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Home My WebLink AboutCommunity Development Agency - CDA-Packet-03-11-2026 Supporting Documents - 03/11/2026 OTTER TAIL COUNTY – MINNESOTA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA Government Services Center, Otter Tail Lake Room 515 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN March 11, 2026 | 11:00 am Commissioners may participate in the meeting by interactive technology. 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Consent Agenda A. February 4, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes B. January 2026 Financial Reports 4. Reports and Presentations A. Director Status Report B. Committee Reports • Housing and Development • Workforce Support and Digital Equity • Business Development C. ‘On the Map’ Report D. Board Member Updates 5. Regular Business A. Authorization to pursue acquisition of 1209 S. Vine St, Fergus Falls 6. Discussion and Communications A. Other Communications B. Upcoming Meetings: a. Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:00 am, Otter Tail Lake Room, Government Services Center with HRA Board meeting beginning at 12:45 pm 7. Adjourn 1/18 2/18 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY Government Services Center, County Board Room 515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537 February 4, 2026 Call to Order The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 11:02 am, Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Amy Baldwin, CDA Executive Director called the Annual Meeting to order. 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 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 Julie Bakken, HRA Accountant X Paula Grunewald, HRA Administrative Assistant X 2. Annual Election of Officers Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated the 2025 officers were: Chair Dave Schornack; Vice Chair Jeff Ackerson; Treasurer Sean Sullivan; Assistant Treasurer - OTC County Auditor-Treasurer; and Secretary Amy Baldwin. She noted that the Assistant Treasurer position was previously held by Wayne Stein; Liz Mickelson is his successor. The current officers are willing to continue in these positions. There was a motion by Kurt Mortenson and a second by Dena Johnson for the slate of officers to stand for 2026. Motion passed unanimously. CDA Board Chair, Dave Schornack led the rest of the meeting. 3. Approval of Agenda - Annual Meeting No additions or corrections - the agenda was to stand as presented. 4. Approval of Consent Agenda Motion by Val Martin, second by Kurt Mortenson to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously. The Annual Conflict of Interest Policy was distributed for committee members’ signatures. 5. Reports and Presentations A. Community Development and Housing Annual Report: 3/18 OTTERTAIL COUNTY - MINNESOTA Amy Baldwin, CDA Director provided an overview of the annual report that will also be presented to the County Board at a later date. B/C. Director Status Report / Committee Reports • City of Perham will hold a Housing Symposium on March 12th. • New referrals to the Empowered Worker Program have been paused since Christmas, will be relaunching. D. On the Map Report Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator stated OTLC is continuing its partnership with Gopher Athletics and expanding to other college campuses from a talent tourism standpoint. Eight Gopher lineman are visiting the area and the Polar Plunge event also will be held. E. Board Member Updates Val Martin, Battle Lake’s Annual Meeting will be held February 5 with a slight change in presenters and Amy Baldwin, CDA Director will be providing assistance. 6. Regular Business Items A. 2026 CDA/County Service Agreement Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated annually the CDA executes an agreement between Otter Tail County and Community Development Agency, which outlines the services the CDA will provide for the County. Motion by Dena Johnson, second by Val Martin to approve the chair board’s signature on the agreement. Motion passed unanimously. B. CDA/HRA Tax Forfeited Land Development Policy Amy Baldwin, CDA Director stated there are two policies associated with the CDA/HRA Tax Forfeited Land Development Policy - one will be reviewed for a recommendation to the County Board and the other will be considered by the CDA board for approval. The policies would help facilitate the return of land that has been tax forfeited to productive use and promote opportunities for development that align with local community needs. Recommended County Policy: • Returns tax forfeited land to productive use, promote opportunities for development and correct blighted conditions or develop affordable housing. • Request submitted by another governmental subdivision with an application. • Suggests a reduced sale price of 25% of the market value. An application would need to be completed outlining the development plan, budget, and funding sources. Motion by Kurt Mortenson, second by Heidi Samuelson to approve recommending this policy to the County Board for its consideration. Motion passed unanimously. HRA/CDA Tax Forfeited Policy: • Provides a process for a private developer to acquire tax forfeited properties to develop affordable housing or address blight. • Requests reviewed by CDA or HRA board depending on location – Fergus Falls/Perham – CDA, other areas HRA. 4/18 • Application must be completed, and if recommended the CDA/HRA board, staff would present to County Board. • If approved by County Board, CDA/HRA would acquire and sell to the developer. • Application fee $500, includes a timeline, if not developed land would return to CDA/HRA. Motion by Heidi Samuelson, second by Val Martin to approve the HRA/CDA Tax Forfeited Land Development Policy. Motion passed unanimously. C. Community Growth Partnership Grant Application: New York Mills Housing Study The City of New York Mills is requesting funds in the amount of $5,000 to support a housing study in collaboration with New York Mills Economic Development Authority. Motion by Dena Johnson, second by Heidi Samuelson to approve $5,000 funding to New York Mills for Housing Study. Motion passed unanimously. D. Community Growth Partnership Grant Extensions Grant Extension recommendations include: if there’s progress being made on a grant an administrative extension will be made and an addendum to the grant will be executed. If there has been no progress or the project has substantially changed the grant would be closed out and an applicant could reapply. Nine-month extensions are recommended. Motion by Heidi Samuelson, second by Dena Johnson to approve administrative Community Growth Partnership grant extensions for up to nine months if adequate progress is demonstrated. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Discussion and Communications A. 2026+ Housing Strategy and Work Plan • Project Roles: convener; supportive capacity; funding provider; project lead/developer. • Priority Housing types: single-family entry level; market rate workforce rental and affordable senior rental. • Known projects – 7 single family homes - Pelican Rapids, Parkers Prairie and New York Mills. • Likely Projects: Tax forfeit rehab of Fergus Falls home and New York Mills Senior Triplexes. • On the radar: Smaller footprint homes, Pelican Rapids multi-family workforce, affordable senior rental in Perham, Westridge Mall redevelopment, preservation of USDA Section 515 properties. • Innovative financing and partnership. B. 2026 Committee Assignments 2026 Committee Structure will have no changes and continue monthly meetings and establish workplans. • Housing Growth and Development: Dave, Dena, Jeff. • Workforce Support: Betsy, Bob, Kurt. • Business Development: Heidi, Sean Val. C. Other Communications - none 5/18 E. Upcoming Meetings Wednesday, March 11, 2026 @ 11:00 am, Otter Tail Lake Room, Government Services Center. The HRA Board meeting will be Monday, March 9 @ 12:45 pm, Otter Tail Lake Room, Government Services Center. Adjourned 6/18 PctReportCode1 3:38:03PM Achristoph 01/2026 01/2026Cash 8% 01/2026War# 8 Char Invoice# Description Copyright 2010-2025 Integrated Financial Systems 23 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 705 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM 000 ... 23-705-000-0000-6140 10,920.00 912,000 1,080.00Per Diem 1,080.00 COM 1/27/2026 90.00 199146 1/7/26 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307627 1/7/26 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307630 1/7/26 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307629 1/7/26 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307628 1/7/26 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307627 12/15/25 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 199146 12/18/25 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 199147 12/5/25 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307628 12/18/25 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307629 12/5/25 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307630 12/15/25 CDA - PER DIEM COM 1/27/2026 90.00 307626 12/15/25 CDA - PER DIEM 23-705-000-0000-6240 5,000.00 05,000 0.00Publishing & Advertising 0.00 23-705-000-0000-6241 1,400.00 725,000 3,600.00Membership Dues 3,600.00 COM 1/6/2026 575.00 198754 2026-13109 2026 EDAM MEMBERSHIP DUES COM 1/13/2026 2,500.00 198866 1546 2026 GMNP MEMBERSHIP DUES COM 1/27/2026 525.00 199090 12506 LRBA MEMBERSHIP DUES 2026 23-705-000-0000-6242 1,605.00 202,000 395.00Registration Fees 395.00 AUD 1/23/2026 395.00 198994 1/23/26 ST - EDAM CONF REG 23-705-000-0000-6266 1,400.00 01,400 0.00Audit Cost 0.00 23-705-000-0000-6290 350,000.00 0350,000 0.00Contracted Services.0.00 23-705-000-0000-6330 3,271.45 73,500 228.55Mileage228.55 COM 1/27/2026 29.00 307628 1/7/26 CDA - MILEAGE COM 1/27/2026 58.00 307630 1/7/26 CDA - MILEAGE COM 1/27/2026 58.00 199146 1/7/26 CDA - MILEAGE COM 1/27/2026 27.55 307627 1/7/26 CDA - MILEAGE COM 1/27/2026 56.00 307630 12/15/25 CDA - MILEAGE 23-705-000-0000-6331 2,651.08 123,000 348.92Travel Expenses 348.92 AUD 1/23/2026 348.92 198994 1/23/26 AB - LODGING & MEAL AMC CONF 23-705-000-0000-6333 4,897.50 25,000 102.50Meeting/Event Costs 102.50 COM 1/27/2026 102.50 199063 1/7/26 MEALS FOR BOARD MTG 1/7/26 23-705-000-0000-6355 323.00 1084,000 4,323.00Liability Insurance 4,323.00 COM 1/6/2026 4,323.00 198762 20953R ACCT 7639 PC RENEWAL 23-705-000-0000-6369 21.25 0021.25Miscellaneous Charges 21.25 Page 2 Report For: ToReport Basis:Percent of Year: Actual For Tran Date Bdgt - Act Difference01/2026 - 01/2026 - - 2/4/2026 Actual ForType2026 BUDGET EXPENDITURE GUIDELINE - DETAIL MTD Otter Tail County Auditor 7/18 EAt PctReportCode1 3:38:03PM Achristoph 01/2026 01/2026Cash 8% 01/2026War# 8 Char Invoice# Description Copyright 2010-2025 Integrated Financial Systems AUD 1/9/2026 21.25 198804 1/9/26 VEHICLE REGISTRATION 23-705-000-0000-6822 200,000.00 0200,000 0.00Community Growth Partnership Grant 0.00 23-705-000-7001-6828 4,944.00 15,000 56.00Site Development (TIF)56.00 COM 1/27/2026 56.00 199123 4192137 REVISED PLAT FEE 23-705-000-7001-6829 223.16 00223.16Impact Fund Expenses 223.16 AUD 1/9/2026 77.90 198788 12/11/25 ACCT 06642865478 COM 1/13/2026 80.00 198883 2358 SNOW REMOVAL DEC 2025 AUD 1/23/2026 65.26 198986 1/5/26 ACCT 06642865478 706 NON SPECIAL BENEFIT LEVY PROGRAMMING 000 ... 23-706-000-0000-6240 500.00 05000.00Publishing & Advertising 0.00 23-706-000-0000-6290 20,000.00 020,000 0.00Contracted Services 0.00 23-706-000-0000-6333 549.42 00549.42Meeting/Event Costs 549.42 AUD 1/23/2026 119.98 198994 1/23/26 ST - WORKFORCE EVENT SUPPLIES COM 1/27/2026 423.75 199149 12/10/25 K3210 WORKFORCE EVENT FOOD COM 1/27/2026 5.69 199149 12/11/25 K3210 WORKFORCE EVNT BEVERAGES 23-706-000-0000-6822 100,000.00 0100,000 0.00Community Growth Partnership Grant 0.00 807 SPECIAL ALLOCATION HOUSING PROGRAM 23-706-807-0000-6825 24,000.00 024,000 0.00Down Payment Assistance 0.00 23-706-807-0000-6830 40,000.00 040,000 0.00Housing Rehabilitation 0.00 23-706-807-0000-6832 199,954.00 0200,000 46.00Loan Assistance Program 46.00 COM 1/27/2026 46.00 199123 4192786 GROW PERHAM ABSTRACT FEE ...210,378.38 10,378.38595,900.00 585,521.62 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM 210,378.38 10,378.38595,900.00 585,521.62 ...0549.42 549.42120,500.00 119,950.58 SPECIAL ALLOCATION HOUSING PROGRAM 046.00 46.00264,000.00 263,954.00 NON SPECIAL BENEFIT LEVY PROGRAMMING 0595.42 595.42384,500.00 383,904.58 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 110,973.80 10,973.80980,400.00 969,426.20 110,973.80 10,973.80980,400.00 969,426.20 Page 3 Report For: ToReport Basis:Percent of Year: Actual For Tran Date Bdgt - Act Difference01/2026 - 01/2026 - PROGRAM DEPT - PROGRAM PROGRAM DEPT FUND Final Totals 21 Accounts 2/4/2026 000 705 000 807 706 23 Actual ForType2026 BUDGET EXPENDITURE GUIDELINE - DETAIL MTD Otter Tail County Auditor 8/18 EAt Pct 21 Accounts 3:40:03PM Achristoph 01/2026 01/2026Cash 23 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 01/2026 Copyright 2010-2025 Integrated Financial Systems 23 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 705 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM 000 ... 6140 PER DIEM 10,920.00 91,080.00 1,080.00 6240 PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING 5,000.00 00.00 0.00 6241 MEMBERSHIP DUES 1,400.00 723,600.00 3,600.00 6242 REGISTRATION FEES 1,605.00 20395.00 395.00 6266 AUDIT COST 1,400.00 00.00 0.00 6290 CONTRACTED SERVICES.350,000.00 00.00 0.00 6330 MILEAGE 3,271.45 7228.55 228.55 6331 TRAVEL EXPENSES 2,651.08 12348.92 348.92 6333 MEETING/EVENT COSTS 4,897.50 2102.50 102.50 6355 LIABILITY INSURANCE 323.00 1084,323.00 4,323.00 6369 MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES 21.25 021.25 21.25 6822 COMMUNITY GROWTH PARTNERSHIP GRANT 200,000.00 00.00 0.00 6828 SITE DEVELOPMENT (TIF)4,944.00 156.00 56.00 6829 IMPACT FUND EXPENSES 223.16 0223.16 223.16 706 NON SPECIAL BENEFIT LEVY PROGRAMMING 000 ... 6240 PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING 500.00 00.00 0.00 6290 CONTRACTED SERVICES 20,000.00 00.00 0.00 6333 MEETING/EVENT COSTS 549.42 0549.42 549.42 6822 COMMUNITY GROWTH PARTNERSHIP GRANT 100,000.00 00.00 0.00 807 SPECIAL ALLOCATION HOUSING PROGRAM 6825 DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE 24,000.00 00.00 0.00 6830 HOUSING REHABILITATION 40,000.00 00.00 0.00 6832 LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 199,954.00 046.00 46.00 ...10,378.38 210,378.38 585,521.62 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM 10,378.38 210,378.38 585,521.62595,900.00 ...549.42 0549.42 119,950.58 SPECIAL ALLOCATION HOUSING PROGRAM 46.00 046.00 263,954.00 NON SPECIAL BENEFIT LEVY PROGRAMMING 595.42 0595.42 383,904.58384,500.00 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 980,400.00 10,973.80 110,973.80 969,426.20 1 10,973.80 10,973.80 980,400.00 969,426.20 Page 2 Report For: ToReport Basis: FUND Percent of Year: Actual For Account Description Actual For BDGT - ACT Difference01/2026 - 01/2026 - - - TOTAL TOTAL - TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL Final Totals 2/4/2026 8 EXPENDITURE GUIDELINE - YTD SUMMARY 12,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 2,000.00 1,400.00 350,000.00 3,500.00 3,000.00 5,000.00 4,000.00 0.00 200,000.00 5,000.00 0.00 500.00 20,000.00 0.00 100,000.00 24,000.00 40,000.00 200,000.00 595,900.00 120,500.00 264,000.00 2026 BUDGET Otter Tail County Auditor 9/18 CDA Workforce Committee Update Empowered Worker Program Report Date: February 17, 2026 Program Referrals: The program is not currently accepting new participant referrals. Drive for Five remaining funds are earmarked through June 2026. The Growing Careers Grant Contract is signed and finalized, and in motion. The eligibility requirements are similar, and a bit expanded, from what we are used to: • Eligibility needs to meet all of the following four criteria: o Dislocated Worker  Has been, or has received a notice, or permanent separation from employment.  Long-term unemployed and limited opportunities for employment  Has been terminated due to a closing or substantial layoff  Has been self-employed, including farmers and ranchers, and is unemployed.  A Veteran that has been honorably discharged in the last 36 months that is either unemployed or underemployed.  A displaced homemaker that experiences divorce, separation, death, or disability of the fiscal supporter, and now must find employment to self-support.  Spouse of an active-duty service member that has (i) lost employment as a direct result of relocation; or (ii) unemployed or underemployed.  Is an adult with a low income, is a recipient of public assistance, or is deficient in basic skills. o Minnesota Residents o Authorized to work in the US o Not enrolled in any K-12 School • Eligible Services o Employment Services: including career counseling, skill assessment, work readiness, case management, job search assistance, and job placement/retention services. o Support Services: including but not limited to gas cards, work clothing, and food support. Incentive payments may also be offered to participants for meeting milestones throughout their enrollment. o Short-term training in agriculture-specific or agriculture-relevant programs o Long-term training in agriculture-specific or agriculture-relevant programs o On-the-Job Training contracts, paid work experience, paid internships Currently, the Workforce Navigator is assembling a business directory of employers in the agriculture industry in Otter Tail County. The intent is to complete as many on-site visits as possible to form and strengthen working relationships with these employers to support participants of the program with job shadows, job interviews, internships, and employment opportunities upon completion of credentials. Expenditures Summary (July 1, 2024, to February 13, 2026) Direct Services Direct Customer Training Support Services Outreach Placement / Retention TOTAL D45 Expenditures $64,857 $107,745 $38,054 $412 $25,000 $211,068 Remaining Funds $ 9,143 $ 3,455 $ 1,286 $ 48 $25,000 $ 38,932 145 referrals received to date Active Participants on case load: 19 10/18 Navigating the Road Ahead Expenditures Summary (July 1, 2024, to February 13, 2026) Direct Services Direct Customer Training Support Services Outreach Placement / Retention TOTAL NTRA Expenditures - $20,837 $12,860 - - $33,697 Program Metrics (as of 12/31/2025) Successful Credential Completions: Name Credential Institute Working in field? Zach Boiler License Alex Tech & Comm College No Benjamin CDL M State WDS No Rita CNA M State WDS Yes Brandon CDL M State WDS Yes Noah GED ABE, Perham In College Anthony CDL 160 Driving Academy Yes Julian EMT Ringdahl Ambulance No Stephen CNA M State WDS Yes Caitlin CNA M State, WDS Yes Ramiro CNA M State Yes Ray CDL M State, WDS Yes Spring ‘26 Credit Students: Name Credential Institute Working? Rita RN M State, Wadena Yes, in the field Lillian Esthetician M State, Wadena No Josh LADC M State, Fergus Yes Michelle LADC M State, Fergus Yes, in the field Noah Construction Management M State, Moorhead Yes Angel Dentistry M State, Moorhead Yes Eric LPN M State, Wadena No Misty RN M State, Wadena Yes, in the field Nicole LADC M State, Fergus No Sarah Medical Coding M State, Fergus No Program Enrollments: 51 D45, 30 NTRA Credentialed Training Enrollments: 23 D45, 5 NTRA Credentialed Training Completions: 9 D45, 1 NTRAExits to Employment: 3 D45, 4 NTRAOther Exits: 22 D45, 22 NTRA 11/18 DATE: March 5, 2026 TO: CDA Board of Directors FROM: Amy Baldwin, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Director Status Report Housing Growth Initiative / The Big Build: The City of Perham is hosting a Housing Symposium on March 12 from 9am-12pm at Perham Lakeside Event Center. The agenda includes presentations on Perham’s newly completed housing study and needs analysis, a State of Rural presentation from the Center for Rural Policy and Development, Otter Tail County’s Community Development and Housing Annual Report, and updates from the Perham EDA. Registration is open: perham-housing- 2026.eventbrite.com Testified in support State Housing Tax Credit Program Workforce Support Strategy / OTC Works: With staff transition in the Workforce Navigator position, referrals to the Empowered Worker Program continue to be paused. Current participants will be served with internal capacity and new participants will be limited to individuals interested in agriculture. Staff began outreach to agriculture partners with a campus visit to NDSCS agriculture programs. Child Care: The Board of Commissioners approved two resolutions of support for DEED Child Care Economic Development Grant Program applications for the PioneerCare and Vergas twin home projects. The County will provide matching funds for both applications and will act as the fiscal host for the Vergas child care project. Business Development: A Lender Convening was hosted on February 18 with 20 lender and partner attendees. Presenters from the Small Business Development Center, West Central Initiative, SBA, Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation, and USDA emphasized collaboration for small business clients. Gap funding and stacking financial resources to serve business clients was a key message. Miscellaneous: Quarterly community development newsletter was distributed to 539 recipients with highlights on 2025 Big Build progress, the annual report, Lender Convening, State Housing Tax Credit, Broadband Line Extension Program, and Perham Housing Symposium: https://members.ottertaillakescountry.com/ap/EmailViewer/PNkWVjyL 12/18 > > > > > > 218-998-8060 @ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OTTER TAIL COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER LIVE YOUR best life HERE. Government Services Center 520 West Fir Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 @ ottertailcounty.gov Page 2 Staff presented the Community Development & Housing Annual Report to the Otter Tail County Board, Battle Lake Annual EDA Meeting, New York Mills City Council, and Parkers Prairie EDA. Attachments: • Empowered Worker Report 13/18 > Housing Growth & Development Committee Meeting Notes Date/Time: February 9 @ 1:00pm Committee members: Dena Johnson (in person), Dave Schornack (virtual), Jeff Ackerson (virtual), Outline of key actions discussed: 1. Pinewood Estates Update a. Potential interest to relocate an existing housing unit onto one of the for sale lots. b. Committee discussed concerns and things to consider if this interested buyer would move forward. Suggestion was to follow up with Pelican Rapids City Administrator and the city’s restrictions. 2. The Lincoln bridge loan a. MN Housing withholding final grant disbursement until landscaping on the site is complete, even though project is completed and units are occupied. Developer had concerns about cash flow while waiting for final grant disbursement. b. Committee was supportive of providing an HRA bridge loan until the developer received the final MN Housing disbursement. 3. State Housing Tax Credit a. New York Mills senior affordable housing project is an eligible project for contributions to the State Housing Tax Credit Program. b. Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity has 3 eligible projects for contributions too. 4. Housing communication strategy discussion a. Focused community level events that provide details on “how” projects move forward will be a focus of outreach in 2026. b. Henning housing study presentation, Parkers Prairie housing study presentation, and Perham Housing Symposium are examples of engagement opportunities to promote housing finance resources and technical assistance. Next meeting: Monday, March 9 @ 1pm 14/18 218-998-8060 ® COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OTTER TAIL COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER LIVE YOUR best life HERE. Government Services Center 520 West Fir Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 @ ottertailcounty.gov Workforce Support & Digital Equity Committee Meeting Notes Date/Time: February 17 @ 3:00pm Committee members: Kurt Mortenson (in person), Bob Schempp (in person), Betsy Roder (virtual) Outline of key actions discussed: 1. Empowered Worker Program update a. Referrals to the program are still paused. We are on pace to spend down the remaining Drive for 5 funds and check in regularly as grant period winds down. b. Agriculture employer outreach will begin in late February to understand training and skill needs for occupations in demand. Training provider outreach will begin with NDSCS to understand programs they can offer for participants. 2. DEED Child Care Economic Development Grant applications a. We are anticipating two community-driven projects will apply to the open round of DEED Child Care Economic Development grants – PioneerCare expansion project and Vergas twin home project b. PioneerCare will likely apply on their own as an eligible non-profit organization with experience providing child care. They have requested a letter of support and match funds from the County, which will be reviewed by the Board of Commissioners. c. Vergas EDA/HRA has requested that the County be the fiscal host for their application. This is a similar approach as the Ottertail Family Center project application. The County’s prior grant experience and match funds will strengthen the application. d. Local child care center outreached about the grant opportunity. Staff’s response advised them that shovel ready projects intended to increase child care slot capacity will be the most competitive for funding. 3. Committee priorities and long-term workforce strategy discussion a. The Empowered Worker Program with a career pathway focus on agriculture will be an ongoing priority for 2026. Employer and training provider relationships will be a key effort to successfully implement this new industry focus. b. Partnership with Otter Tail Lakes Country on Talent Tourism efforts is a priority to develop college and university relationships for future workforce recruitment. c. Long-term strategy planning with employers, education partners, community services providers, and other stakeholders will be a priority to ensure workforce development efforts align with the current needs and economic conditions. i. If supported/identified by planning efforts, youth and retirees could be other populations to focus on for workforce development initiatives. Next meeting: Tuesday, March 17 at 3pm 15/18 218-998-8060 ® COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OTTER TAIL COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER LIVE YOUR best life HERE. Government Services Center 520 West Fir Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 @ ottertailcounty.gov Business Development Committee Meeting Notes Date/Time: February 19 @ 1pm Committee members: Sean Sullivan (in person), Val Martin (virtual), Heidi Samuelson (virtual) Outline of key actions discussed: 1.Lender Convening recap a.23 registered and 20 attended b.For future convenings, fall is a better timeframe for accountant partners and a central or northern location would be prioritized. c.Committee members felt it would be important to share similar resources with business owners as the end users. Leverage existing meetings including Chambers of Commerce and local business groups to share resources. 2.Discuss contribution to the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) a.Committee was supportive of a $1,500 contribution to the SBDC for 2026. They felt businesses in Otter Tail County get value from the technical assistance and cohort programs provided by the SBDC. 3.Committee priorities discussion a.Committee members had concerns about a low response rate to any business and workforce survey. They suggested using insights from other surveys and databases to inform strategy development. b.May Small Business Week communication strategy to promote the business development resources we already have including the resource summary and website page. c.Better leverage existing business groups to get in front of and share our resources. d.Connect and leverage Otter Tail Lakes Country’s business relationships as a communication channel. e.Priority topics include lending/financial resources, succession planning, and agriculture industry focus. Staff will research ideas for additional resources worth sharing and promotional strategies. Next meeting: March 19 at 1pm 16/18 218-998-8060 ® COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OTTER TAIL COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER LIVE YOUR best life HERE. Government Services Center 520 West Fir Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537 @ ottertailcounty.gov 17/18 OTTER TAIL COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION March 11 , 2026 BOARD MEETING DATE BOARD ACTION REQUESTED AGENDA ITEM #Sa Amy Baldwin 03/06/2026 Authorization to pursue acquisition of 1209 S. Vine St, Fergus Falls REQUESTOR'S SIGNATURE/DATE As previously reviewed at the February 4, 2026, CDA board meeting, a tax forfeited property in the city of Fergus Falls at 1209 S. Vine St. has been identified as an opportunity to create an affordable homeownership opportunity. Taxes had not been paid on the property since 2022 and it was offered for auction in 2025, with no bidder. Staff has visited the site several times and has prepared a scope of work and associated cost estimates. Additionally, a local realtor reviewed the property and, with an understanding of the improvements to be completed, provided a preliminary suggested resale price of ~$250,000. If the project advances, the purchase of the property by the CDA would be initiated in April followed by the solicitation of bids for the various components of the project with work to be completed over the summer. The home could be listed for sale after the various contracts are in place and a completion date for the renovations can be estimated. The home would be sold to a household at or below 115% of AMI. Following is a current summary of the project budget: Acquisition $42,794 Renovation $183,500 Realtor fee $15,000 Total Project Costs $241,294 Anticipated Sale Price $250,000 However, during a recent inspection of the home, a review of the attic space identified the presence of insulation material that potentially contains asbestos. The material testing is scheduled; if asbestos is present, mitigation costs will substantially impact the renovation expenses. Staff recommends the CDA board authorize an application to the County Board for the purchase of 1209 S. Vine St., with the purchase price contingent on the results of the asbestos findings. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DATE: Amy Baldwin 03/06/2026 ATTACHMENT LIST: • Location Map FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: use of reserves to cash flow BUDGETED: X YES NO FUNDING: CDA cash reserves 71004990483000 71004990428001 71004990401008 71004990482000 71004990427000 71004990401013 7100499046000171004990480000 71004990460000 71004990479000 71004990400000 71004990478000 71004990458000 71004990426000 71004990400001 71004990477000 71004990425000 71004990399000 71004990398000 71004990401007 71004990428900 7100499046500071004990486000 71004990461001 71004990488000 71004990492000 W EVERETT AVE W ADOLPHUS AVE W DOUGLAS A V E S VINE ST W E V E R E T T A V E W ADOLPHUS AVE S VINE ST W D O U G L A S A V E 320 314 327 303 1212 1220426 1306 415 1202 413425419 401405409415419425 424 1115 1116 1122 307311315319321327 1115 1121 1122 1210 310 1209 1213 309 1306 304 317 ± 0.01 0 0.010.01 mi Not a legal document. For Reference Use Only. Accuracy is not guaranteed. OTTER TAIL COUNTY WEB MAP https://ottertailcounty.govCreated: 3/6/2026 2:21 PM TERTAIL NTY -MINNESOTA