Public Works Update

July 18, 2025

2025 Street & Utility Project

Linn Drive SW/Oakdale Street SW

The 2025 Street & Utility Project was awarded to Wencl Construction. Planned work is weather dependent and dates are subject to change. Any access restrictions will be communicated by the contractor.

Upcoming Plans: On Tuesday, July 22^nd, crews will begin pouring curb along Linn Dr and Oakdale. Weather permitting.

2025 Street & Utility Project Map.

2025 18th Street SE Trail Extension

Ulland Brothers began construction on a Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail running along the South side of 18th Street SW and the North side of 18th Street SE on June 2nd.

Weekly Recap: The pedestrian crossing at Vine and Oak was completed.

Upcoming Plans: On Monday, July 21, paving will begin. This is expected to last up to 3 days. Weather permitted.

18th Street SE Trail Extension Map

View the interactive project map to see where work will be taking place this season: Engineering Project Map | Owatonna, MN.

2025 CIP Overlay

Beginning July 18^th, crews will begin work on our CIP Overlay Project which includes utility structure work, milling and paving of the following areas: Ridge Rd NE, Riverwood Pl NE, 10^th Ave NE, 11^th Ave NE, Cotter Pl NE, Mary Pl NE, Prairie Ln NE, Leona Pl NE and Ridgeview Pl NE. Please do not park on the road in these areas and please use caution when driving through the work zone. Work is dependent on weather and other factors.

2025 Overlay

Work began July 14^th, on milling the following areas: Oakwood Lane NE, Edgewood Place NE, Woodhill Place NE, Crestview Lane NE (From Greenhaven Lane to Dane Road). Partial milling will be occurring on parts of the following areas: 6^th Ave NE, Pamela Place NE, 18^th St NE, 15^th St NE, 17^th St NE, 8^th and 9^th Ave NE, and 15^th St NE

Paving with proceed milling starting July 28^th.

Please do not park in these areas that the crews will be working. Please use caution. Work is dependent on weather and other factors.

2025 Stormwater Utility Fee Changes

The City updated stormwater utility rates effective January 1, 2025. Major factors driving the need for additional stormwater management funding include environmental regulations and protections, changing weather patterns, rising infrastructure and construction expense, operation and maintenance costs, and planning for future development.

How is the Rate Calculated?

Non-Residential Monthly Fee = Current Rate X (ERU) X Intensity Factor
Residential Monthly Fee = Current Rate
2025 Proposed Rate = $5.14/ERU
*Reduction credits/fee adjustments no longer applicable

2024 Stormwater Utility Fee (SUF) Study

As part of the City’s Comprehensive SWMP, the City hired WHKS, Inc. to complete a SUF Study. The study considered many factors including payment for implementing prioritized stormwater capital improvement projects, required MS4/TMDL regulations, managing the communities MS4 Program, and the on-going need for regular maintenance, repair, and replacement of the storm system.

Lawn & Garden Care

What's the problem with fertilizers and pesticides?

Fertilizer isn't the problem, if it's used carefully. If you use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, it can easily wash off your lawn or garden into storm drains and then flow untreated into the Straight River.

Just like in your garden, fertilizers in stormwater ponds, ditches and rivers makes plants grow. In water bodies extra fertilizers can mean extra algae and aquatic plant growth. Too much algae harms water quality and makes boating, fishing and swimming unpleasant. Algae decomposition uses up oxygen in the water that fish and other aquatic organism need to survive.

How can you help?

Here are a few ways you can help:

Don't blow or rake leaves and other yard waste into the street or gutter
Don't over irrigate. Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses or micro spray system and water early in the morning
If you have a spray head sprinkler system, consider adjusting your watering method to a cycle and soak. Instead of watering for 15 minutes straight, break up the session into 5 minute intervals allowing water to soak in before the next application
Keep irrigation systems well maintained and water only when needed to save money and prevent over-watering
Recycle yard waste or start your own compost pile
When mowing your lawn, mow so that grass clippings are blown back towards your lawn instead of into the street

Construction season has arrived. slow down exercise caution and pay attention

Construction season has arrived and there are many crews working on or near the roadway. Please SLOW DOWN, exercise caution and pay close attention when approaching any work crews, cones, barricades, etc. Thank you for your patience as the construction season gets underway. Motorist diligence is key in ensuring worker safety.

https://www.owatonna.gov/700/Report-a-Concern