of paving street with orange cone

Construction Project Updates

2024 Overlay Projects

On July 16, the Public Works Department Streets crews will begin milling on Rolling Green Drive SE, Van Buren Avenue SE, Phelps Street and Paris Place. Milling is expected to take approximately three days. The streets will be paved beginning July 22. Residents are asked to keep all parked vehicles off these streets and use alternate routes when crews are present. Dates are subject to change due to weather and other factors.

Helpful Links

Licenses & Permits

Registration

Employment

Stay Informed

Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.
City News Releases: View news releases published by the City of Owatonna.
Newsletters: The City of Owatonna publishes a weekly newsletter called Owatonna Update. Current and past newsletters are available here.
Social Media: Stay connected with the City of Owatonna by following these social media sites.
Spotlight Videos: Videos produced by the City of Owatonna.

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July 10, 2024