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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 09/19/2023MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY Government Services Center, County Board Room 515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537 September 19, 2023 Call to Order The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 19, 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 Barbara Dacy, HRA Executive Director x Paula Grunewald, HRA Administrative Assistant x Approval of Agenda Approval of Agenda motion was made by Lee Rogness, second by Kurt Mortenson, and unanimously carried to approve as presented. Approval of Consent Agenda Motion by Val Martin, second by Dave Ripley to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. Reports and Presentations A-C. Director’s Report & Committee Reports: Amy Baldwin, CDA Director, reported: - Housing Growth  A deeper overview of funds will be brought to the next meeting.  Housing Summit will be held on November 16  Staff attending Builder Association Meeting - Workforce Support and Development  September Workforce Convening was attended virtually by over 40 individuals  Several student field trips coming up  Youth Workforce Navigation Parent’s Guide will be mailed in early October - Childcare  Child Care Capacity Grant Program is now open to second time applicants - Digital Equity  Attended listening session to learn about the State’s Digital Opportunity Plan D. On the Map Report Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator stated:  Talent Tourism is in Phase 2. Fifteen students from University of Minnesota will be coming to Otter Tail County and visiting area employers and attractions.  The Gopher relationship is a large part of the strategies and budget for 2024 OTLCA marketing.  OTLCA Marketing Summit will be held on October 4. OTLCA is a title sponsor for this regional event; 130 people are signed up and the event will be held at Perham Lakeside. E. Board Member Updates  Director Baldwin updated the board that Greg Swanberg will no longer be serving as a CDA Board Member. It was suggested that it would be best if the person was from Henning or Parkers Prairie area. County Commissioner Lahman, from District 4, will be identifying possible new members for appointment by the County Board. A Letter of Appreciation for Greg’s service will be prepared.  Val Marin reported: o Battle Lake won the Leighton Broadcast ‘Best Hometown’ Award o Progress on Hatchery Row is advancing well Regular Business Items A. Community Growth Partnership Application: City of New York Mills/Old Ten Center Rehabilitation. The City is seeking a grant in the amount $2,500 to support the rehabilitation of the building located at 15 E Centennial 84 Drive, New York Mills. The CDA grant funds would be used towards the new glass store front. A loan from the NYM EDA has also been approved. This building would allow for more rental space in New York Mills and will help to repurposed commercial buildings. Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Dave Ripley to approve. Motion passed unanimously. B. Professional Services Agreement: WSB Director Baldwin stated that she had requested that WSB drop the retainer from $2,000 down to $1,000 which they agreed to do. The three areas within the Scope of Services of WSB are: 1. $1,000 monthly retainer for up to 11 hours per month with additional hours being billed at $125/hr. 2. Grant Application Development: lump sum dependent on nature and complexity of the application or authorized on a per application basis. 3. Program/Project Management: project management services developed and approved based on specific grant management needs; billed at hourly rate. Commission Schornack asked if WSB was willing to look at the opportunities across the county. Amy said yes. Motion by Lee Rogness, second by Val Martin to approve. Motion passed unanimously. C. 2022 Audit Engagement Letter with Office of State Auditor Director Baldwin stated that the CDA audit is underway and that the CDA is a component of the County so part of the County’s overall audit. This is a procedural request for signature of the Board Chair. Motion by Lee Rogness, second by Kurt Mortenson to approve. Motion passed unanimously. Discussion and Communications Other Communications No other discussion was held as it was noted that the filling of the board vacancy had already been discussed. Upcoming Meeting: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m., Commissioners Room, Government Services Center with HRA Board meeting @ 11:45 a.m. Adjourned Meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.