A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of a wastewater treatment agreement with Medford, a move that broadens the scope of Owatonna’s wastewater facility expansion. Sean Murphy outlined the agreement, which facilitates the transport and treatment of Medford’s sanitary waste at the Owatonna facility. The arrangement is part of a revised funding request to the state aimed at regionalizing the wastewater treatment project. This collaboration has secured a substantial funding package totaling $26.5 million, with Owatonna receiving $22 million and Medford $4.5 million.

The agreement delineates responsibilities such as maintenance and capacity allocation, while also setting user rates. Murphy requested authorization to approve the agreement with minor clarifications allowed post-approval, emphasizing the financial benefits, including an expected $1,195,000 from connection costs and a monthly service fee of about $10,328. The council approved the agreement unanimously after appreciating Murphy and his team’s efforts.

Another topic of keen interest was the ongoing hunting program, particularly the permissibility of hunting during twilight hours. A council member raised a community concern about hunting times, prompting a detailed explanation from Dr. Paul Burr, the acting big game coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Dr. Burr clarified that deer are most active during twilight, and sufficient ambient light exists for safe and ethical hunting, though visibility can be influenced by environmental factors. The council member appreciated the factual response.

Public comments during the meeting included a notable concern from Melissa Zimmerman, who urged the council to consider the air pollution implications of the proposed Ninth Avenue East Side corridor project. She cited personal observations of exhaust-related discoloration on posters as evidence of potential health risks for residents. Zimmerman challenged the council to weigh the invisible impacts of pollution, especially on vulnerable populations.

Gary Jones, another public speaker, revisited the hunting discussion, expressing gratitude for the information provided but questioning the suitability of ambient light arguments for localized areas like Mineral Springs. He recommended adjusting proficiency tests or hunting hours to prevent hunting in near-dark conditions.

The meeting also saw the passage of two ordinances. The first ordinance, which was a second reading, formalized the process for obtaining permits for designated park areas, allowing for event-specific permits while keeping parks publicly accessible. This ordinance was approved unanimously. The second ordinance involved a correction to noise regulations in public parks, a housekeeping measure to rectify a previous error, and was also approved without opposition.

Furthermore, the council approved resolution 33-25, which proposed an increase in compensation for Owatonna Public Utilities Commissioners. The resolution recommended raising the monthly compensation from $1.25 to $250, a change deemed necessary due to the commissioners’ managerial responsibilities and the frequency of their meetings. The council discussed this adjustment, noting the significant increase compared to the previous compensation, before passing the resolution.

Additional agenda items included the approval of a MnDOT grant agreement for purchasing a new flex wing mower for the airport, with the city covering approximately $11,532 of the total $38,440 cost. The council also greenlit a professional service agreement with Bolton and Mink for updating the zoning and subdivision ordinance, a project expected to span twelve months.

Council members concluded the meeting with various remarks, including acknowledgment of upcoming community events like the Fourth of July celebrations and the significance of public involvement in local governance. The mayor highlighted the importance of the upcoming Pride in the Park event.