Public Works Update

July 11, 2025

2025 18th Street SE Trail Extension

Ulland Brothers began construction on a Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail running along the South side of 18th Street SW and the North side of 18th Street SE on June 2nd.

Weekly Recap: The crews completed all curb and pedestrian ramps west of Cedar Ave.

Upcoming Plans: Grading of the parking lot in front of the fairground ball diamonds and park will begin the week of July 14^th, weather permitting.

On Friday, July 11^th, a hydrant relocation will occur at Elm Ave S and 18^th St SE, weather permitting.

18th Street SE Trail Extension Map

2025 Overlay

Beginning the week of July 14^th, crews will begin milling the following areas: Oakwood Lane NE, Edgewood Place NE, Woodhill Place NE, Crestview Lane NE (From Greenhaven Lane to Dane Road). Partial milling will be occurring on parts of the following areas: 6^th Ave NE, Pamela Place NE, 18^th St NE, 15^th St NE, 17^th St NE, 8^th and 9^th Ave NE, and 15^th St NE

Paving with proceed milling starting July 28^th.

Please do not park in these areas that the crews will be working. Please use caution. Work is dependent on weather and other factors.

View the interactive project map to see where work will be taking place this season: Engineering Project Map | Owatonna, MN.

2025 Stormwater Utility Fee Changes

The City updated stormwater utility rates effective January 1, 2025. Major factors driving the need for additional stormwater management funding include environmental regulations and protections, changing weather patterns, rising infrastructure and construction expense, operation and maintenance costs, and planning for future development.

How is the Rate Calculated?

Non-Residential Monthly Fee = Current Rate X (ERU) X Intensity Factor
Residential Monthly Fee = Current Rate
2025 Proposed Rate = $5.14/ERU
*Reduction credits/fee adjustments no longer applicable

2024 Stormwater Utility Fee (SUF) Study

As part of the City’s Comprehensive SWMP, the City hired WHKS, Inc. to complete a SUF Study. The study considered many factors including payment for implementing prioritized stormwater capital improvement projects, required MS4/TMDL regulations, managing the communities MS4 Program, and the on-going need for regular maintenance, repair, and replacement of the storm system.

Potholes

Creation of Potholes

The most common cause of potholes is the freeze-and-thaw cycle during the winter and spring seasons. Ice and snow melts during the day, filling cracks in the roadway with water. At night the water freezes and expands, popping out the asphalt. Once there is a weak spot, every car that travels over it worsens the problem, and eventually a section of the material will fail – resulting in potholes.

Repairs

When the City of Owatonna receives a pothole report, the area in need of repair is added to a work order list that is monitored by Street Division Staff. In most cases, pothole repairs are completed systematically as the patching crew works through town. Working in street sections allows for greater efficiency as opposed to spot-fixing each pothole as the report is received. Because of this approach, reports received may appear to be outstanding for an extended period of time, this is to be expected. Please be assured that your report will be addressed when crews are in the area. Severe potholes are patched immediately if deemed appropriate.

Report a Pothole

To report potholes, please call the Public Works Department at 507-444-4350 or submit an online SeeClickFix ticket using Report a Concern.

Construction season has arrived. slow down exercise caution and pay attention

Construction season has arrived and there are many crews working on or near the roadway. Please SLOW DOWN, exercise caution and pay close attention when approaching any work crews, cones, barricades, etc. Thank you for your patience as the construction season gets underway. Motorist diligence is key in ensuring worker safety.

https://www.owatonna.gov/700/Report-a-Concern