HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 03/05/2025MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
March 5, 2025
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 5,
2025. Dave Schornack, CDA Board Chair led the meeting. Attendance was as follows:
Present in
person
Present via
Technology
Absent
Commissioners:
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:
Jordan Grossman, CEDA x
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was to stand as presented.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Commissioners questioned dates listed in the financial reports . An updated/correct year-end report for
2024 will be provided to Commissioners. Motion by Sean Sullivan, second by Kurt Mortenson to
disapprove the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
Reports and Presentations
A. Director’s Report included:
Changes have been made to the 2024 Annual Report and will presented next week to the
County Board.
Big Build: 2024 Progress infographic and press release has been released to the media and
housing partners. This resulted in the media responding and additional articles.
Virtual Housing Convening was recently held. MAHUBE-OTWA shared organizational
information, staff provided highlights on Pinewood Estates, New York Mills Senior Housing
Project and shared a review of Big Build progress.
Empowered Worker Program has received 79 referrals as of February 26. A grant for childcare
has been awarded in the amount of $240,000 to support the construction of two “pod” model
structures that will provide space for four family childcare operators in Ottertail.
B. Committee Reports
Housing Growth and Investment note: Wed., May 14 will be the next Housing Summit from 8:30-
12:00 at Thumper Pond Resort.
C. On the Map Report
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator stated that 2024 has been the best year ever
from a social and digital engagement perspective and is continuing into January and February
2025.
D. Board Member Updates
Val Martin stated that Battle Lake recently had a TV news spot and an article was written in the
MN Star Tribune.
Heidi Samuelson stated that Parkers Prairie had a Housing Study completed with a CDA Grant.
Funds went to a good use and has inspired the community.
Jeff Ackerson stated that the Habitat for Humanity is considering a build in Battle Lake
Regular Business Items
A. Community Growth Partnership Grant Application: City of Pelican Rapids Housing Infrastructure
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the City of Pelican Rapids is seeking matching funds for
infrastructure to support a new housing development. The requested funding will enable the City to
move forward with state funding requests through MN Housing. MN Housing programs require
non-state dollars as a match. The requested amount is $100,000 with a preliminary cost estimate of
$655,200. Motion by Val Martin, second by Kurt Mortenson to approve authorization of the grant
request and direct staff to prepare necessary agreement for $100,000, contingent on the remainder
of funding being secured. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Consider Modifications to the Residential Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Program Guidelines
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the Residential Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan
Program guidelines were updated to include the city limits of Fergus Falls. Proposed changes were
reviewed and supported by the Housing Committee. They include removing the forgiveness portion,
cleaning up language, stating in communities where local program funds are available to apply for
these funds first. After discussion it was determined to modify the language to allow for refinancing
for a lower interest rate without repayment if the homeowner is not taking cash equity. Motion by
Jeff Ackerson, second by Sean Sullivan to approve authorization of the Residential Owner-
Occupied Rehabilitation Loan Guidelines with the modified language. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Consider Resolution Awarding Bid for Pinewood Estates Construction Project and Authorizing
Execution of Construction Contract
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director reported the background from 2022 to present of the Pinewood Estates
project leading up to the bid for construction. Five bids were received and scored using the Bid
Spec Scoring Criteria including efficient use of space, overall design, timeline and readiness, cost
and references. HighPoint Homes was the highest scoring responsible bidder. Upon approval of a
bid, an appraisal will need to be conducted prior to awarding a construction contract to ensure there
is a sufficient MN Housing “Value Gap” and that households, within the required income limits, can
reasonably obtain a mortgage. Motion by Kurt Mortenson, conditioned on appraisal results, to
award the bid for Pinewood Estate Construction Project to HighPoint Homes and directing Amy
Baldwin, CDA Director to sign documents, second by Sean Sullivan to approve. Motion passed
unanimously. The board also directed staff to apply for MN Housing Impact Funds in 2025 to
support the construction of additional homes.
Discussion and Communications
A. Project Updates:
a. The Lincoln, Battle Lake – Fall occupancy is projected, framing is occurring.
b. Pinewood Estates, Pelican Rapids – Working with realtor.
c. Westridge Mall, Fergus Falls – Legal due diligence is occurring, Hammers is preparing a facility
assessment, no action by Otter Tail County regarding the acceptance of the purchase
agreement.
B. Other Communications
Dave Schornack inquired about tax forfeit lots in Vergas – Amy Baldwin, CDA Director reported
that the HRA owns three parcels, anticipated to be developed into two senior triplexes.
Upcoming meeting:
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m., Otter Tail Lake Room, Government Services Center
with HRA Board meeting @ 12:45 a.m.
Adjourned