HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 04/18/2023MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537
April 18, 2023
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
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
Dave Schornack x
Greg Swanberg x
Staff:
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director x
Sarah Schake, Project Manager x
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator x
Paula Grunewald, HRA Administrative Assistant x
Kris Vipond, Assistant Finance Director x
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Agenda motion was made by Kurt Mortenson, second by Dena Johnson and unanimously
carried to approve as presented.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Dena Johnson, second by Val Martin to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed
unanimously.
Reports and Presentations
A.Director’s Report:
x 13 Tax Rebate Applications (23 to date), first application from Parkers Prairie
x Presented Big Build progress as well as other CDA updates at the Fergus Falls Port
Authority
x The March Workforce Convening was attended virtually by over 45 employers and
workforce partners. Handouts were included in packet about childcare and best practices for
hosting student tours, which were distributed to invitees
x Youth Workforce Navigation field trips wrapping up for the school year
x Jobs Portal on Otter Lakes County Association website was updated
B.Committee Reports
Housing Growth and Investment
o Battle Lake Redevelopment Project: be ready for construction 2024
o Pelican Rapids redevelopment timeline developed
Workforce Support and Development
o Youth Workforce Navigation with Amy Johnson
o Empowered Worker
o M State training partnership
o Plan to submit information to State for Digital Equity Plan
Childcare Investment
o Deploy child care funds
o Provider capacity growth
CDA Board expressed they would like to show their appreciation to child care providers. A
motion was made by Lee Rogness, second by Kurt Mortenson to mail a letter of appreciation to
Otter Tail County Child Care Providers. Motion passed unanimously.
C.On the Map Report
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator reported on “On the Map Strategy” for first
quarter of 2023.
D.Board Member Updates
Discussion included the ability to work more with West Central Initiative on projects as they
have the same focus and the Pelican Rapids Economic Committee on the development for the
County Garage.
Regular Business Items
Resolution No. 2023 102 Authorizing Acceptance of Transfer of Property from Erhards Grove Township
The property survey has been completed and was presented to the committee. A motion was made
from Dave Ripley, second by Dena Johnson to approve Resolution No. 2023 –102 Authorizing
Acceptance of Transfer of Property from Erhards Grove Township. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion included the sale of property as a business development or single-family housing, the need
to advertise for bids and to hold a public hearing.
Resolution No. 2023 - 103 Authorizing Purchase of 106 and 108 N. Lincoln Ave., Battle Lake.
Director Baldwin reported she is working on a purchase agreement with a tentative June 1 closing date.
She will review the project plan with the Battle Lake City Council and will prepare a Memorandum of
Understanding with them. There is strong support from Battle Lake and would like to get a developer on
board for a 12 unit with construction beginning in 2024. Bids for demolition need to be done sooner
than later. Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Dave Ripley to approve Resolution No. 2023 -103
authorizing purchase of Parcels 63000990086000 and 63000990086001 within the City of Battle Lake.
Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion included parking requirements, development partner(s), and creating a model to be used for
future projects.
Discussion and Communications
Director Baldwin discussed the House and Senate Housing Omnibus Bills FY24-25 and told the
committee about the type programs we use and leverage. Director Baldwin gave a short update on
Pelican Rapids Highway Garage redevelopment and NE 5th Ave infrastructure.
Upcoming meeting:
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 1:00pm, Dead Lake Room, Government Services Center with HRA Board
meeting beginning at 11:45am.
Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 2:22pm