HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority - Minutes - 10/01/2025HOUSING AND REDEVELO PMENT AUTHORITY
OTTERTAI L
COU Y • MINNESOTA
The Otter Tail County HRA Board of Commissioners
Met for a regular meeting on October 1, 2025 at 12:45pm
At the Otter Tail County Government Services Center
Board Members Present:
Wayne Johnson, Chairperson
Jeff Ackerson -present at 1 :06 pm
Kurt Mortenson
Megan Myers
Leland Rogness, Vice Chairperson
Others Present:
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN
Amy Baldwin, OTC HRA Executive Director
Tanya Westra, OTC HRA Housing Program Supervisor
Julie Bakken, OTC HRA Accountant
Paula Grunewald, OTC HRA Administrative Assistant
1. OATH OF OFFICE -MEGAN MYERS
2. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Johnson called the meeting to order at 12:47 pm.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Government S rv es C nter
500 W st Fir Avenue
Fergus Falls. MN 56537
Motion made by Lee Rogness, second by Megan Myers to approve the Consent Agenda including
F. Resolution No. 317 Adoption of 2026 Passbook Savings Rate
G. Resolution No. 318 Adoption of 2026 Flat Rent & Security Deposit Rates for the Public
Housing Program
H. Resolution No. 319 Adoption of 2026 Fair Market Rents (FMR) and Payment Standards -
Staff noted a typographical error resulting in the following correction to Exhibit A, six-bedroom
2026 FMR from $1 ,831 to $1,861 and FMR change from+ 36 to+ $63
Motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC HEARING
Chairperson Wayne Johnson opened the Public Hearing at 12:50pm, in regard to the 2026 Annual Plan,
Administrative Plan, Admissions & Continued Occupancy Plan, the 2026 Capital Fund Plan, and Definition
of Significant Amendment. No additional individuals were present in person and no written communication
had been received. The call for public comment was made three times with no response. The meeting was
closed to the public at 12:51 pm.
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6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 320 Adoption of 2026 Annual Agency Plan, Administrative Plan, Admissions and
Continued Occupancy Plan, Capital Fund Program Five Year Action Plan (2026-2030) and
Definition of Significant Amendment
Tanya Westra, Housing Program Supervisor reviewed the proposed changes. Motion made by Megan
Myers, second by Lee Rogness to approve the adoption of the 2026 Annual Agency Plan, Administrative
Plan, Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan, Capital Fund Program Five Year Action Plan (2026-
2030) and Definition of Significant Amendment. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Resolution No. 321 Adoption of 2026 Rent Rates for Affordable Senior Housing Program
Amy Baldwin, HRA Executive Director stated the recommended 3% increase for Senior Affordable
Housing rent and security deposit in Dalton would be $25 per month. The increase would be effective
January 1, 2026 with the rent and security deposit rates proposed of $750 for one bedroom and $950 for
two bedrooms. Motion made by Jeff Ackerson, second by Lee Rogness to approve a $25 increase in
rent and $25 increase in security deposit rates for both the 1 bedroom and 2-bedroom Senior Housing in
Dalton. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Resolution No. 322 Adopt.ion Senior Affordable Housing Lease Amendment and Referral
Incentive Program
Amy Baldwin, HRA Executive Director stated that currently the initial term of Senior Affordable Housing
is 12 months followed by an automatic renewal for an additional 12-month period. In consideration of
emergent or acute health issues of tenants, staff is proposing to auto renew month to month after the
initial 12-month term. There are 2-bedroom apartments available at this time and staff is proposing a
temporary incentive, the Tenant Referra l Incentive Program -if a current tenant refers an eligible
household that successfully signs a lease, the referring tenant will receive a $150 utility credit, over 3
months as a referral reward. Motion made by Megan Myers, second by Jeff Ackerson to approve the
Tenant Referral Incentive Program: $150 utility credit, over 3 months as a referral reward to a current
tenant.
Discussion followed to include new lease holders not being referred by an existing tenant in the incentive
program. Motion made by Lee Rogness, second by Megan Myers to approve that a new tenant not
being referred will also receive $150 credit over 3 months towards their utilities.
5. OLD BUSINESS -none
6. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Review of MN NAHRO Conference
Two staff members, Amy Baldwin, HRA Executive Director and Kelly Miller, Housing Assistance
Coordinator, attended the MN NAHRO Annual Conference. Kelly Miller attended sessions on the Bring It
Home program and the Housing Choice Voucher program. Amy Baldwin attended a tour of housing projects
as well as other sessions including those related to the anticipated Federal Government shutdown.
8. GENERAL DISCUSSION -TOPICS BY COMMISSIONERS
Megan Myers stated there are great projects starting in Parkers Prairie, all are private. She also brought up
the senior housing in Deer Creek.
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Wayne Johnson asked about the progress at Pelican Rapids Pinewood Estates Homes. Amy Baldwin stated
the third home is pending with a contingency, two have a closing date scheduled, and one lot has been sold .
There's also an executed purchase agreement on a second lot. The Realtor has been responsive; buyers
are from within Pelican Rapids.
Lee Rogness questioned the impact of program fraud in the Metro area. The County Human Services
Department has more information. The Housing Stabilization Services program has been shut down.
9. ADJOURNMENT
At 2:06 pm a motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
Secretary/Clerk '
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