HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority - Minutes - 06/20/2023HOUSING ANO REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OTTERTAIL
COUNTY · MINNESOTA
The Otter Tail County HRA Board of Commissioners
Met for a regular meeting on June 20, 2023 at 11 :45am
At the Otter Tail County Government Services Center
Board Members Present:
Wayne Johnson, Chairperson
Jeff Ackerson
Kurt Mortenson
Betty Murphy
Leland Rogness, Vice Chairperson
Others Present:
500 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN
Barbara Dacy, OTC HRA Executive Director
Amy Baldwin, OTC CDA Director
Tanya Westra, OTC HRA Project Manager
Paula Grunewald, OTC HRA Administrative Assistant
Via Teams
Julie Bakken, OTC HRA Accounting Specialist
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Johnson called the meeting to order at 11 :45 am.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Government Services Center
500 West Fir Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Motion made by Lee Rogness, second by Betty Murphy to approve the June 20, 2023 Agenda with no changes
noted. Motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Motion made by Kurt Mortenson, second by Betty Murphy to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed
unanimously. Discussion was held on the wording of the May 16, 2023 minutes regarding Resolution No. 239. The
minutes will be updated.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
Otter Tail County Annual Plan and Capital Fund Plan
Director Dacy stated that there are no significant changes to the Annual Plan and the Capital Fund Plan, however
the Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher program and the Admission and Continued Occupancy
Policy for the public housing program will be changed. She stated that a high-level list of changes and will be
presented at the August 15 Board Meeting.
Chairperson Johnson said the public hearing should recess until August 15, 2023. The Public Hearing was open
for any commentary from the public. Johnson asked 3 times "Does anyone want to comment?" and no public was
present to comment. The Public Hearing will recess until August 15, 2023 at 11 :45am.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 244 Endorsing an Amendment to the Otter Tail County Powers Ordinance Between the
County HRA and County EDA.
218-998-8730 ® OTTER TAIL COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER @ ottertailcounty.gov
LIVE YOUR best life HERE. ___ ..-..-------~
Director Dacy stated that the proposed resolution endorses the upcoming county ordinance amendment that
would permit the CDA to administer housing programs with rent and/or income restrictions. She stated that the
ordinance amendment would change the 2019 Ordinance to reflect the new CDA programming.
Motion made by Kurt Mortenson, second by Lee Rogness to approve Resolution No. 244 as presented. Motion
passed unanimously.
B. Resolution No. 245 Authorizing Application to Minnesota Housing for Housing Infrastructure Bonds
Director Dacy stated that Minnesota Housing has a program called "Housing Infrastructure Bonds", which can help
finance the construction of affordable senior housing. Ms. Dacy reviewed three sites in Vergas, New York Mills,
and Ottertail. She stated that two triplexes would be built on each site, and unlike the triplexes in Dalton, there
would be more one bedrooms than two bedrooms.
Commissioners Johnson asked if it is good business practice to have ownership in all these locations. Ms. Dacy
stated that to a certain extent, the HRA is already anticipating and handling these types of expenses. She stated
that the voucher program requires routine inspections, and the Lead Maintenance Technicians plans for these
inspections on a regular basis. She stated there are voucher holders and public housing units in New York Mills,
and the Lead Maintenance technician currently offices at Ottertail.
Ms. Baldwin stated that these communities have approached the county to assist them with their housing goals,
and the CDA and HRA are being responsive to community needs.
Ms. Dacy also stated that staff is proposing to file a Community Impact Fund application in the City of Pelican
Rapids. She stated that the proposed resolution does not reflect his application and requests the Board consider
amending the resolution.
Motion made by Lee Rogness, second by Jeff Ackerson to approve Resolution No. 245 with changes proposed to
the Resolution title and the second whereas to reflect the Community Impact Fund application in the City of
Pelican Rapids. Motion passed unanimously.
6. DISCUSSION
A. HRA Commissioner Terms
Director Dacy presented a proposal to align the commissioner terms who are elected officials with the elected
office terms. The Board suggested that discussion continue on this proposal.
B. 2024 Strategic Initiatives/Goals/Programs Review
Directory Dacy reviewed the status of various initiatives to date and requested feedback on goals for 2024 and
2025. She stated that as a result of this discussion, an initial budgeU levy request analysis will be scheduled for
discussion at the July meeting.
Commissioner Rogness stated that the Dalton initiative is a significant step, and we should be sure that it can be
accomplished. He stated that communities need to come to us. Commissioner Mortenson agreed and stated that
being responsive to communities to assist them with their goals, is key. Commissioner Ackerson stated that it is
important to use the resources available and "cross the finish line".
7. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
1. Dacy stated that OTC HRA has been rated with the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP)
as a Standard Performer. Public Housing was rated as a High Performer.
2. The Finding Home Study is being completed by Amy Johnson from Cardinal Consulting Solutions. Ms. Dacy
stated that the purpose of the study is to find out what are people's experiences when they are seeking housing
in the county; what are the circumstances, barriers and possible solutions.
3. A Poverty Simulation will be held Thursday, July 27 at Lake Country Service Cooperative, she recommends that
everyone attend.
Pg. 2
8. GENERAL DISCUSSION -TOPICS BY COMMISSIONERS
No topics were discussed.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 11 :59 pm a motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
Kurt Mortenson/Secretary/Clerk
Pg.3