The Council held a public hearing and approved a tax abatement and bond financing package for long-term capital improvements at River Springs Water Park, while also authorizing the sale of street reconstruction and tax abatement bonds for the water park, Cardinal Drive SE, and Ivy Street projects. The Council also reappointed Charter Commission members, approved ownership and development agreement amendments related to the Ascend downtown development, approved a change order for the 2026 Street & Utility Project, and received an update on the completion of the downtown streetscape granite replacement project.

Public Comment: Residents spoke in support of investing in River Springs Water Park, emphasizing recreation, swimming lessons, public safety, and quality of life. Additional comments addressed mosquito fogging, archery safety at Maple Creek Park, and government transparency. One resident raised concerns about repeated Open Meeting Law notice issues, referenced remarks made by city officials following the June 16th meeting that they believed discouraged public participation, encouraged the City to issue an apology, and requested regular Open Meeting Law, Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, ethics, and civility training for elected officials and applicable staff.
"Government belongs to the PEOPLE."

The Council approved the 18th Street SE Reconstruction contract, appointed election judges for the 2026 Primary Election, approved new police scheduling software, amended the Mineral Springs Estates planned unit development to allow additional apartment units, awarded airport pavement maintenance contracts, scheduled a public hearing on financing capital improvements at River Springs Water Park, approved a new off-sale beer license, and accepted two DNR-funded contracts for a community forest management plan and a citywide tree inventory.

Public Comment: Residents commented on the delayed Mineral Springs Estates development, free speech and Rainbow Owatonna, appreciation for reopening River Springs Water Park, concerns about amplified sound during public demonstrations, and archery safety at Mineral Springs Park.

The Council received a high-level overview of City-owned property, including parks, public facilities, airport property, stormwater ponds, EDA and HRA properties, downtown parking, and industrial land. Staff explained how properties are categorized, why they were acquired, and how they support public services, flood mitigation, redevelopment, economic development, housing, and future growth.

Discussion included future airport expansion, industrial park development, flood-prone property acquisitions, redevelopment of downtown buildings, potential future uses for City-owned land, and long-term planning for public facilities and infrastructure. Staff emphasized that many properties are held to meet future community needs, support redevelopment, or preserve open space through grant requirements.

Breakout session close up.  8:20 minutes

Break Out Sessions Close up

This was a joint meeting between the planning commission and the City Council work session to change ordinances for Zoning and Development. This meeting was broke out into 3 different sessions. This version captured everything. There are also close ups of each session.

Joint Study Session with Planning Committee Introduction.

The Council held its first workshop for the 2027 budget, reviewing the City's new long-term financial management approach, strategic priorities, staffing needs, capital improvement planning, infrastructure investments, and future budget assumptions. Discussion focused on police and fire facilities, pavement management, maintaining City assets, organizational effectiveness, and managing future growth.

Note: Around the four-minute mark, staff referenced decisions made during a March 19, 2026 strategic planning session, stating that the Council had established its civility code and strategic direction during that meeting. Residents later discovered that the March 19 meeting, like this June 15 budget workshop, had not been noticed in the same manner as other public meetings, raising additional concerns about meeting notice practices.

The Council approved releasing the City's right of first offer for the West Hills Lodge property, purchasing land on North Street, placing the $65 million Police & Fire bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot, approving election and licensing items, authorizing lift station programming, and approving the River Springs Water Park maintenance agreement (5–2).

Public Comment: Residents focused on transparency, public participation, preservation of the West Hills campus, the East Side Corridor, parks and recreation, and other community issues. Many urged earlier communication and greater public involvement before major decisions are made.

Note: During this meeting, residents learned that the City had held an unnoticed meeting on June 15, 2026. Following public comment, a Council Member told member(s) of the public to "not come back and don't vote for me," and to "call your attorneys and sue the City again," even though ESC residents had never sued the City.

The Council approved resolutions related to the former West Hills Lodge property, Rainbowatonna's event permit, and other routine business. Study session topics included the future of the West Hills Lodge property, planning for the Rainbowatonna event, and proposed parkland dedication requirements as part of the City's zoning and subdivision ordinance updates. Staff also presented potential approaches for requiring developers to dedicate land or pay fees for future parks and trails.

Public comment included discussion of the proposed Police & Fire Facilities project, meeting notice concerns, and requests for greater public engagement. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business was discussed.

During public comment, several residents addressed the proposed Police & Fire project. Common themes included requests to place the project on the November ballot, provide meaningful opportunities for public participation, and reconsider the proposed West Hills location. Speakers expressed concerns about the site's historic significance, impacts to the park and mature trees, and the importance of ensuring major community decisions reflect public input.

The study session concluded with presentations on the proposed Partridge Avenue development and potential updates to the City's in-home business ordinances. Residents were permitted to observe but not ask questions or provide input.

During the discussion, the Council President indicated that constituent concerns about a neighboring property helped bring attention to the ordinance review. The discussion raised broader questions about what data or community feedback supports potential citywide regulatory changes. The full presentation is available for residents who wish to review the discussion.

During this meeting, City staff and emergency personnel presented the reasons they believe new police and fire facilities are needed. Notably, the day before the meeting, the City closed a public data request for studies, analyses, assessments, and other supporting documentation related to the project, stating that no responsive studies existed.

The presentation lasted more than two hours, but no questions or public comments were allowed. Residents were asked to listen but not participate, leaving them without an opportunity to ask questions or review supporting information before decisions on a proposed $65 million project with long-term financial and community impacts.

The City hosted a public site walk at the proposed Police and Fire Facilities location. Residents raised concerns that the event was not accessible due to curbs, uneven terrain, steep hills, and the lack of amplified sound, making it difficult for many attendees to hear or participate. The City acknowledged that no permit had been obtained for sound amplification in the park.

No questions or public comments were allowed during the site walk or the following study session. As a result, residents were unable to obtain answers to basic questions about the project, including the proposed pond location, setbacks, project footprint, and tree removal. Although the site had been extensively groomed before the event, attendees were told many of the affected trees were of limited value because they were scraggly or dying. Despite these concerns, hundreds of residents attended and remained respectful throughout the event.

The Council held a public hearing and approved the 2026–2030 Street Reconstruction Plan, recognized Officer Alan Callahan Day and Pollinator Week, approved a permit fee for sound amplification devices in parks, approved a planned unit development for Northland Farm Systems, and awarded a contract for wastewater lift station improvements. Staff also provided updates on seasonal hiring, employee development, the City's wellness program, and upcoming downtown streetscape improvements.

Public comments focused on public participation, the proposed Police and Fire Facilities project, staffing impacts from Minnesota's paid leave law, and future public engagement opportunities. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business was discussed.

The Council proclaimed National Travel and Tourism Week, appointed a new member to the Fire Civil Service Commission and Board of Appeals, approved updates to the City's noise ordinance and related permit fee, awarded contracts for the 2026 Street Utility Project, library chimney repairs, the annual Fourth of July fireworks display, and the 2026 overlay preparation project, and scheduled a public hearing on the Street Reconstruction Plan. Staff also provided updates on the upcoming construction season and street maintenance projects.

Public comments focused primarily on the proposed Police and Fire Facilities project, historic preservation, transparency, and public engagement.

The Council received updates on the proposed Parker Avenue affordable housing development, approved routine business, and continued discussion of the proposed Police and Fire Facilities. Staff reviewed the site's selection process, compared renovation versus new construction costs, and responded to questions regarding historic preservation, SHPO involvement, project transparency, and facility needs. Public comments focused primarily on the Police and Fire Facilities project and historic preservation.

The Council proclaimed April 24 as Arbor Day, appointed a new member to the Owatonna Public Utilities Commission, approved amendments to the City's park noise ordinance, authorized a planned unit development for the Happy Little Haven Retreat, and formally accepted the sufficiency of the reverse referendum petition on the proposed Police and Fire Facilities, allowing the process to move to the next stage. The Council also declined to renew a downtown public parking lot lease after no motion was made to approve it.

Public comments focused primarily on the Police and Fire Facilities proposal, preservation of West Hills, tree preservation, public safety, and other community issues. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business was discussed.

The Council reviewed proposed updates to the City's zoning ordinance, including residential zoning districts, lot sizes, housing density, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and revised standards for garages, decks, and setbacks. The changes are intended to simplify the zoning code, provide greater flexibility for property owners, and prepare for potential changes in state housing laws. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business was discussed.

This special meeting continued the Council's strategic planning and long-term financial discussions. The Council reviewed priorities identified during its March strategic planning session, including financial stewardship, organizational effectiveness, community growth, and public safety infrastructure. Staff also presented updates on employee development and implementation of the DISC workplace assessment as part of the City's organizational culture initiative.

Much of the afternoon focused on the Financial Management Plan (FMP), with detailed discussion of capital improvement funding, future staffing needs, vehicle replacement, utility infrastructure, and long-term budget projections. The Council also explored alternatives to traditional special assessments for street reconstruction, including franchise fees, property tax impacts, and other funding models, directing staff to further study potential changes and report back with additional analysis. The meeting concluded with discussion of financing options for the City's next fire engine purchase.

Note: Audio quality remains limited throughout both the morning and afternoon sessions because the Council microphones were not properly activated. The recordings have been enhanced to the extent possible.

This special meeting focused on the City's long-term strategic planning and financial priorities. The Council reviewed outcomes from its March strategic planning session, including goals related to financial stewardship, organizational effectiveness, community growth, public safety infrastructure, and public engagement. Staff also presented updates on organizational development, employee training, and implementation of the DISC workplace assessment to strengthen communication and leadership across City departments.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Financial Management Plan (FMP), with discussion of long-term budgeting, capital improvement planning, staffing, debt management, and funding for major projects, including the proposed Police and Fire Facilities. The plan also addressed future infrastructure investments and incorporated financial planning assumptions related to the pending reverse referendum process.

Note: Audio quality during portions of the morning session is limited because the Council microphones were not initially turned on. The recording has been enhanced to the extent possible.

The Council approved plans for the 2026 Street Utility Project, authorized lift station infrastructure improvements, and received updates on the City's response to the March snowstorm. The meeting also included a presentation on new public safety technology, including Axon body cameras, digital evidence management, AI-assisted report writing, and the City's Flock license plate reader cameras, with discussion of their benefits, data retention, and privacy considerations.

During the meeting, the City confirmed receipt of a citizen petition and outlined the statutory review process to determine its sufficiency before any further Council action. No East Side Corridor (ESC) action appeared on the agenda, although residents continued to raise ESC-related concerns during public comment.

The Council reviewed a full agenda of informational updates, including the City's finance process evaluation and delays, proposed seating upgrades at the Little Theatre, snow removal operations following the March storm, Main Street streetscape planning, a wastewater treatment facility transaction agreement with OPU, the annual deer culling program, and progress on updates to the City's zoning and subdivision ordinances. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business was discussed.

This meeting featured a public hearing on the proposed Main Street reconstruction project. Residents expressed support for replacing aging infrastructure while raising concerns about overall project costs, increasing tax burdens, design elements such as the proposed 13-foot sidewalks, traffic impacts, and the long-term affordability of the project. During the hearing, residents also questioned the extent of public involvement after learning the City had previously met with Federated Insurance regarding aspects of the project.

The Council approved updated golf cart and ATV ordinances and denied a citizen petition requesting preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), concluding that environmental review was not mandatory. Residents who supported the petition stated they were seeking additional environmental review and greater transparency before the project moves forward.

The City Council received updates from Visit Owatonna and Owatonna Main Street on tourism, downtown development, marketing initiatives, business growth, and upcoming community projects. The Council also reviewed the future of the Lake Kohlmier boat rental program, discussing operating costs, usage trends, safety, and potential alternatives, and received an update on repairs and the anticipated reopening of the West Hills Pool. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business was discussed.

This nearly three-hour meeting centered on the proposed $65 million bond issuance for new police and fire facilities. More than 150 residents attended in person and online, with nearly two hours of public testimony raising concerns about project costs, historic preservation, environmental review, transparency, and long-term financial impacts. Despite the significant public participation, the City Council approved the bond issuance.

The Council also considered updates to ATV and golf cart ordinances, proposed revisions to meeting conduct rules, and approved hiring a consultant to assist with public data requests. During discussion of meeting conduct, one council member criticized residents for not speaking up, despite the extensive public testimony that had just occurred.

Following the meeting, residents began circulating a reverse referendum petition to place the bond question before Owatonna voters.

The City Council approved the next phase of the 2026 Street Utility Project, authorized planning for the Main Street reconstruction project, considered zoning and redevelopment requests, approved the first reading of a sanitary sewer rate adjustment, and received a communications update highlighting ongoing public outreach efforts. During public comment, residents spoke about the proposed public safety facilities and park hunting safety. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business appeared on the agenda, and no Council action was taken regarding the project.

The City Council received design updates on the proposed police and fire facilities, including project timelines, conceptual layouts, facility needs, and estimated costs. Council members discussed fiscal responsibility, potential alternatives for the fire station, and the long-term impacts of the project. The Council also received an overview of the City's ten-year Financial Management Plan, which will guide future budgeting and capital planning. No East Side Corridor (ESC) business was discussed.

The Council scheduled a public hearing on the proposed Capital Improvement Plan and issuance of up to $65 million in bonds for new police and fire facilities, with discussion focusing on project costs, facility size, and opportunities for future public input. During public comment, several residents expressed concerns about public engagement in the safety center project, alternative facility locations, project costs, and the City's park hunting program. No East Side Corridor (ESC) items appeared on the agenda, and no Council action was taken regarding the project.

During public comment, four residents addressed separate issues, including government accountability, the proposed police facility locations, the impacts of the East Side Corridor on nearby residents, and hunting policies in City parks. No East Side Corridor items appeared on the agenda, and no Council action was taken regarding the project.

The City Council's first meeting of 2026 focused primarily on annual organizational business, board appointments, community presentations, and housing incentive programs. No East Side Corridor (ESC) decisions or Council actions occurred.

During public comment, one resident discussed the East Side Corridor, citing the project's documented noise impacts, proximity to homes, Environmental Justice considerations, and the more than 200 public comments submitted during the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) process. No Council discussion followed, consistent with public comment procedures.

This meeting included annual organizational business, board and commission appointments, presentations from SMART Transit and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and discussion of the City's housing incentive programs aimed at encouraging residential development. The Council also received updates on affordable housing, legislative priorities, and routine City business. No East Side Corridor business was discussed.