Investing in public safety

Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of City government. Every day, our police officers and firefighters protect community members’ well-being. As your police chief and fire chief, we are committed to providing fast, professional and compassionate service. We are asking for the community’s support because our facilities can no longer provide the level of service Owatonna needs and deserves.

Our Police and Fire Departments operate in buildings that weren’t designed for modern public safety operations. These limitations affect safety, efficiency and how we serve those who rely on us.

Built as a commercial bank nearly 60 years ago, Owatonna’s Law Enforcement Center restricts officers’ ability to operate effectively. It lacks secure holding areas, proper evidence processing space, adequate parking and private rooms for sensitive conversations with victims and witnesses.

The Fire Station, built in 1906, was designed for a different era and is not equipped to provide the space, ventilation, decontamination or living quarters required for today’s emergency response or modern fire apparatus. In both facilities, aging infrastructure, including leaking pipes, failing HVAC systems, outdated technology and limited storage, creates daily challenges that directly affect response times, safety and wellness.

Imagine walking into a police station during a crisis and finding limited privacy in spaces never designed for such uses. Picture firefighters returning from a scene without proper decontamination areas to protect their own health and the families they go home to. Our facilities should reflect the care we strive to show every person we serve.

After two years of assessments, site reviews and evaluating public safety facilities in other communities, the City has concluded that the most responsible approach is to build two new facilities—one for police and one for fire—at the same time. There are three key reasons:

1. Fast response times must be protected Building the new Fire Station where the current Law Enforcement Center is located and

relocating the Police Department to the West Hills campus will keep both departments centrally located and ensure quick response times across the City.

2. Responsible use of existing City property Both sites are already owned by the City so no additional land is needed and efficiencies will be gained in the planning, design and construction.

3. Costs will only rise if we delay Construction, labor and materials costs continue to increase with inflation. Waiting means paying more later for needs that are already urgent and placing more strain on aging facilities.

Modern police and fire facilities will:

· Ensure fast, reliable emergency response.

· Provide dignified, private and secure spaces for detainees, victims, families and community members.

· Create healthier, safer working environments for first responders including proper decontamination areas and modern training spaces.

· Provide room for future growth as Owatonna continues to expand.

The City is exploring ways to repurpose the current fire station so it can continue contributing to the identity of our community.

Our priority is simple: to provide the highest quality public safety service possible. Owatonna is growing and our responsibilities are growing with it. Now is the time to invest in public safety infrastructure that will serve this community for the next 50 to 100 years.

We invite you to learn more and stay engaged. Please join us at an upcoming Open House, on Feb. 3 or Feb. 26 from 4–6 p.m., at the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. You can also find information at Owatonna.gov/psf.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jeff Mundale is the Owatonna police chief, and Ed Hoffman serves as Owatonna fire chief.