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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 05/07/2025MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY Government Services Center, County Board Room 515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537 May 7, 2025 Call to Order The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Dave Schornack, CDA Board Chair led the meeting. 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 Bob Schempp Jr. x Sean Sullivan x Staff: Amy Baldwin, CDA Director x Tanya Westra, Housing Program Supervisor x Sarah Schake, Project Manager x Aann Christopherson, CDA Accountant x Julie Bakken, HRA Accountant x Paula Grunewald, HRA Administrative Assistant x Approval of Agenda The agenda was to stand as presented. Approval of Consent Agenda Motion by Sean Sullivan, second by Kurt Mortenson to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated that the format of the Financial Reports has changed to include a year-to-date report generated by the financial system. Reports and Presentations A. Director’s Report:  The Housing Summit will be held on May 14th beginning at 8:30 am at Thumper Pond and ending at 12:00 pm. Currently, the event has 120 registrants. Ben Winchester will be the main speaker and developers Donavan Rogness of Campus View Estates and Jay Paulson of the Lincoln will share their development processes and perspectives including leveraging funding programs. The closing panel includes the Pelican Rapids EDA Director and Parkers Prairie City Administrator. Their discussion will include the benefits of communities conducting a Housing Study.  Pelican Rapids has withdrawn their Community Growth Partnership Grant public infrastructure application previously approved. They intend to apply for a State Infrastructure Grant that is due in June and to reapply for the CDA grant.  Battle Lake has also withdrawn their Community Growth Partnership Grant public infrastructure application. This project was driven by Habitat for Humanity, who is no longer pursuing the project. Val Martin spoke of potential on the east side of town.  There have been 85 referrals for the Empowered Work Program to date which has exceeded expectations.  Otter Tail County was recently designated as a HUBZone by the Small Business Administration. On May 22, an SBA event is being hosted at M State in Fergus Falls to share information regarding the designation.  Two Child Care Project Manager contracts have been signed. The contracts are funded through a grant received from West Central Initiative and will run through fall 2025. One is a renewal and one is a new contract. B. Committee Reports Housing and Development Workforce Support and Digital Equity Business Development C. On the Map Report Sarah Schake, Project Manager shared:  Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator’s report was from 1/1/25 through 4/30/25 and included information on Output and Awareness.  Marie Naplos, Marketing & Membership Director for Otter Tail Lakes Country, and Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator, recently attended the Gopher Partnership Summit. There were many companies in the room and Otter Tail County got some shout outs. The current Gopher relationship runs through June 2026. D. Board Member Updates  Val shared that the Battle Lake was awarded the MN Brownfields ReScape Award for Economic Impact for the Hatchery Row project.  Jeff Ackerson stated “Kudos to Val” and appreciated what she has done.  Betsy Roder reported that an application was submitted for Otter Tail County for the “Sketches of Minnesota”.  Commissioners questioned housing from 2024 compared to 2025 – Amy Baldwin stated that permit information from the first half of the year will be gathered in July.  Wayne Johnson shared that “new” building around the area is similar to last year. The resort industry continues to grow. He is not pessimistic.  Bob Schempp stated that he felt the Dunvilla area is off to a good start. Regular Business Items None Discussion and Communications Project Updates: a. Pinewood Estates, Pelican Rapids Three homes are under construction and listed for sale. Realtor has visual renderings available as well as video. b. Westridge Mall, Fergus Falls The purchase agreement has been extended to July 15, 2025. Property condition assessment and site utility assessment has been completed. Reviewing how water services can be separated. ALTA survey is being prepared as well as a continued review of the existing operating agreements with the adjacent properties. Other Communications  Val stated that Battle Lake has received Active Transportation Trail funding. Work will start this fall. Battle Lake has also received a grant for a Boardwalk. Upcoming meeting: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 @ 11:00 am, Otter Tail Lake Room, Government Services Center with HRA Board meeting @ 12:45 pm. Adjourned Meeting adjourned at 11:45 pm.