Domestic Violence Awareness Month

First observed in October 1981 as a national "Day of Unity", Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held each October as an approach to unite communities across the nation in their efforts to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and ways to stop it. When you see a purple ribbon, please join in what it stands for: Stand up; Speak out; Don't be Afraid; BE BRAVE!

City of Owatonna 2024 Audit Results Released

Mary Reedy from CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP attended the October 21 City Council Study Session to present the City of Owatonna’s 2024 annual audit results. Municipal audits provide an independent review of a City’s financial statements. Reedy reported that Owatonna received a “clean” audit opinion consistent with past years. To view the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Statement online, visit Owatonna.gov or stop by the Owatonna Public Library to view a hard copy.

Maintaining Local Birthing Center

City Aligns with Chamber on Importance

At its October 21 meeting, the City Council approved a statement supporting the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce’s position regarding a recent announcement from Mayo Clinic Health System. The announcement states the current labor and delivery services being provided by Mayo in Owatonna’s hospital, owned by Allina, will be discontinued next month.

The City Council voted unanimously to support the Chamber’s statement as follows: “The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce firmly opposes diverting birthing services from Owatonna. Growing and attracting families is vital to the health of our community needs and economy, and losing local delivery services undermines that effort.”

Mayor Matt Jessop voiced concerns about Mayo’s decision, “As City, County and Chamber staff collaborate in researching all avenues available to facilitate a resolution to this issue, we implore the leadership from local healthcare companies to address the unacceptable decision regarding Owatonna’s birthing center and do whatever it takes to continue providing this essential care for our community members.”

Read the letters by the City of Owatonna and the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce at owatonna.gov in the Agendas & Minutes.

Input needed to update land use regulations

The City of Owatonna is updating its zoning and subdivision ordinances. Read last week’s article here if you missed it: Notify Me • Communications - City Newsletters.

The Owatonna Planning Commission and City Council held a workshop September 9 to discuss issues with the current zoning and subdivision code and to identify priorities for making improvements. The main themes that the commissioners and councilmembers identified were:

Simplify the ordinances and make them easier to use
Incorporate new types of housing, address affordability
Make processes clearer and more consistent
Address violations and enforcement
Update the range and uses for accessory structures

We want to hear from you!

Zoning and subdivision ordinances regulate how land can be used and developed. Therefore, it’s important to get input from residents, businesses and property owners. Issues have been identified related to the following topics that public input is requested on:

Housing types and sizes
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Size, number and location of accessory structures such as sheds, garages, gazebos, pergolas
Home-based businesses
Sidewalk and trail requirements
Street widths
Downtown and mixed-use development
Parking requirements

How can you get involved?

Please take a few minutes before the end of October to take the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GYBJDPT. Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall in the planning and zoning department.

A summary of the survey results will be shared later this year. The results will be used to help the planners update city zoning and subdivision ordinances to meet current needs and make them easier to use. Visit the project website at https://arcg.is/1ujeLO1 to learn more about the process and other ways to be involved.

Restorative Burn at Leo Rudolph Nature Reserve

Part of Annual Owatonna Fire Training

The Parks & Recreation Department and the Fire Department are collaborating to conduct a controlled burn on the northern half of Leo Rudolph Nature Reserve. On October 27, starting at 6 p.m., the Fire Department will conduct the live-burn training session, weather permitting. If inclement weather occurs, a backup date of November 10 is set. Residents in the area may wish to close their windows that day. Firefighters will remain on site until the fire is completely extinguished.

The burn benefits prairie areas by stimulating grass and wildflowers’ growth and improving nesting areas’ habitats for pheasants and nongame birds. Additionally, it removes old vegetation to make room for new growth.

Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 507.444.4321 or Fire Department at 507.444.2454 for more information.

Adult Leisure Pursuits is changing to Legends

With input from stakeholders and staff, a new name is coming for senior membership at West Hills Social Commons. What is currently known as Adult Leisure Pursuits (ALP) will be changing to Legends. The goal of the new name is to clearly represent the target audience while also avoiding confusion with other organizations that serve the community. The great news is that the price of membership will not change for 2026, and the same great programs, and some new opportunities, will be included.

Current members can renew their membership for 2026 with an existing recreation pass for $40. Non-members can sign-up for a new Legends membership pass for $45. Join us today, and invite a friend for fun, fellowship and recreation right here in Owatonna. It's going to be legendary.

Library Events

Free movie October 23

Enjoy a free movie at the library in the Gainey Room at 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. Visit owatonna.gov/library for the showing schedule.

Family Scary Story Night October 30

Halloween Eve at 6 p.m., gather around the fireplace at the library with your little ghouls and goblins and listen close to a tale or three that are sure to make you shiver and squirm! Family friendly but spooky, please plan accordingly!

Boulevard Tree Orders

Boulevard trees that were removed due to damage or disease may be replaced by request from the property owner for a fee of $100 for large variety trees or $80 for small variety trees. City staff orders, plants and provides long-term maintenance for boulevard trees. Visit OpenGov – Boulevard Tree Order Form to submit a request for a replacement boulevard tree. All forms will be reviewed by City staff to ensure the appropriate size and variety is selected for the requested property address. Trees ordered this fall and winter will be planted next spring.

Saving a Seat for YOU!

Weekly Meeting Schedule

The public is invited to attend the City's public meetings. For meeting details, view the calendar at owatonna.gov. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

October 22:

4 p.m. Economic Development Authority Meeting

October 27:

4 p.m. Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting

October 28:

4 p.m. Owatonna Public Utilities Commission Meeting
5:30 p.m. – Planning Commission Meeting

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.

Feel free to forward this message to other Owatonna community members. Visit the Notify Me Sign-up page to update your email address, unsubscribe, or sign up for additional City alerts. Be sure to add listserv@civicplus.com to your safe sender/address book to ensure messages are delivered to your inbox.

October 22, 2025