City Administrator Transition

 The City Council, at its July 15 meeting, approved the employment agreement for Assistant City Administrator Jenna Tuma to serve as Owatonna’s next City Administrator. Tuma was selected by the City Council May 23 following a comprehensive and public selection process. She will assume the role August 8 and be officially sworn in at the August 19 City Council meeting.

Current City Administrator Kris Busse announced her retirement in February. Owatonna community members are invited to join City Council Members, Mayor Jessop and City staff to honor Busse at a reception August 6 from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. There will be a brief program at 5:30 with light refreshments served at the Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane.

Busse has served as Owatonna’s City Administrator since 2007. “My decision to retire comes with a mix of emotions—gratitude for the time spent serving this wonderful community and sadness as I prepare to say goodbye to such a dedicated and talented team,” said Busse.

Keeping the Community Beautiful

As everyone spends 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.

Register Now for Fall/Winter Recreation Programs

The 2025-2026 Fall/Winter Community & Activity Guide is filled with activities for everyone including archery, water aerobics, youth sports, trips, weekly activities, adaptive recreation events, snowshoe geocaching, tennis, pickleball and so much more! The guide also includes information about youth scholarships and events hosted by the Owatonna Police Department, Owatonna Public Library and more!

Register for programs online at owatonna.gov/prcatalog, call 507.444.4321 or register in person at West Hills Social Commons during office hours.

The 2025-2026 Fall/Winter Community & Activity Guide is filled with various activities for everyone including archery, water aerobics, youth sports, trips, weekly activities, adaptive recreation events, snowshoe geocaching, tennis, pickleball and so much more! The guide also includes information about youth scholarships and events hosted by the Owatonna Police Department, Owatonna Public Library and more!

Register for programs online at owatonna.gov/prcatalog, call 507.444.4321 or register in person at West Hills Social Commons during office hours. k Activity Guide | Owatonna, MN

Don’t Feed the Fowl!  

Feeding ducks and geese is often perceived as a harmless and fun activity. However, it actually has negative effects on wildlife, waterfowl and local waterways. While ducks, geese and other waterfowl like eating bread, chips and crackers, it causes them to congregate in high numbers which results in large, concentrated quantities of waste in and along the community’s water resources. Waterfowl waste also soils parks and trails. In addition to the environmental issues, feeding them can cause long-term health problems and other nutritional consequences for the waterfowl and other wildlife as they become overcrowded and dependent on humans for food. Instead of feeding wild ducks and geese, make a trip to a zoo, county fair or wildlife preserve.