HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 07/16/2024MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537
July 16, 2024
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 2:15pm, July 16, 2024. Dave
Schornack, CDA Boad Chair, led the meeting. Attendance was as follows:
Present in
person
Present via
Technology
Absent
Board Members:
Jeff Ackerson x
Dena Johnson x
Val Martin x
Kurt Mortenson x
Dave Ripley x
Betsy Roder x
Lee Rogness x
Heidi Samuelson x
Dave Schornack x
Staff:
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director x
Tanya Westra, Housing Program Supervisor x
Sarah Schake, Project Manager x
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator x
Ava Weber, OTC Intern x
Paula Grunewald, HRA Administrative Assistant x
2. Approval of Agenda
Approval of Agenda motion was made by Kurt Mortenson, second by Jeff Ackerson, and unanimously
carried to approve as presented.
3. Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Dave Ripley, second by Dena Johnson to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. Reports and Presentations
A/B. Director’s Status Report and Committee Reports
Amy Baldwin, Community Development Director, stated staff met with the Habitat for Humanity
Executive Director to discuss potential opportunities to collaborate; the quarterly OTC Works newsletter
was distributed to 229 recipients; the June Workforce Convening was attended by 41 people virtually;
and continue to wait on the State’s signature on the Drive For 5 grant agreement.
C. Peer County Comparison
Amy Baldwin, Community Development Director, presented a Peer County Comparison report. She
discussed population; growth and change; self-sufficiency; childcare; economic base including the
growth in median hourly wage; workforce; and broadband availability for Otter Tail County.
OTTERTAIL
COUNTY -MINNESOTA
D. On the Map Report
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator, reported OTLCA social media information for the
first half of 2024. Overall, there has been 1466 social posts, 40 blogs, 760 events added to the
calendar, 911 magazines requested and four newsletters distributed. A Gopher Athletics giveaway had
over 3,000 people sign up. A Small Town Safari was held with KLN as the sponsor employer. NIL visits
continue.
E. Board Member Updates
Val Martin, CDA Commissioner, reported that the Ribbon Cutting for Hatchery Row in Battle Lake will
be held on Friday, July 26th at 3pm. Tours will be held after the ribbon cutting.
5. Regular Business Items None
6. Discussion and Communications
A. Review of Draft CDA Business Development Strategy
Amy Baldwin, Community Development Director, discussed the three business resource sheets
included in the meeting packet specifically regarding Programs & Resources, Funding Opportunities
and Workforce Training Resources. The Business Development Strategy includes availability, access
to resources and creating partnerships. After reviewing, Commissioners did not have any additional
comments.
B. Other Communications - none
C. Upcoming meeting:
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 1:00pm, Commissioner’s Room, Government Services Center with
HRA Board meeting at 11:45am.
7. Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 2:40pm. Motion by Lee Rogness, second by Dena Johnson.