HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Agency - Minutes - 04/01/2026MINUTES OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY
Government Services Center, County Board Room
515 W Fir Ave, Fergus Falls MN 56537
April 1, 2026
1. Call to Order
The Otter Tail County Community Development Agency convened at 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 1,
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 Schake, Project Manager x
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator x
Paula Grunewald, CDA/HRA Administrative Assistant x
Others: none
2. Approval of Agenda
Approval of Agenda motion was made by Jeff Ackerson, second by Dena Johnson, and unanimously
carried to approve as presented.
3. Approval of Consent Agenda
Motion by Dena Johnson, second by Heidi Samuelson to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. Reports and Presentations
A/B. Director’s Status Report/Committee Reports:
Partnered with Perham for a Housing Symposium with Kelly Ashe as the speaker
Workforce
o Workforce Convening held March 31
o Workforce Program Manager position has been posted
Childcare
o Two childcare grant applications have been submitted – one County led and one we
supported
o Providing support to Children’s Corner Childcare
Legislative Update
Working with Bongards for bond allocation for their wastewater project; a resolution
associated with the allocation will be brought forward in April to the Board of Commissioners
C. On the Map Report
Erik Osberg, Rural Rebound Initiative Coordinator reported
Working on a poll or a form of communication with resort partners on vacancies
Hiring a summer intern
Placer.AI report will be presented next month
D. Board Member Updates - none
5. Regular Business Items
A. Community Growth Partnership Grant Application: City of Battle Lake
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director presented the Community Growth Partnership Grant Application
submitted by the City of Battle Lake, Galloping Goose. The property has been rezoned for
commercial use. This will be an additional location for Galloping Goose to provide rented recreation
items such as bikes, etc. with associated retail offerings. Funds are needed to install new windows
and complete facade and accessibility improvements with an approximate cost of $128,000. Up to
5% of estimated cost or $6,390 in funding can be requested, per grant guidelines. Motion by Sean
Sullivan, second by Jeff Ackerson to approve 5% of actual project costs up to $6,390, contingent on
receiving the City Resolution from Battle Lake. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Parcel 711004990460000 (1209 S Vine St., Fergus Falls).
Amy Baldwin, CDA Director provided a brief background on the Vine Street Property. This is a tax
forfeited property that was not purchased at auction. Staff is requesting authorization from the CDA
Board to pursue purchase of this property with the County Board. If approved by the County Board,
the property would undergo a thorough rehabilitation and be sold to a household whose income
does not exceed 115% state median income. Motion by Dena Johnson, second by Heidi
Samuelson to authorize the purchase of Parcel 711004990460000 (1209 S. Vine St., Fergus Falls).
Roll call vote was taken: Jeff Ackerson - yes, Dena Johnson - yes, Kurt Mortenson - yes, Betsy
Roder - yes, Heidi Samuelson - yes, Bob Schempp Jr. - yes, Dave Schornack - yes; Sean Sullivan -
no. Motion passed. The request to purchase this parcel will be presented at the April 14th
Commissioner Board Meeting.
6. Discussion and Communications
A. Other Communications
Review of pending Federal housing legislation
Workforce strategy refresh: what is our role in supporting the workforce needs of our
employers and residents
7. Adjourned