Annual Strategic Planning

City Council Approves 2025-2027 Strategic Plan

The City Council approved the City of Owatonna’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan at its April 15 meeting. The Strategic Plan reflects the projects and initiatives that will be prioritized over the next few years. These priorities were refined through a series of meetings between City Council and staff that began in February.

“The plan creates a roadmap we will use as we make decisions in analyzing and adopting policies and providing direction to staff on how to best use City resources,” said City Council President Kevin Raney. “It will be a helpful guide as we begin shaping our 2026 operating and capital budgets.”

There were several key decisions made during the process of developing this plan. This includes replacing the previous vision statement with the City’s Purpose Statement ‘We Create a Better Tomorrow’ and Core Values of Better Together, Community Stewardship and Pride in Our Work. “Our purpose and values were developed with City Council input in 2022 and we have been using them to drive organizational operations,” said City Administrator Kris Busse. “Integrating them into the Strategic Plan creates alignment in our planning and sets a clear path for staff to establish work plans.”

Another shift was made after evaluating the previous four Key Focus Areas of Infrastructure, Economic Vitality, Quality of Life and Efficient Effective Government. These have been replaced with five higher-level, overarching strategic priorities with specific outcomes, strategies and goals:

Our Public Amenities
Economic Prosperity
Financial Security
A Premier Employer
Our Neighbors

Action items are being developed for each of these five priorities to ensure the goals in the Strategic Plan are met. Progress reports on the Strategic Plan will be provided to the City Council in July and December. An annual review will be done in early 2026 to make updates as needed. A summary of the City’s Strategic Plan document can be viewed online at owatonna.gov.

Arbor Day Celebration

Retiree Tree Planting

The City of Owatonna will host its annual Arbor Day Event April 18 at noon at Morehouse Park. The event is designed to recognize retirees’ service to Owatonna through the planting of trees. The Robin Spande, who retired from the Owatonna Public Library in 2024, selected a tree that will be planted in her honor at the event.

Door-to-Door Sales

Warm weather increases the number of merchants arriving in Owatonna to sell their goods door-to-door. City ordinance requires transient merchants and solicitors to obtain a City-issued permit. Prior to issuing permits, the applicant’s identification is verified and recorded. Solicitor Permits are available at no cost. Transient Merchant Permits are available with a fee to cover the cost of background verifications completed prior to issuing permits. Permits are valid for one year. Permit applications are available at Owatonna.gov.

The City does not endorse merchants or products. Residents are advised to ask solicitors to display their City-issued permit. If they do not have one, residents can advise them to apply for a permit at City Hall. Any questionable activities of solicitors should be reported to the Police Department’s non-emergency phone number 507.444.3800.

Patrol Bikes Back in Action

The Police Department has deployed its e-bikes for the season. The two electric-assist e-bikes purchased in 2023 help officers patrol areas where squad cars are often less effective including on trails and in parks and the downtown business district. The Bike Unit assists in traffic enforcement with a focus on crosswalk and distracted driving violations. It also focuses on providing education and enforcing City ordinances such as 90.01 requiring domesticated dogs and cats in public parks to be under control and attached to a leash held by the owner or the owner’s agent.

First Responder Appreciation Dinner Held April 8

On April 8, local first responders were honored by Scouts BSA Troop 355 with an appreciation dinner and celebration. This is the fourth annual event hosted by this group of young women recognizing Owatonna’s public safety officials and their professions. “We are so thankful for the support our community extends to us and we thank Troop 355,” said Josh Sorensen, Police Captain. The event concluded with a fire truck and squad car tour. Scouts BSA Troop 355 is a year-round program for youth girls 11-17 years old. For additional information, follow their Facebook page.

Library Events

1940s Casablanca Screening

Movies of the Decades will next visit the 1940s. Join us at 2 p.m. April 24in the Gainey Room for a showing of 1942's Casablanca.

Amazing Race Library Edition

Plan now to attend the Amazing Race: Library Edition event April 24 from 6 until 7:45 p.m. Teams will race around the amazing Owatonna Public Library through a number of challenges. Gather your team for a race like no other! Teams must register in advance. Visit the OPL 125^th Anniversary page at owatonna.gov/library for more information and a link to sign up.

The outdoor patio at Brooktree Golf Course offers full food and beverage service.

Chill-Aqui Set to Open April 18

Full menu with golf-friendly options at Brooktree

Chill-Aqui, the much-anticipated eatery at Brooktree Golf Course, is officially opening its doors on April 18 and they're coming in hot with a full menu ready available ‘to go’. After weeks of buzz and excitement, locals and golfers can now enjoy a fresh, flavorful dining experience that’s tailored to fit leisurely diners and those on the move.

To better serve the unique needs of golfers, Chill-Aqui will utilize the beverage cart around the course to bring bites and beverages directly to players. In addition to sit-down service, there will be a variety of grab-and-go options perfect for those heading out to tee off or looking for a quick snack after the 18th hole. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or light, Chill-Aqui’s menu is designed with both flavor and convenience in mind.

The full menu includes a range of delicious offerings from fresh sandwiches to signature dishes and refreshing drinks. Whether you're there for the food, the golf, or both, Chill-Aqui aims to be your go-to spot on and off the course.

For a sneak peek at the full menu and to stay up to date with their latest offerings, check out Chill-Aqui’s Facebook page. With the official opening just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get your appetite—and your swing—ready.Tee times are available from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Reserve a tee time at owatonna.gov/brooktree. For additional information and ongoing updates, follow Brooktree Golf Course on Facebook.

Scan the QR code to see a list of park amenities.

Parks are Ready to Open!

Park preparation for the upcoming season is underway. Park crews have started water lines and permanent restrooms are open. Picnic tables and trash cans were refreshed over the winter and have been placed in parks. Portable toilets will arrive at their locations soon. Athletic fields and green spaces are being prepped.

Adopt-a-Park volunteers have begun. Contact the Parks & Recreation Department for information about participating in this program. It is a monthly commitment from April through October. Several parks are still available for adoption. Or, just do a one-time clean-up by calling 507.444.4321 to check out a Park Clean-Up Kit.

The City of Owatonna encourages all park users to Pack-In Pack-Out by taking any items they bring to the park with them when they leave for proper disposal. Even natural objects such as fruit peels and pet waste impact the environment. Look for pet waste stations available at each park to help clean up.

Be sure to go online or call now to reserve pavilions for your next family reunion, picnic, graduation or other special occasion! Try the park finder app at Owatonna.gov to find a park to meet your needs.

Parks & Recreation Programs

There are programs and activities offered for community members of all ages, ability levels and interests. Check out these upcoming programs and visit owatonna.gov to register or to see what else is being offered.

Water Aerobics

The Parks & Recreation Department offers classes at West Hills Tennis and Fitness Center designed for an aerobic workout that stresses movement of the joints, muscles and heart. A great small pool environment with a water temperature of approximately 90 degrees is great for rehabilitation and arthritis is one of several benefits of the program:

Increased flexibility
Social activity
Builds muscle strength
Reduces anxiety and stress
Builds endurance
Low impact

Now Hiring!

Join a team where employees are considered the greatest asset of the organization! The City of Owatonna offers exciting opportunities to begin a career, grow professionally and perform meaningful work that positively impacts the community.

Visit owatonna.gov and search “Employment Opportunities” to apply or to subscribe to receive alerts about future opportunities with the City of Owatonna. Watch for a variety of seasonal positions for Spring and Summer employment to be posted including in these areas:

Guest Services and Lead positions available at River Springs Water Park, Lake Kohlmier and Brooktree Golf Course
Guest Service and Program Lead positions available for camps, adaptive recreational programs and outdoor education programs
Water Safety Instructors
Lifeguards & Head Lifeguards
Golf & Park Maintenance
Adult Volleyball Officials
Youth Program Officials

Lifeguarding

Looking for a fun summer job with flexible hours? To become a lifeguard, register to attend Parks & Recreation Department lifeguard certification class this spring. Courses provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatics emergencies. For more information on lifeguarding applications as well as registration dates and deadlines, please visit Owatonna.gov.

Road Closure

North Street West between Oak Avenue North and Hoffman Drive Northwest

Beginning at 6:30 am on April 22, North Street West will be closed between Oak Ave North and Hoffman Drive NW for a bridge inspection. Please slow down, remain alert and follow the posted detour. The closure is expected to be removed by noon April 22.

2025 Street Projects

Spring is here and the City of Owatonna Public Works Department is planning another busy year of road construction and street maintenance.

2025 Street and Utility Project

The City Council recently designated the street reconstruction and bituminous rehabilitation projects that will be completed during the 2025 construction season. Linn Drive SW and Oakdale Street SW will be reconstructed this year. The project will be financed through City funding and assessments. 39 property owners will be impacted. Bids were received April 9. During the April 15 City Council meeting, the project was awarded to Wencl Construction, Inc. of Owatonna with a contract price of $1,809,858. The project is expected to begin in a couple of weeks.

18^th Street SE Trail Extension

A pedestrian and bike trail running along the south side of 18th Street SW and the north side of 18th Street SE is planned for construction in 2025. The Owatonna Parks & Trails Master Plan, adopted in 2020, shows a significant gap in the proposed city-wide trail loop on Owatonna's south end. Public input greatly supports trails and the need to connect the trail system. This extension of the 18th Street Trail is a phased project supported by many businesses, organizations and Steele County. City staff applied for and received federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for $579,684 to help fund the project. Ulland Brothers of Albert Lea was awarded the project which will begin this spring. TAP funds have also been awarded for 2026 to complete the trail from Austin Road to Bixby Road.

2025 Cured-in-Place Pipe Systems

The contractor began pre-cleaning 9,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe in mid-March. After this portion of the project is complete, Hydro-Klean will begin lining the sanitary sewer lines.

Other planned projects include 5.02 miles of crack seal/seal coating and 3.2 miles of street overlays. These projects are currently out for bids which will be received April 23 to be submitted for City Council consideration May 6.

Visit Owatonna.gov/streetprojects to learn more about these projects or to view the Engineering Project Map showing the project locations.

Obstruction Permits

Spring has arrived and it may be time for some Spring cleaning! If you intend to have a dumpster placed on the street in front of your home, an Obstruction Permit is required. The fee for a two-week permit is $50. Please allow two business days for permit processing.

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 16: Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, 3400 West Frontage Road.
April 17: Airport Commission Meeting at 8 a.m. at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, 3400 West Frontage Road. Charter Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center, Room 120. Library Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. at the Library, Gainey Room, 105 North Elm Avenue.
April 21: Park Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center, Room 120.
April 22: Owatonna Public Utilities Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. at Owatonna Public Utilities, Morehouse Meeting Room, 208 South Walnut Avenue. Planning Commission Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center Chambers Room 115.
April 23: Employee Recognition Banquet at 4:30 p.m. at the Owatonna Eagles.

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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April 16, 2025