HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 03/11/2026MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
March 11, 2026
1. Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 11,
2026. 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
Bob Schempp Jr. x
Dave Schornack x
Sean Sullivan x
Staff:
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director x
Tanya Westra, Housing Program Supervisor x
Sarah Bernstetter, Project Manager x
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator x
Paula Grunewald, Administrative Assistant x
2. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was to stand as presented
3. Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Jeff Ackerson, second by Sean Sullivan to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. Reports and Presentations
A/B.Director’s Status Report/Committee Reports:
Perham Housing Symposium will be held March 12, 2026 from 9 am-noon.
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director has testified in support of the state housing tax credit program.
o Proposed Program modifications
To get alignment between the housing tax credit contribution plan and the workforce
housing program.
Geographic split – balance between Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
Removal of the sunset – scheduled for 2028.
Projects seeking contributions this year include a HRA lot sold to Habitat for
Humanity in Pelican Rapids.
Workforce
o Amy Johnson, OTC Workforce Navigator’s last day was March 10, Sarah Bernstetter,
Project Manager will be supporting current clients at this time. Upcoming referrals will
have an agricultural career focus. Amy Baldwin, CDA Director and Sarah Bernstetter,
Project Manager met with NDSCS to learn about their agricultural programs.
Childcare
o The State Childcare Economic Development grant is open through DEED.
o Pioneer Care pursuing a direct application – County Commissioners approved a $5,000
matching grant (5% of the grant request).
o Vergas project is advancing with the Vergas EDA –a similar $5,000 match.
Business Development
o Newsletter just went out.
C. On the Map
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator reported
o Game day activations with the Gophers
o Revitalize Talent Tourism – Engaging with non-athletic students from campuses outside
of the U of M Twin Cities.
o Revamping Otter Tail Lakes Country Association (OTLCA) website.
Board discussed available metrics on vacancy rates from OTLCA member motel & hotels and
engagement with local M State students.
Sarah Bernstetter, Project Manager, stated the OTLCA magazine has been printed and has been
delivered to Fergus Falls and regional travel destinations. Erik Osberg reported that 30,000 copies
were printed and will be distributed at over 400 locations.
D. Board Member Updates – none
5. Regular Business Items
A. Authorization to pursue acquisition of 1209 S. Vine St., Fergus Falls
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director asked for authorization to pursue acquisition of 1209 S. Vine St.,
Fergus Falls for an opportunity to create an affordable homeownership opportunity. An inspection
noted that asbestos could be present in the attic space. The intent is to rehab the home and resell
to an income qualified homeowner this fall. Motion by Sean Sullivan, second by Betsy Roder to
approve authorization to pursue the acquisition of 1209 S. Vine St., Fergus Falls, which includes the
environmental testing for asbestos. Motion passed unanimously. After the asbestos results, the
purchase approval is anticipated to be presented at the April 1, 2026 CDA Board Meeting.
6. Discussion and Communications
A. Other Communications
One time funding has been received for Family Resource Centers in New York Mills in the amount
of $338,000 and Pelican Rapids for $500,000. Plans to accept bids for remodeling will begin in May
for New York Mills and June for Pelican Rapids. These centers will be a resource to connect
families and communities.
B. Upcoming meeting:
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 @ 11:00 am, Otter Tail Lake Room, Government Services Center with
HRA Board meeting @ 12:45 pm.
7. Adjourned