Owatonna Officials Request State Funding for Public Safety Center

City officials visited the State Capitol March 27 to testify in support of a bill to secure state bonding dollars for a new public safety center in Owatonna. Fire Chief Ed Hoffman and Police Chief Jeff Mundale addressed the Minnesota House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee to describe the challenges posed by Owatonna’s aging public safety facilities. Mayor Matt Jessop, City Administrator Kris Busse and Assistant City Administrator Jenna Tuma also attended the hearing in support of the bill.

“We have retrofitted the current public safety facilities over the years to be responsible stewards of our budget while meeting the ever-growing demands of our region, however, we are at a point in which continuing to spend money on a failing building is no longer an option,” said Police Chief Mundale. “It is time to invest in a new space that will help us continue to provide these services to the region.”

The bill, authored by Senator John Jasinski (District 19) and Representative Tom Sexton (District 19B) would provide $1.5 million to the City of Owatonna to support the planning and design of a new regional public safety center. The proposed public safety center would accommodate the City’s police and fire departments, serve as Steele County’s emergency operation center, support area fire departments through mutual aid agreements, enhance multi-jurisdictional Emergency Response Team efforts and strengthen regional training opportunities. 

“We are a modest-sized community that is relied upon to provide large-community services to keep our region safe, and we are proud to do so, but we are seeking your help so the cost burden of this asset doesn’t fall entirely on our residents,” Fire Chief Hoffman testified.

Protecting the community is one of the City’s most essential responsibilities. Seeking state bonding support reflects the City’s commitment to reaching a cost-effective, long-term solution for meeting its public safety facility needs.

“We deeply appreciate Senator Jasinski and Representative Sexton for championing this legislation to support a modern public safety center that serves both our region and the dedicated first responders who protect it,” said City Administrator Kris Busse.

The City’s bill for public safety center funding was held over for possible inclusion in a House bonding bill this session. Additional information on this proposal will be available as the legislative session progresses. Visit owatonna.gov/lrap for more on the City’s Long Range Asset Plan including the proposed Public Safety Center.

April is Distracted Driving Month

Extra patrols will be out 

Distracted driving remains a serious danger on Minnesota roads and is preventable. Whether it’s checking a text, scrolling social media or eating while driving, distractions put lives at risk. That’s why the Owatonna Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies statewide, is participating in a distracted driving enforcement and awareness campaign April 1-30.

The Facts:

• In 2024, distracted driving contributed to at least 29 fatal crashes and an estimated 137 serious injuries in Minnesota.
• From 2019-2024, Minnesota law enforcement issued 115,643 distracted driving citations.
• Hands-free is the law, but hands-free doesn’t mean distraction-free—staying fully focused on driving is critical.

What You Need to Know:

• Hands-Free Law: Drivers cannot hold a phone while driving including for texting, social media or video streaming—even in hands-free mode
• Fines & Penalties: A first offense starts at $100+ in fines while a second offense costs $300+. Causing injury or death due to distracted driving can result in felony charges.

Safe Driving Tips:

• Put your phone away or enable “Do Not Disturb” mode.
• Set up GPS and music before driving.
• Avoid eating or other distractions while behind the wheel.
• Speak up if you’re a passenger and see a driver being distracted.

We all have a role in making Owatonna's roads safer. Let’s commit to driving distraction-free—not just during this enforcement period, but every time we get behind the wheel.

Library Events & Activities

OPL Seed Exchange Now Open 

The Owatonna Public Library’s Seed Exchange is officially underway! At our Seed Exchange table, OPL offers information and resources on seed care and planting guides as well as a variety of gardening topics including seed harvesting, composting, recipes, canning ideas and more!

How Do I Borrow Seeds?

Pick up seeds from our seed exchange library on the second floor in Adult Services. Choose what you can use, no check-out is required. All seeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How Do I Donate Seeds?

Share your seeds after harvest or at the end of the growing season. Please fill out a donation form. We welcome all seed donations!

Author William Kent Krueger April 7

Visit the Library April 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room. Minnesota author William Kent Krueger will speak and sign books available for purchase.

Road Closure

Grove Avenue South - Murray to McIndoe Streets

Grove Avenue South will be closed between Murray Street and Mcindoe Street for sanitary sewer repairs from April 4 through 9. Please follow the posted detour. The reopening date is subject to weather and other factors. Thank you for your patience.

City Meetings This Week 

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this week. Unless otherwise specified, these meetings are held at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

April 2: Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room in the Rice County Government Building, 320 Third Street NW, Faribault.

April 7: Park Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Charles S. Crandall Center.  

April 8: Human Rights Commission Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Charles S. Crandall Center. Planning Commission Meeting at 5:30 p.m.  in the Chambers of the Charles S. Crandall Center.

Helpful Links

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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