HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 01/21/2025MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
January 21, 2025
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 21,
2025. Dave Schornack, CDA Board Chair, led the meeting. Introductions were made by everyone in
attendance. 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
Betsy Roder x
Heidi Samuelson x
Dave Schornack x
Sean Sullivan 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
Aann Christopherson, Accountant x
Paula Grunewald, Administrative Assistant x
Nick Leonard, Deputy County Administrator x
Approval of Agenda
The Agenda was to stand as presented.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Dena Johnson, second by Jeff Ackerson to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed
unanimously.
Reports and Presentations
A/B. Director’s Report/Committee Reports:
104 tax rebate program applications were approved in 2024. Cities of Pelican Rapids and
Ottertail have approved a local Property Tax Rebate Program.
The Empowered Program has received 65 referrals. Plans to continue the Workforce
Convenings. Quarterly Workforces Newsletter was distributed.
Child Care Project Managers offer technical assistance, the opportunity to extend their contracts
is possible with additional funding from West Central Initiative.
Business Development – facilitated an application to Minnesota Management Budget to support
tax exempt revenue bond financing for Bongards.
C. On the Map Report
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator, reported that the 2024 final numbers are in and
the annual report is being compiled.
D. Board Member Updates
Val Martin stated the Battle Lake Annual EDA meeting will be held February 6 at noon at the Battle
Lake School Media Center.
Regular Business Items
A. 2023 Community Development Agency Audit
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the CDA is considered a component unit of Otter Tail
County and is part of its annual audit. The link to the audit was included in the packet. Motion by
Kurt Mortenson, second by Val Martin to accept the 2023 Community Development Agency Audit.
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Consideration of CDA / Otter Tail County 2025 Services Agreement
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the Otter Tail County 2025 Services Agreement is the same
as it has been in prior years. The service is to “advance economic, commercial, housing, and/or
industrial development and redevelopment goals and objectives.” Motion by Dena Johnson, second
by Kurt Mortenson to approve the CDA / Otter Tail Count 2025 Services Agreement. Motion passed
unanimously.
Discussion and Communications
A. 2025 Work Plan
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director discussed the 2025 Community Development Workplan. The annual
goals include: construct and sell three homes in Pinewood Estates, sustain & grow the Empowered
Worker Program, support partner communities in identifying development sites, and host two full
day in-person events: a Housing Summit and a Workforce Summit.
Committee Structure
The current committees are
Housing Growth & Development
Workforce Support & Digital Equity including Childcare
Business Development
The Board affirmed maintaining the same committees for the coming year. Amy Baldwin, CDA
Director stated that a poll would be sent out for the commissioners to indicate their first, second
and third choices for committee participation.
B. Project Updates
a. The Lincoln, Battle Lake
Construction is underway, the sale of property and loan from CDA to developer is closed.
b. Pinewood Estates, Pelican Rapids
The RFP for the construction of three single family homes is out and we are anticipating
multiple bids being submitted.
c. Westridge Mall, Fergus Falls
Nick Leonard, Deputy County Administrator stated that the owner has approved a 120 day
extension on the purchase agreement with the City of Fergus Falls. Kurt Mortenson, Sean
Sullivan, and Amy Baldwin have visited the site as well as Fergus Falls representatives.
C.Other Communications
Lunches will be offered on meeting dates.
Sean Sullivan will not be at the February meeting.
D.Upcoming meeting:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., Government Services Center with HRA Board
meeting at 12:45 p.m.
Adjourned