New Human Rights Commissioner Josiah Hult (left) and Mayor Matt Jessop

New Human Rights Commissioner Josiah Hult (left) gets a handshake from Mayor Matt Jessop following his swearing in.

City Board & Commission Appointments

Volunteers serve on the City’s 12 boards and commissions and most terms expire April 30. During the May 6 City Council Meeting, Mayor Matt Jessop recommended, and the City Council approved, the appointment of Josiah Hult to the Human Rights Commission.

The City Council also approved reappointments for another term for the following:

Airport Commission - Tim McManimon and Matt Thurnau
Human Rights Commission - Sherry Hill
Park & Recreation Board - Tyler Cochran, Eileen Wohlenhaus, Johathan Thiel
Planning Commission - David Effertz, Mark Meier
Public Library Board - Julianna Skluzacek
Public Utilities Commission - Jay Johnson
Shade Tree Commission - Gary Schwartz, Ron Segner, Nikk Dickerson
West Hills Commission - Nancy Vaillancourt, Sara McKay

Calling All Third Graders

It’s time for Steele County Safety Camp!

Registration is open for this year’s Steele County Safety Camp June 12 and 13. This event is designed for kids who are in third grade during the current school year. Along with fun and games, participants will learn how to stay safe when fishing, boating, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking and using firearms as well as some basic instructions on first aid and electrical, fire and outdoor equipment safety and much, much more. The camp is held at the Lake Kohlmier boat landing and Steele County Fairgrounds.

Safety Camp is hosted by the Owatonna Police Department, Owatonna Fire Department, Blooming Prairie Police Department, Federated Insurance, Life Fitness, Minnesota State Patrol, Owatonna Public Utilities, and Steele County Sheriff’s Office. Safety Camp is made possible thanks to support from Owatonna’s generous business community!

Visit www.steelecountysafetycamp.com for more information and to register.

Door-to-Door Solicitors & Merchants

Recent hailstorms and spring weather increase door-to-door sales activities. Local regulations require a Solicitors and Merchants Permit prior to selling items door-to-door. Since March 31, the City of Owatonna has received more than 125 applications for Solicitor/Merchant Permits.

Where can permits be obtained?

Door-to-door sales regulations are available online at § 118.070 DEFINITIONS; EXCEPTIONS. Transient Merchant Permits are available with a fee to cover the cost of background verifications. Solicitor/Transient Merchant Permits are available at no cost and are valid for one year.

What should residents know?

Residents are encouraged to ask each solicitor or merchant to display their City-issued permit. View Owatonna’s door-to-door sales ordinance online at § 118.076 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES. Homeowners can post their property to notify solicitors and merchants they are not welcome. Guidelines are available online at § 118.077 EXCLUSION BY PLACARD. Before purchasing goods or services or signing any contracts, research the company or consult with a friend, family member or legal advisor. The City of Owatonna does not endorse any merchants or products. Any concerning or questionable activities should be reported to the Police Department’s non-emergency phone number 507.774.7200.

For additional information, please visit owatonna.gov or call 507.774.7341.

Housing Manager Ghassan Madkour invites expo attendees to learn about City housing programs.

Collaborating to Address Poverty & Homelessness

Ghassan Madkour, Housing Manager at the Owatonna Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), joined other agencies from surrounding counties for the Annual Project Community Connect Resource Expo. The April 30 event, held in Owatonna, provided a variety of information and resources from numerous service providers for individuals and families. The Expo is designed to engage the community by establishing rapport to reduce poverty and homelessness. It provides awareness and basic needs to community members. Approximately 300 attendees enjoyed complimentary services from more than 60 vendors. This included lunch, haircuts, hygiene products, legal advice, mental health services, faith-based advice, employment and more. Madkour distributed information about the City of Owatonna’s housing programs. The Owatonna HRA was able to introduce options for rental assistance to several attendees, some of whom were not aware of their options. “Overall, this event was quite a success for our community,” said Madkour.

City Approves TIF for Sputtering Components Expansion

At it’s April 15 meeting, the City Council held a public hearing and approved Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for an expansion project in the Industrial Park. Sputtering Components is proposing a 12,460 square foot addition to their current facility on Alexander Drive. The addition will consist of 7,000 square feet of office space and 5,460 square feet of manufacturing space. The addition will allow the company to add five engineers and 10 additional production workers. The company requested the use of TIF to assist with the costs of the addition. The total TIF amount generated for this project is estimated at approximately $260,000 over a nine-year period. The company is planning to start the project in May.

Keeping the Community Beautiful

As the weather gets warmer and everyone spends more time outdoors, remember there are ordinances related to exterior property maintenance that need to be followed. Here are a few items to keep in mind:

Grass needs to be less than eight inches tall on developed lots. For vacant lots, it needs to be less than 18 inches tall.
Household trash should be kept in a container designed for such use ensuring that it doesn’t leak and that it is always covered.
Don’t place unwanted items such as furniture or appliances on the right-of-way or in the yard.

Additional information is available on the City of Owatonna website.

Upcoming Library Events

Murder Mystery Night

There has been a “murder” at the Library! Join the fun solving this mystery May 8 from 6 until 7:45 p.m. This event is for teens and adults.

Book Club

Join in the discussion of The Wedding People at either 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. May 12, in the Reading Room.

Lake Kohlmier to be Chemically Treated

The Lake Kohlmier beach area is scheduled for chemical treatment May 13 or 14, weather permitting. The Park Maintenance Division treats Lake Kohlmier annually for weeds and swimmer’s itch. After treatment, the water is not safe for swimming (two days), fishing/fish consumption (three days) and other uses such as drinking, irrigation, livestock watering, pets, etc. (seven days). Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 507.444.4321 for additional information.

Play Space for Furry Friends

The Owatonna Dog Park at Chase Lake Park, 1915 State Avenue NW, is open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. This 1.6 acre park provides a place for fun and exercise activities for dogs. Dogs may run off-leash under voice control within the confines of the fenced area. The park has several features including a box, ladder, selfie station, jumps and picnic tables. A drinking fountain for humans and canines is available outside the park entrance.

Visitors must follow the rules to keep the park a fun and safe place for everyone. Dogs must be up to date with vaccinations. Dogs under four months old and females in heat are prohibited. Children under 16 must be with an adult and no running is allowed at any time. Waste stations are available to remove dog waste. The park is open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.

A reminder for pets and owners using other parks and trails, City Ordinance 90.01 states, “Any animal in a public park shall only be deemed to be under control when such animal is attached to a leash held by the owner or the owner’s agent.” City Code 90.11 requires owners of any animal in a public park to “remove animal feces left by the animal and deposit the same in a trash receptacle or otherwise remove the same from park premises.”

2025 City Construction Projects

City Council Approved Bids

The City Council voted unanimously at its May 6 meeting to approve bids for the following construction projects this summer.

Street Maintenance (Crack Sealing & Seal Coating) Roadways in need of repair are first crack-sealed and then seal-coated. Approximately 5.02 miles are planned for crack sealing and seal coating in 2025. Pearson Bros, Inc. of Hanover, Minnesota was awarded the contract with a price of $210,696.

Capital Improvement Overlay Project Due to deteriorating conditions, 1.64 miles of city streets are planned to be overlaid this season. The contract was awarded to Crane Creek Asphalt Division of Mathy Construction for $463,857.

Miscellaneous Overlay Project 1.56 miles of additional roadway will be overlayed by the Owatonna Street Department in 2025. This project will be completed by a contractor for the preparation work and the Street Department for the paving. Steve James Excavating of Owatonna was awarded the preparation portion of the project with a contract price of $46,615.

View the interactive project map to see where work will be taking place this season: Engineering Project Map | Owatonna, MN. Start dates for these projects have yet to be determined. Sign up for updates from the Public Works Department to stay informed!

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment

The City of Owatonna proactively treats ash trees on boulevards for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). 2025 EAB treatment is expected to begin the week of May 12, weather permitting. Crews have worked diligently to treat ash trees over the past five years. Unfortunately, it is expected that, due to the spread of EAB, many boulevard ash trees will need to be removed this year. Properties adjacent to boulevard trees subject to removal will receive notice on a door hanger placed at their front doors. Property owners may request a replacement boulevard tree by completing an online Boulevard Tree Order.

Helpful Links

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Stay Informed

Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.
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May 7, 2025