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 Online tax calculator for proposed public safety facilities. |
Police & Fire Facilities Open HouseFebruary 26 4-6 p.m. at City HallThe City of Owatonna invites community members to attend the second of two open houses to learn more about plans to build new police and fire facilities. Around 50 people attended the first open house February 3 to speak with City officials, see project plans and get questions answered. Owatonna’s current police and fire stations no longer meet modern public safety standards. Aging infrastructure, limited space and outdated systems affect safety, efficiency and emergency response — making it increasingly difficult for first responders to deliver the level of service residents deserve. The facilities being considered will meet the needs of the community and first responders into the foreseeable future. Over the past two years, the City has carefully evaluated public safety needs and developed a long‑term plan to address existing challenges by building a new fire station on the site of the current Law Enforcement Center and a new police station on the West Hills Campus. These locations were selected to support efficient operations, fast emergency response and responsible use of taxpayer dollars by building on properties already owned by the City. To learn more about the challenges with the current police and fire facilities, the status of the project or to estimate potential tax impact, visit owatonna.gov/psf.
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Owatonna Considering Ordinance Allowing Special Use VehiclesBased on feedback from community members regarding the existing use of golf carts and special use vehicles such as All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and mini-trucks in Owatonna, the City Council is considering adopting an ordinance to allow the operation of and provide guidelines for using such vehicles within City limits. The City Council’s February 17 Study Session included a presentation by Police Chief Jeff Mundale highlighting the proposed ordinance as follows: - The ordinance will officially authorize the operation of special use vehicles and provide specific guidelines for each type.
- Without an ordinance, operating special use vehicles within City limits is considered illegal under State Statute.
- Insurance will be required to operate special vehicles on public streets.
- Registration will be required along with a fee structure set by city council for initial registration and renewals.
- A three-year permit is being proposed.
- The ordinance will not specify guidelines for using scooters, electric or non-electric bicycles, riding lawn mowers, etc.
- Violations will be enforced by the Owatonna Police Department.
Additional information about the proposed ordinance will be provided during its first public reading scheduled for the March 3 City Council Meeting. A second public reading of the ordinance is planned for March 17 followed by a proposed resolution for the City Council to adopt the ordinance. To provide comments or suggestions regarding the ordinance, community members are encouraged to attend these meetings, contact a City Council member or email info@owatonna.gov.
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City Council Action Supports New HousingAt its February 17 meeting, the City Council approved Resolution 26-26 to assign a Tax Increment Financing District agreement requested by the developer of the Ascend South Apartments. The mixed-use development, located at 130 Oak Avenue North along Owatonna’s downtown riverfront, includes constructing 57 market-rate apartments, 45 underground parking spaces, more than 3,000 square feet of retail space and 16,000 square feet of office space. It is the second phase of the renovations along the riverfront which began in 2023.
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Main Street Reconstruction PlansCity Council Sets Public Hearing DateSteele County and the City of Owatonna are working together to improve a key stretch of Main Street (CSAH 48) between Oak and Grove Avenues. The project will include: - Reconstruction of the street and sidewalks from Oak to Elm Avenues
- Replacement of water, sewer and stormwater utilities
- Improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians and drivers
- New traffic signals at Oak, Elm and Grove Avenues
- Signal removal at West Park Square
On February 17, the City Council approved Resolution 28-26 which approved the Feasibility Report that was completed to determine whether the proposed improvement is necessary, cost-effective and feasible. The resolution also set a public hearing to be held March 17 during the City Council Meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Any person who has a desire to be heard concerning the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting. A Neighborhood Meeting is planned for March 9 from 4 until 6 p.m. This meeting will be an open house held in the Morehouse Room at Owatonna Public Utilities at 208 Walnut Avenue North. Staff will present project plans and answer questions. Learn more about the project by visiting the project website: Steele County - Owatonna Main Street Reconstruction Project. |
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Police Reserve OfficersWhat do they do and how can one volunteer?The Owatonna Police Department offers citizens a unique way to give back to the community by volunteering as a Police Reserve Officer. These dedicated officers generously donate their time to help make the community a safer place. The Police Reserve Unit serves an important role in enhancing community safety by working alongside sworn police officers on various calls for service and participating in numerous community events. Reserve officers may also be called to assist during natural disasters or other emergencies that require additional personnel. Owatonna is currently seeking to add a few volunteers to the Reserve Unit. Applicants of all adult ages and backgrounds who have an interest in law enforcement or a desire to serve their community are encouraged to apply. Reserve officers must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid Minnesota driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and have no criminal convictions. For additional information, please contact Sergeant Val Satre at 507.774.7219 or visit owatonna.gov to download an application.
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Volunteer Reserve Officers Recognized Each year, the Owatonna Police Department recognizes its reserve officers for their volunteer service. This year’s event recognized the following members and their accomplishments: - Michael Leyva for 11 years of service
- Steven Wrede for seven years of service
- Tyler Sheehan for one year of service
- Skylar Krenzelok for one year of service
- Jamilet Sandoval for one year of service
Tyler Sheehan was also recognized for contributing more than 100 hours of volunteer service in 2025. His hours accounted for 25 percent of the reserve unit’s total number of volunteer hours this year. The reserve unit also welcomed two new members in 2025 - Rosie Tobar and Becca Hansen, who are currently in the training phase of the reserve program. |
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Temporary Pool ClosurePool MaintenanceThe West Hills pool at the Tennis & Pickleball Center is closed for maintenance. All aquatics activities for this week have been cancelled. Regular activities are expected to resume March 3 or as soon as repairs are completed.
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Online Building and Zoning Permits Spring has sprung - and so has home improvement season! Many residents are starting to plan their spring and summer home improvement projects. As these plans are made, remember that many exterior projects require City permits. This includes roofing, siding, windows, sheds, decks and more! Permits help keep projects safe and aligned with City Code. The Planning and Zoning Department issues Zoning Permits for: - Sheds, pergolas and gazebos under 200 square feet
- Detached decks under 30 inches in height
- Fences located within easements
- Permanent, above-ground pools under 5,000 gallons
Access a complete list of projects that require a building permit online at License & Permit Forms | Owatonna, MN. All exterior projects must follow setback and easement regulations. Setback information is available online at Planning & Zoning. OpenGov permitting software allows residents to apply for permits and submit payments online. Payments may also be made in-person by cash or check. Have questions? We’re here to help!
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Park Pavilion Rentals and Event PermitsPlanning Celebrations & EventsOwatonna’s parks provide a beautiful setting for meetings, celebrations and events. Understanding precisely what permissions are needed to hold such events may be challenging. The City of Owatonna does not close public parks for private events but can accommodate many requests. A standard pavilion rental provides exclusive use from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. All park amenities outside the pavilion are available for guests and are shared with other park visitors. A Park Permit must be used for requests outside the standard pavilion rental. Examples include exclusive use of areas or amenities outside of the pavilion such as ballfields, use outside of regular hours, use of sound amplification, use of a food truck as a caterer, use of tents or canopies, events with bounce houses or amusement items or other special requests. Permits can be completed online at Owatonna.gov and should be received 60 days before the event. An Event Permit is required for any parades, public dances, temporary road closure requests, weekend activities requiring the use of the public right-of-way, fundraising events, sales of goods or services on City property and any exceptions to City Ordinances. City Departments and City Council approve Event Permits and require a minimum lead time of 60 days. Hosts must review the Outdoor Rental and Use Policies before using park facilities which is available online at owatonna.gov. Pavilions may be reserved up to one year in advance. All rental fees and damage deposits must be paid at the time of reservation.
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Winter Parking RestrictionsWinter parking restrictions are in place until March 31, regardless of weather conditions, with odd/even parking in areas that are not otherwise signed. These restrictions facilitate effective snow removal and other street maintenance. A simple way to confirm where parking is allowed is by viewing the Winter Parking Map web app. Scan the QR code to load the app. |
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Keep Catch Basins Clear of Snow, Ice and DebrisAs spring approaches, snow and heavy rains can cause localized ponding and flooding if storm drains are blocked. To prevent blockages, please check any storm drains located near your driveway or in your neighborhood and clear them of debris. Removing sediment, deicing salt or trash that has accumulated prevents the pollutants from reaching nearby waterbodies or clogging the stormwater system. In addition to street catch basins, be sure to check any storm inlets or drains in yards that may need clearing as well. Learn more about the City of Owatonna’s Stormwater Program and Catch Basin Adoption Program at owatonna.gov/stormwater or send an email to stormwater@owatonna.gov.
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2026 Sanitary Sewer Rates IncreaseDuring the February 17 City Council meeting, the first reading of proposed ordinance 26-01: Adjust Sanitary Sewer Rates was approved. Annual adjustments of the sanitary sewer rates are necessary to maintain adequate funding for future operations and to fund the costs of the wastewater treatment facility expansion. The City of Owatonna recently worked with Nero Engineering and AE2S to update its Sewer Utility Rate Study to develop recommended rates for 2026. Rate increases vary across rate type and user class and are based on results of the cost-of-service analysis. The second reading of the ordinance is expected to take place March 3. Upon approval, rate increases would go into effect following the passage and publication of the ordinance. |
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City MeetingsSaving You a Seat!The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this coming week. Unless otherwise specified, these meetings are held at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. Meeting materials are available at owatonna.gov. February 25:- West Hills Commission Meeting at 1 p.m. to review the final plans of the proposed Police and Fire Facilities.
- Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m.
February 26:- Open House from 4 until 6 p.m. regarding the proposed Police and Fire Facilities.
March 2:- Park Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m.
March 3:- City Council Study Session at 5:30 p.m. to provide an update on the design plans for the proposed Police and Fire Facilities. If time permits, there will be general updates on various boards and commissions.
- City Council Meeting at 7 p.m. with a public hearing regarding the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with Intent to Issue Bonds.
March 4: - 911 Call Center Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room at the Rice County Government Building in Faribault.
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City Information- Visit owatonna.gov
- Send an email to info@owatonna.gov
- Watch the Public Access Cable Channel 181 on Charter/Spectrum
- Follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook
Sign up to receive notifications when the latest City Newsletters, News Releases or City Spotlight Videos are posted at Owatonna.gov. Click on “Notification Sign-up” on the home page and look for “Communications”.
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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. |
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