Boards & Commissions

Seeking Applicants for Advisory Boards and Commissions

The City of Owatonna is seeking applicants for advisory volunteer boards and commissions. Appointed by the Mayor through an application process, volunteers review policies and proposals to make recommendations to the Council.

Boards and commissions provide an essential connection between our residents and local government. City Council encourages residents to consider being part of a City advisory board. Additional information on each of the groups and an online application are available below.

Four positions available: (1) Civil Service Commission/Fire Code Board of Appeals,

(1) HRA Board

(1) Planning Commission

(1) Airport Commission

Application deadline: August 2, 2021

Application Process:

Review submitted applications
Contact applicants to setup an interview for open positions
Conduct interviews for open positions
Mayor recommends appointment to staff
Conduct background check on selected appointments
Mayor recommends appointment to City Council
Confirmation by City Council

Application for City Boards or Commissions

Please contact Jeanette Clawson, Administrative Specialist with any questions. E-mail at: Jeanette.clawson@ci.owatonna.mn.us or Phone: (507)774-7341

HRA (Housing & Redevelopment Authority): Owatonna's five-member HRA helps provide safe and affordable housing opportunities for those who are not adequately served by the marketplace and promotes development and redevelopment that enhances Owatonna. The HRA also assists housing projects that will provide decent, affordable housing, and by encouraging economic development or redevelopment projects with a goal of city growth and stabilization. Funding for various programs come from a variety of federal, state, and local resources including grants; this funding facilitates the development and administrative costs for the department. HRA meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room of City Hall. HRA Members may serve three full consecutive five-year terms, terms expire April 30th. The current opening is to fulfill an appointment which will expire April 30, 2022.

Civil Service / Fire Code Board of Appeals: The Owatonna Firefighters’ Civil Service Commission of three members serves the city by working with the Fire Chief on hiring and recruiting for full-time and part-time staff. This commission meets when necessary. Members may serve three full consecutive three-year terms which expire April 30th. The current opening is to fulfill an appointment which will expire April 30, 2024.

Planning Commission: The Planning Commission's seven members prepares and keeps a current Comprehensive Plan; establishes principles and policies for guiding action affecting development; prepares and recommends to the City Council ordinances and regulations to promote orderly and economically sound development; and determines whether specific proposed developments conform to the principles and requirements of the Comprehensive Plan and City Code. Commissioners are eligible to serve two full consecutive three-year terms which expire on April 30th. The current opening is to fulfill an appointment which will expire April 30, 2022. Planning Commission Meetings are held in Council Chambers located in City Hall on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. During Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb they meet only on the second Tuesday of the month.

Airport Commission: The Airport Commission of seven members serves the city by working with the Airport Manager to plan, promote and encourage the development and utilization of the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. This commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Airport Lounge. Members may serve two full consecutive three-year terms, terms expire April 30th. The current opening is to fulfill an appointment which will expire April 30, 2022.when necessary.