HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority - HRA-Packet-10-28-2025 Supporting Documents - 10/28/2025
OTTER TAIL COUNTY – MINNESOTA
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Government Services Center, Dead Lake Room
515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN
October 28, 2025 | 7:45am
Commissioners may participate in the meeting by interactive technology.
1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call – Chairperson
2. Approval of Agenda
3. New Business:
A. Resolution No. 323 Accepting Donation of a Residential Structure at 41421
Greenwood Trail
B. Resolution No. 324 Authorizing Acquisition of Property
C. Authorize Engagement with Moving Companies and Enter into Necessary
Agreements to Facilitate the Move
4. Adjourn
OTTER TAIL COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION
October 28, 2025
BOARD MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM #3A
Amy Baldwin 10/23/2025
REQUESTOR’S SIGNATURE/DATE
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of Donation Agreement and Resolution No. 323
Accepting the Donation of a Residential Structure
Peter Baker owns a cabin that is located at 41421 Greenwood Trail, Battle Lake, which he plans to
reconstruct due to a failing foundation. He contacted staff on October 9th regarding the possibility of
donating the structure to be repurposed as affordable housing. Staff reviewed pictures and information
submitted by Mr. Baker and conducted a site visit on October 17th.
The cabin is 28’ x 24’ (672 square feet) and consists of 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Upon the site visit, the
structure was found to be in great condition and suitable for providing an affordable homeownership
opportunity. Mr. Baker reported that the exterior walls are 2x4 with minimal insulation. He had previously
obtained a bid for new siding and blowing in additional insulation at a cost of $12,000.
Mr. Baker also reported to staff that the following improvements have been made:
Water Heater Replacement 2020 Roof Replacement 2022
Front Door, Front Windows & Kitchen update 2020 Elec. Heating Updated 2021
Based on the preliminary cost estimate, staff has assessed that the project is anticipated to be financially
viable. More detail on the cost estimates will be reviewed in the following action item during the location
assessment.
Upon approval of the resolution by the HRA, a HRA legal representative will prepare a Donation Agreement
to be executed with Mr. Baker. This agreement would further outline the responsibilities of each party in
relation to the donation. Due diligence has also revealed that property taxes due in 2025 are outstanding.
Staff recommends the approval of Resolution No. 323, contingent on property taxes due in 2025 being paid
in full prior to property transfer, securing a house moving company that meets budgetary and timeline
requirements and the HRA securing ownership of an acceptable lot for the structure’s placement.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES ADVISED: N/A
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DATE:
Amy Baldwin 10/23/2025
ATTACHMENT LIST:
Resolution No. 323
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
BUDGETED: YES NO
FUNDING: OTC Housing Trust Fund
COMMENTS
RESOLUTION NO. 323
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATION OF RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE AT 41421 GREENWOOD TRAIL WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.001 through 469.047, as amended (the “Act”),
authorizes the Otter Tail County Housing & Redevepoment Authority (the “HRA”) to accept gifts
of real or personal property, and to undertake certain projects that further the purpose of providing
a sufficient supply of adequate, safe, and sanitary dwellings in order to protect the health, safety,
morals, and welfare of the citizens of this state.
WHEREAS, Jon Peter Baker (the “Donor”), has offered to donate to the HRA the following
property: a one story, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom residential structure, approximately 670 square feet
appraised at or estimated to be a value of $___________) (the “Donation”).
WHEREAS, The Donor wishes that the HRA use the offered Donation to provide an affordable
homeownership opportunity to an eligible homebuyer, and that a plaque be placed on the home in
recognition of his mother, the original owner of the cabin (the “Conditions”).
WHEREAS, The Otter Tail County HRA Board of Commissioners (the “Board”) is grateful to the
Donor for offering the Donation, and believes that it is in the best interests of the HRA and Otter
Tail County, Minnesota (the “County”), and would further the purposes of the Act, to accept the
Donation, subject to the Conditions, and the terms and conditions of this resolution.
WHEREAS, Requirements of Donation. Given the nature of the Donation, the HRA hereby
preliminarily accepts the offer of the Donation, subject to the Conditions, as well as the following
requirements (the “Requirements”):
WHEREAS, The Donor shall provide to the HRA an independent appraisal of the Donation,
establishing the fair market value thereof.
WHEREAS, The HRA and Donor shall agree on a reputable company capable of relocating the
Donation (the “Moving Company”) to a destination chosen by the HRA in its sole discretion, and
the cost to provide such service (the “Cost”).
WHEREAS, The HRA and the Donor shall enter into an agreement, clearly establishing how and
when the Donation will be relocated, the roles and responsibilities of each party regarding the
foregoing, and any other items the Executive Director of the HRA and the HRA’s legal counsel
determine are appropriate (the “Agreement”).
WHEREAS, The Donation must be documented by, potentially among other things, a bill of sale
(the “Bill of Sale”), clearly establishing the transfer of title to the Donation from the Donor to the
HRA.
WHEREAS, Any other requirements under the Act or other applicable state or federal law, or
recommended by the Executive Director of the HRA or the HRA’s legal counsel.
The foregoing Requirements must be met prior to the full acceptance of the Donation. The
Donation will not be effective until the date of acceptance and transfer of title, which shall be
evidenced by the executed Bill of Sale.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: 1. The Executive Director and other HRA staff are hereby authorized and directed, with the advice and assistance of the HRA’s legal counsel, to perform any and all actions towards
meeting the above Requirements, including, but not limited to, procuring a Moving
Company, preparing the Agreement and Bill of Sale, and working with the Donor to implement the intent of the Board as stated in this resolution. 2. The Executive Director and other HRA staff are further authorized and directed, with the advice and assistance of the HRA’s legal counsel, to (i) designate and, if necessary, acquire,
the land to which the Donation will be relocated to, (ii) make plans for any construction,
rehabilitation, renovation, or other preparations necessary prior to reselling the Donation, and (iii) perform any and all actions, including those required by the Act or other applicable state or federal law, in anticipation of and preparation for using the Donation as intended by the Conditions.
3. The Executive Director and other HRA staff are further authorized and directed to use
funds within the Otter Tail County Housing Trust Fund to pay any and all costs of the foregoing, subject to the eligibility and other requirements as contained in the County’s Ordinance Creating the Otter Tail County Housing Trust Fund and Minnesota Statutes, Section 462C.16.
Upon the motion of ________________________, seconded by _________________________,
and passed on a ___________________ vote, the above resolution is hereby adopted by the Otter
Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners.
Adopted this 28th day of October 2025.
Dated: _______________________________ OTTER TAIL COUNTY HRA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Attest:________________________________ By:_______________________________
OTTER TAIL COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION
October 28, 2025
BOARD MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM #3B
Amy Baldwin 10/23/2025
REQUESTOR’S SIGNATURE/DATE
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of Resolution No. 324 Authorizing Acquisition
of Property
The cities of Battle Lake and Ottertail were contacted to inquire about possible sites that could be utilized for
this project given their proximity to the property’s location. There were no appropriate sites identified in either
community.
The pre 2016 tax forfeit property list was provided by the County Recorder and reviewed for location
opportunities. A vacant lot located at 217 State Hwy 106 in Deer Creek was identified. The lot is 86 feet wide
and 150 feet deep and is fairly level. City staff have been contacted about this potential project to review City
development requirements and gain additional knowledge regarding utilities, etc.
Staff was specifically asked to consider a privately owned lot located at 231 Park Circle in Ottertail as the
cabin owner had previously identified as an option. However, the City of Ottertail has a minimum living
space of 750 sq ft and the lot is listed for $60,000. A local realtor was present when staff conducted the site
visit and expressed that the current owner may entertain a reduced offer of $50,000. There is a two-stall
garage on this parcel, but it is not on a permanent foundation which would need to be corrected if this site
was chosen. The estimated sale price listed on the cost comparison was provided by the local realtor with
the assumption that the addition would be a third bedroom.
An estimated cost comparison between the two locations identified above has been completed and is
attached for your review.
Staff recommends the approval of Resolution No. 324.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES ADVISED: N/A
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DATE:
Amy Baldwin 10/23/2025
ATTACHMENT LIST:
Estimated Cost Comparison
Resolution No. 324
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None
BUDGETED: YES NO
FUNDING: OTC Housing Trust Fund
COMMENTS
OTTERTAIL
Moving $15,000.00 Up to 15 miles, per original bid to cabin owner.
Power Lines for Moving ?
Unknown, this cost is established by the power company
and is not included in cabin moving cost.
Siding, Insulation, Gutters &
Downspouts $13,500.00
Foundation $23,000.00
Est. crawlspace for original cabin, additional foundation
needed for addition is included in addition price.
Addition $20,670.00
$265/sq foot x 78 finished sq ft to get to 750 sq foot
minimum requirement by City of Ottertail.
Septic $7,500.00 Estimate, 1500 gallon plastic holding tank.
Survey $2,000.00
Utility Connection $1,000.00
Realtor Fees $9,000.00 $150,000 sale price, 6% commission.
Land Cost $60,000.00
Total $151,670.00
This cost does not include a contingency, nor does it
include moving the garage to install a permanent
foundation.
DEER CREEK
City Permits $50.00
Moving $20,000.00
Estimated using $1,000/mile in original bid to cabin owner,
no written bids yet (10.22.2025).
Power Lines $15,000.00
Estimated cost could be between $10k& $15k, but is
unknown today.
Siding, Insulation, Gutters & Down
Spouts $15,000.00
Foundation $23,000.00 Estimate for shallow crawlspace.
Garage $30,000.00 24 x 24,detached, uninsulated with loft storage.
Land Cost $5,250.00 Maximum, would likely get a reduced cost.
Utility Connection & Contingency $12,000.00
Realtor Fees $7,800.00 $130,000 sale price, 6% commission.
Survey $2,000.00
Total $130,050.00
Estimated Cost Comparison
&, OTTE:R TAIL
~, COUNTY-MINNESOTA
218-998-8730 @
HOUSING AND REDEVIELOPMENT .AU'THO·RITY
OTTER TAIL COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Goivern ment Services Center
500 West Fi1r Avenue
Ferg us Falls. MN 565 37
@ ottertailcounty.gov
RESOLUTION NO. 324
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF A TAX FORFEIT PARCEL
IN DEER CREEK, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) is
the administrator the Otter Tail County Housing Trust Fund (the “Fund”); and
WHEREAS, the Authority is empowered to conduct property acquisition and redevelopment for
the purposes of creating affordable housing and to improve the condition of the county’s housing
stock; and
WHEREAS, State Statutes permit the Authority to acquire and redevelop properties that are in
tax forfeit status; and
WHEREAS, a suitable parcel option is located in Deer Creek at 217 State Highway 106 (the
“Property”); and
WHEREAS, adequate resources are available in the Fund to advance the project; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has determined that the Authority staff carry out the procedures to bid
and/or request the ownership of the Property through the statutory tax forfeiture process.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:
1. That the Authority offers to purchase the Property from the County for $_________ plus
applicable fees.
2. That the Executive Director is hereby authorized to complete and file relevant documents
to the County Auditor in relation to the Property for the tax forfeit process.
Upon the motion of _______________________, seconded by ________________________,
and passed on a ___________________ vote, the above resolution is hereby adopted by the Otter
Tail County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners.
Adopted this 28th day of October 2025.
Dated: _______________________________ OTTER TAIL COUNTY HRA BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
Attest:________________________________ By:_______________________________
OTTER TAIL COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION
October 28, 2025
BOARD MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM #3C
Amy Baldwin 10/24/2025
REQUESTOR’S SIGNATURE/DATE
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize Engagement of House Moving
Company and Enter into Necessary
Agreements to Facilitate Move
Staff has been reaching out to the two area house moving companies that the original cabin owner had
received verbal bids from to obtain written proposals.
The cabin is currently located on a common interest parcel. The cabin owner has an access agreement in
place with the neighboring property owner in order to move materials and the structure. An agreement
between the HRA and the neighboring owner will be needed to move the structure from its current location.
As well, approval for the move will be needed from the homeowner’s association.
Staff recommends obtaining bids from house moving companies and entering into the necessary
agreements to move the structure. Consideration of a house moving bid that meets timeline and budgetary
requirements, if received, would be anticipated on the November 5 regular HRA Board meeting.
PREVIOUS ACTION ON REQUEST/OTHER PARTIES ADVISED: N/A
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DATE:
Amy Baldwin 10/24/2025
ATTACHMENT LIST:
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None
BUDGETED: YES X NO
FUNDING: Otter Tail County Housing
Trust Fund
COMMENTS