Mayor Matt Jessop provides an OWATONNA pin to Representative Tom Sexton.

Advocating for Owatonna in State Legislative Session

City elected officials and staff are representing Owatonna as the state’s 2025 legislative session continues through April 21. For additional information about this year’s session or the Minnesota State Legislature, visit leg.mn.gov.

City Council President Kevin Raney, City Council Vice President Doug Voss, City Council Members Dan Boeke, Nate Dotson, Don McCann, Mayor Matt Jessop, City Administrator Kris Busse and Assistant City Administrator Jenna Tuma attended the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Legislative Action Day February 12.

This annual event provides an opportunity for more than 100 city leaders from across Greater Minnesota to meet with legislators. Several legislators addressed the full group. The Owatonna delegation also met individually with the legislators who represent the districts including Owatonna – Senator John Jasinski (District 19) and Representative Tom Sexton (District 19B). Topics during these discussions centered around Owatonna’s continued need for Local Government Aid (LGA). Through the LGA program, the State of Minnesota helps address property tax inequities across the state so that all Minnesota cities can provide quality public services while restraining property taxes. The Owatonna delegation also expressed the need for state support for a new public safety center, a local option sales tax and requested the legislators oppose one-size-fits-all zoning and land use mandates to help create additional housing options in Owatonna.

Front: Graham Benoit, Kris Busse, Mary Kay Feltes. Back: John Pfeifer, Mark Blando, Kevin Raney.

125^th Anniversary Celebration

Nearly 100 community members, City officials, City staff, former and current Owatonna Public Library (OPL) staff members and other Library friends attended a kick-off event February 22 celebrating the library's 125th year. A duo from the Owatonna High School Dinner Ensemble welcomed attendees. Library Director Mark Blando shared opening remarks, followed by a distinguished roster of speakers: City Council President Kevin Raney, City Administrator Kris Busse, OPL Foundation Board President and former City IT Director John Pfeifer, former Library Director Mary Kay Feltes, former Library Director Graham Benoit. This was followed by a social hour and an opportunity to view OPL’s art collection and former children’s room. In 1903, OPL was the second library in the state of Minnesota to open a children’s room. Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate the 125^th Anniversary of the opening of OPL on February 22, 1900!

Visit owatonna.gov/library for ongoing updates on this year-long celebration!

Reserve Officers

Years of service recognized, applicants encouraged

Each year, the Owatonna Police Department recognizes its reserve officers for their volunteer service. This year’s event took place February 2 and recognized the following members and their accomplishments:

Michael Leyva—ten years of service
Steven Wrede—six years of service
Dakota DuChene—one year of service
Steven Wrede—recognized for contributing more than 500 volunteer hours over his six years of service

In January the Reserve Unit also welcomed four new members: Isaac Baumgartner, Skylar Krenzelok, Jamilet Ronquist Sandoval and Tyler Sheehan. All four are currently in the training phase of the reserve program.

What do Reserve Officers do and how can one volunteer?

The Owatonna Police Department offers citizens a unique way to give back to the community by volunteering as a Police Reserve Officer. These dedicated officers generously donate their time to help make the community safer. The Police Reserve Unit serves an important role in enhancing community safety by working alongside sworn police officers on various calls for service and participating in numerous community events. Reserve officers may also be called to assist during natural disasters or other emergencies that require additional personnel.

Owatonna is currently seeking to add volunteers to the Reserve Unit. Applicants of all adult ages and backgrounds who have an interest in law enforcement and a desire to serve their community are encouraged to apply. Reserve officers must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid Minnesota driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and have no criminal convictions. For additional information or to request an application, please contact Sergeant Val Satre at 507.774.7219.

Ice Safety and Aeration

Cold days are ahead this winter, ideal for making ice on area lakes. But that doesn’t always mean that the ice is safe. Whether you are at Lake Chase, Lake Kohlmier or one of southern Minnesota’s many lakes, be aware of conditions and, more importantly, changing conditions.

Each winter, the Parks Division applies for a permit with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to operate an aeration system on Lake Kohlmier. The DNR has several requirements, including proof of public notice when it starts, verification of liability insurance, posting thin ice signs 4-6 feet high, at least 100 feet apart around the open area, and completing a written inspection once every seven days.

Aeration increases oxygen levels in the lake to prevent winter fish kills. Oxygen is created through photosynthesis. Oxygen is used up by live plants, fish and bacteria that feed on decaying vegetation. When that level declines, fish can begin to suffocate. The aeration opens an area for sunlight to reach vegetation in the lake, replenishing the oxygen supply. Winterkill is a natural process and is only sometimes detrimental. That is why the DNR issues permits for lakes that should use aeration.

Winter weather is unpredictable so being aware of changing conditions and conditions, in general, is important. Ice is never 100% safe, and the DNR reminds us, your safety is your responsibility. Some safety tips to remember (source MN DNR website 2/1/2022):

You can’t judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether the ice is covered by snow. Other factors are the depth of the water below, the size of the lake, the chemistry of the water, currents, distribution of the load on the ice and climatic conditions.
Open water areas can become larger within just a few hours during warm, windy days. This creates unpredictable and irregular thin ice areas.
Ice seldom freezes uniformly; the DNR recommends checking ice thickness at least every 150 feet.
New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous.
The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support, and ice near shore can be weaker than ice farther out.
Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement of fish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. This is sometimes the cause of snowmobiles and cars breaking through.

Minimum recommended ice thickness for new, clear ice:

4” – Ice fishing or other activities on foot.
5”-7” – Snowmobile or ATV
8”-12” – Car or small pickup
12”-15” – Medium truck
DOUBLE these guidelines when traveling on white ice or “snow ice.”

Park Pavilion Rentals

Park pavilions are available to rent May 1 through October 15 and can be reserved up to one year in advance. They provide an excellent venue for family reunions, meetings, and special events. To find out about the amenities available at each park and pavilion, use the Park Finder app at Owatonna.gov.

Reserving a pavilion allows the renter to sole use of it from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. All park amenities outside the pavilion are available for you and any other park visitors. An additional Park Permit is required 30-days in advance for the following uses: bounce houses, inflatables, tents, amplified sound, use outside of regular hours, food trucks or reserving a ballfield or other area. Payment is required at the time of reservation in addition to a refundable damage deposit.

An Event Permit is required for any fundraising events, sales of goods or services on city property and any exceptions to City Ordinances. City Departments and City Council approve Event Permits and require a minimum lead time of 30 days. Please review the Outdoor Rental and Use Policies on the website before reserving.

Owatonna's Tennis & Pickleball Center

502 Dunnell Drive

507.444.4290

Tennis/Pickleball Season Pass Prices (plus tax) through May 31:

Junior 5 months $119.20
Junior 9 months $186
Junior 12 months $200.80
Individual 5 months $203.65
Individual 9 months $322
Individual 12 months $350.75
Couple 5 months $262
Couple 9 months $413
Couple 12 months $439
Family 5 months $281
Family 9 months $447
Family 12 months $487

Upcoming Parks & Recreation Programs

Registration for most spring and summer programs, classes and camps began February 4. Additional details for all programs and facilities can be found online at owatonna.gov or on the Parks & Recreation online registration page at owatonnat.gov/prcatalog. Register online at www.owatonna.gov, call 507.444.4321 or stop by the Parks & Recreation Office at 500 Dunnell Drive.

Strength Training
This group-led strength training class increases flexibility, mobility and balance. Weights and resistance bands are available.

Ages: 50+
Fee: Free for Adult Leisure Pursuits Members, $3 Day Pass for Non-Members
Dates/Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Location: West Hills Social Commons Multipurpose Room (1st floor)

Youth Scholarships

The Youth Scholarship Fund helps support programs for all youth in the Owatonna School District and Adult Adaptive Recreation programs. Applications are available at the Parks & Recreation Office. Participants must pay 40 percent of program fees and any late fees and must show verification of one of the following qualifications:

School District Educational Benefits
Current recipients of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or Social Security Benefits
Current recipients of Medical Assistance Program
Other circumstances

Volunteer Coaches Needed for Youth Sports Programs

Volunteer coaches teach fundamental skills and strategies and serve as mentors, role models and sources of inspiration for young players. Individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels are needed. These upcoming youth sports programs need volunteer coaches: soccer, T-ball, mini sluggers, machine pitch baseball, player pitch baseball and adaptive baseball. For additional information, call 507.444.4321, email parkrec@owatonna.gov or visit owatonna.gov.

2025 Cured in Place Pipe System Project (CIPPS)

The CIPPS Project involves precleaning and jetting aging clay sanitary sewer lines and lining them with a flexible resin liner to help reduce inflow and infiltration. Inflow and infiltration causes additional, unnecessary treatment of groundwater at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. This process also helps extend the life of the lines.

The project was scheduled in 2024 but not completed because the bids received were higher than anticipated. The unused 2024 funds were combined with the 2025 funds to cover project costs. The project will include approximately 9,000 linear feet of lines. Hydro-Klean, LLC of Des Moines, Iowa was awarded the $312,791.34 project. Work is expected to begin in early March.

Since 2012, approximately 125,377 linear feet of Owatonna’s sanitary sewer lines have been lined. After this year’s CIPPS projects, approximately 211,068 feet of clay pipe will still need to be lined.

Aerial map showing 18th Street SE project limits

New Multi-Use Trail Along 18th Street SE in Progress

The section of 18th Street SE between Austin Road and just past Cornerstone Lane up to the new roundabout connection need repairing and is planned for reconstruction in 2026. In 2025, the City will complete a project to include the complete replacement of the corridor including pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveways, water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and the addition of a multi-use trail. The project will use a phased approach to reconstruct the roadway efficiently to minimize construction costs, impacts to nearby property owners and the public.

In December, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design services for the project was distributed to several private engineering firms. The City of Owatonna received responses from SEH, Inc., WHKS & Co. and WSB, Inc. Using a best-value evaluation approach, City engineering staff reviewed and scored the proposals based on qualifications/experience of personnel assigned to the project, level of understanding of the project objectives, work plan/schedule and cost. The SEH, Inc. proposal was determined to be the most qualified option to provide construction services for this project. They demonstrated a thorough understanding of the project, presented a team of highly qualified individuals, a timeline that involved meeting critical deadlines and time constraints relating to the federal funding process along with construction limitations due to the Steele County Free Fair and beginning of the 2026 school year.

The City of Owatonna received $490,729 in federal trail funding and $1,548,400 in federal street funding for the reconstruction of 18th Street SE and trail. Additional funding will come from state aid funds, capital improvement funds, special assessments and contributions from Owatonna Public Utilities and sanitary and stormwater funds. The total cost of the design services and construction administration/observation agreement will not exceed $864,170 and will be paid for using state aid funds.

City staff will work closely with SEH to assess and consider all options to ensure an efficient project design. The design process began this week. Plans are anticipated to be in the review stage this fall.

Visit owatonna.gov to receive updates on future public engagement opportunities and important project milestone updates.

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.

March 3: Park Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle.

March 4: Study Session at 5:30 p.m. in the Chambers at the Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle followed by a City Council Meeting at 7 p.m. to include a swearing-In ceremony for recent promotions within the Fire and Police Departments.

March 5: Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room at the Rice County Government Building in Faribault.

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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February 26, 2025