HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 02/05/2025MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING FOR
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537
February 5, 2025
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February
5, 2025. Amy Baldwin opened the annual meeting. New CDA board member Bob Schempp was
welcomed and introductions were made. 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
Bob Schempp Jr. 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, HRA Administrative Assistant x
Others:
Nick Anhut, Ehlers Inc. x
Annual Election of Officers
Slate of candidates for 2025 officers was offered by Kurt Mortenson - Chairperson: Dave Schornack;
Vice Chair: Jeff Ackerson; Treasurer: Sean Sullivan; Assistant Treasurer: Wayne Stein (or the
successor in his position); and Secretary: Amy Baldwin with a second by Dena Johnson and
unanimously carried to approve as presented.
Approval of Agenda
The Agenda was to stand as presented.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Heidi Samuelson to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
Reports and Presentations
A. Community Development and Housing Annual Report
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director presented the 2024 Annual Report.
B. Director’s Report – Included in 2024 Annual Report
C. Committee Reports – none
D. On the Map Report
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director asked if anyone had any questions of Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound
Initiative Coordinator, as she had included “On The Map” information in the Annual Report. There
were none.
E. Board Member Updates
o David Schornack stated there has been interest shown to build 12-24 apt. building in
Parkers Prairie from a builder
o There was an inquiry as to how the new apartment building in New York Mills was going.
Betsy Roder replied that is going well and that 10 of the 60 units have been filled. All 10 of
these are the 3 BR units.
Regular Business Items
A. Consideration of Blue Spruce Tax Abatement Request
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the developer, Hammers, is requesting consideration of tax
abatement to support the construction of an additional duplex as part of the existing Spruce
Meadows rental townhome development in Battle Lake. The City of Battle is supportive and has
asked for the County’s participation, which would be for $5,000 for each unit. Motion by Dena
Johnson, second by Jeff Ackerson to approve the recommendation to be presented to the County
Board as it formally considers the request. Motion passed unanimously with Val Martin abstaining
from the vote.
Discussion and Communications
A. Ehlers Housing Finance Discussion:
Nick Anhut, Ehlers Inc. Senior Municipal Advisor, gave a presentation on funding options. A copy of
the presentation would be provided to CDA Board Members.
B. 2025 Committee Assignments:
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director provided the following committee membership recommendation after
receiving feedback from the Board Members
Housing Growth and Development: Dave Schornack, Dena Johnson and Jeff Ackerson
Workforce Support and Digital Equity: Betsy Roder, Bob Schempp and Kurt Mortenson
Business Development: Heidi Samuelson, Sean Sullivan and Val Martin
C. Project Updates:
a. The Lincoln, Battle Lake – Construction continues.
b. Pinewood Estates, Pelican Rapids – a purchase agreement on the first lot has been signed
for $19,000.
c. Westridge Mall, Fergus Falls – City of Fergus Falls has authorized the assignment of the
purchase agreement for the property to the County. Due dilgence is underway.
D. Other Communications: none
Upcoming meeting:
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m., West Battle Lake Room, Government Services Center
with HRA Board meeting @ 12:45 a.m.
Meeting Adjourned