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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 06/20/2023MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY Government Services Center, County Board Room 515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537 June 20, 2023      Call to Order The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 1:07 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, 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 Others: Julie Bakken, HRA Accounting Specialist x Orland and Mary Ohe x Allison Berg x Approval of Agenda Approval of Agenda motion was made by Jeff Ackerson, second by Dave Ripley, and unanimously carried to approve as presented. Approval of Consent Agenda Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Lee Rogness to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. Mortenson asked for a description of the membership dues and CDA Director, Amy Baldwin, stated that for future packets she would include a summary. There was also a clarification on a line item for Construction Consultant, Kevin Currie. Public Hearing Regarding the Proposed Sale of the Property at 19965 Co. Hwy. 24, Erhard, MN. CDA Chairman, Dave Schornack opened the Public Hearing at 1:10 pm. Director Baldwin stated that the Public Hearing was advertised in the Daily Journal and the Pelican Press. From this advertisement she had received one letter from Orland Ohe. She stated that the board needed to decide if generally a sale of the property was advisable. Mr. Ohe stated that he lives approximately ½ mile from this property and owns the land surrounding it. He presently has cattle and for the safety and wellbeing of his cattle he would like to have possession of this property. His intention is to preserve this location but at this point has no definite intentions and timeline. Chair Schornack stated that the proposed sale of the property will be brought back at the July 18 meeting and called three times for additional testimony which there was none. The public hearing was closed at 1:15pm. Reports and Presentations A. 2023 Legislative Overview Scott McMahon, Executive Director of Greater Minnesota Partnership, shared with the Commissioners the highlights of this past session. These included the areas of workforce housing and other housing programs, child care and broadband. B. Director Status Report Local Housing Aid: Otter Tail County expects to receive around $168,000 based on a formula calculation. Also, the HRA will likely be eligible for Housing Trust Fund match funding up to $150,000. The 2024 budget will be discussed at the July meeting. C. Committee Reports Housing Growth and Investment Discussed date for the next housing summit to be held at Thumper Pond. Options in November will be reviewed with Thumper Pond from an availability perspective. Workforce Support and Development Reviewed terms for year two of independent contractor agreement for Youth Workforce Navigation services. Childcare Investment- did not meet D. On the Map Report Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator, Erik Osberg reported on the NIL visits. He has conducted two of them and they have gone very well. The day was magical for NIL participants, and it’s helped to introduce these students to our communities. One participant asked if there were any internships in the area. Talent Tourism is a non-athlete student focused program. There will be a pitch night for local employer participation to be held on August 24 in the Twin Cities and an in person visit to Otter Tail County by students in September. Schornack asked about creating connections between the recruits and the community. Baldwin reported that Doug Huebsch and Randy Dorn have met with the students. E. Board Member Updates No board updates Regular Business Items A. Resolution Endorsing an Amendment to the Otter Tail County Powers Ordinance Between the County HRA and County EDA. Baldwin reported that this Resolution originated from 2019. Updates are needed to allow expand CDA powers in relation to certain types of income and rent restricted programs. There was no additional discussion. Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Val Martin to approve. Motion passed unanimously. B. Review of Erhards Grove Townhall Property Purchase Proposals Director Baldwin stated that some details requested were not met by this proposal and will have a discussion with Mr Ohe. Members discussed options of keeping or selling the property. Consensus was to move forward with the sale. Baldwin said language will need to be reviewed in order to accept this proposal; she will consult with legal counsel. C. Request for Grant Highway Easement to Otter Tail County, 19965 Co. Hwy. 24, Erhard Baldwin stated there is a request for a 60’ easement from the County’s Highway Department. Motion by Lee Rogness, second by Jeff Ackerson to approve. Motion passed unanimously. D. Award of Demolition Bid for 108 N. Lincoln Avenue, Battle Lake Baldwin stated that three quotes were received. Ness Backhoe in the amount of $34,000 with Enviro-Safe for Asbestos abatement to be done following closing on the purchase of the property. Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Betsy Roder to approve. Motion passed unanimously. Clarification is needed to ensure that the full basement would be removed and that it would be returned to a clean site. A City demo permit is also required. E. Review of Proposed Request for Proposal for Grant and Project Management Services Baldwin had emailed the Commissioners the proposed qualifications for this role. Discussion included qualifications, time commitment, when to place advertisement, and when services would begin. Motion by Lee Rogness, second by Val Martin to approve. Motion passed unanimously. Discussion and Communications Other Communications Val Martin expressed a need for help in the Beer & Wine Tasting Booth at the Phelps Mills Festival. Upcoming meeting: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 1:00pm, Commissioner’s Room, Government Services Center with HRA Board meeting at 11:45am. Adjourned Meeting adjourned at 2:37pm