HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 04/02/2025MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
April 2, 2025
Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 2,
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 at 11:27
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
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was to stand as presented.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Dena Johnson, second by Sean Sullivan to approve the Consent Agenda Including the
January and February Financial Reports. Motion passed unanimously. A new version of the financial
reports will be available next month.
Reports and Presentations
A. Director’s Report included:
Housing Summit will be May 14, 2025 for a half day, over 70 people are registered and we will
continue to market the event.
February Housing Convention was virtual and MAHUBE-OTWA shared their programs.
The Otter Tail County Workforce & Employment Data chart was presented. At the end of 2024,
the County’s Labor Force was 15% higher than projected in 2024.
Empowered Worker Update
B. Committee Reports
Workforce Support and Digital Equity -
Newsletter will be distributed
Business Development
Perham’s Growth
Discussion on having a Strategic Partner Event for Otter Tail County. Perham Health recently
held one and it was well attended with good communication.
C. On the Map Report
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator stated
1st quarter numbers - social audience has increased. “Did they see it?” was up 51% and “Did
they care?” was up 80%
Gopher relationships are going well.
D. Board Member Updates
Dena Johnson shared that road construction starts next week in Pelican Rapids
Kurt Mortenson shared that Perham and Battle Lake have recently had positive Star Tribune
articles published about their communities
Regular Business Items
A. Community Growth Partnership Grant Application: City of Battle Lake Housing Infrastructure
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated the City of Battle Lake is requesting matching dollars in the
amount of $100,000 for a proposed 10 lot subdivision on a 3.5 acres lot in Battle Lake being
advanced by Habitat for Humanity. This public infrastructure match will enable the city to move
forward with State funding requests through MN Housing which require non state dollars as a
match. The estimated cost of the project is $412,000. Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Dena
Joynson to approve authorization of the grant request and direct staff to prepare necessary
agreement. Motion passed unanimously. Val Martin abstained from voting.
B. Community Growth Partnership Grant Application: City of Battle Lake Business Improvement
Program
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the City Battle Lake is requesting a $10,000 grant for
Commercial Rehab Loans to encourage the beautification and improvement of Battle Lake
businesses. Battle Lake Lions Club, Battle Lake Community Fund and Battle Lake EDA have
provided matching funds. Motion by Sean Sullivan, second by Kurt Mortenson to approve
authorization of the grant request and direct staff to prepare necessary agreement for the City of
Battle Lake Business Improvement Program. Motion passed unanimously. Val Martin abstained
from voting.
Discussion and Communications
A. Project Updates:
a. Pinewood Estates, Pelican Rapids –
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the preconstruction appraisal has been completed and
Highpoint Homes is ready to move forward with home construction. On March 29, development
information was provided to the community at the Pelican Showcase .
b. Westridge Mall, Fergus Falls –
Amy Baldwin stated that the request to accept the purchase agreement action has taken place.
Staff has met with some of the businesses. Presently exploring a Tax Increment Financing
district and other financing options.
B. Other Communications
Discussed Community Growth Partnership Grants require matching funds; program is intended
to support community driven opportunities or projects.
Status of various legislative efforts was reviewed.
Staff is monitoring potential federal funding cuts for HRA may happen although there should be
none for CDA.
Upcoming meeting:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m., Otter Tail Lake Room, Government Services Center
with HRA Board meeting @ 12:45 p.m.
Adjourned