Justin Lohse

Key discussion topics for this combined work session and special meeting included the Agreement with Design Intent for the Fire Hall Expansion and the Water Utility Provider Contract.

The council work session focused on the Ottertail Fire Hall Expansion and Community Room Upgrade. Updated design plans were presented, and firemen revised a few items on the plans. There was a request for storage space for tables and chairs on carts to improve organization in the community room. Discussion also took place regarding funding options, including the possibility of a sales tax referendum and bonding for the project.

The council discussed a tax abatement for Habitat for Humanity and a variance request for a water connection. They approved resolutions for the tax abatement, modifying variance restrictions, a water rate increase, accepting donations, a fee schedule, writing off delinquent accounts, and decertifying certain TIF parcels. The council also discussed fire department matters, city hall operations, and engineer's agenda items, including the Ottertail Ave & China Street Reconstruction and water tower warranty work. They reviewed the lead service line inventory and replacement, fire hall expansion, staff salaries and compensation, and a chicken ordinance. Additionally, they addressed a donation request, traffic marking, seal coat, insurance proposal, personnel policy updates, community center cleaning, and a purchase agreement for Habitat for Humanity.

The meeting included a public hearing for TIF District 1-8, an Economic Development District for the Ottertail Community Center. Information was presented by a consultant regarding the proposed TIF district for the non-profit community center project. The council approved Resolution 2025-30, establishing Economic Development TIF District 1-8. Clarification was sought from the City Attorney regarding the project's total square footage and its eligibility for TIF assistance.

The meeting addressed various topics, including updates from the Fire Department and City Hall. Discussions involved community center auto-door opening issues, updating city population signs, and preliminary budget planning for 2026. The Ottertail Tourism Board had nothing to report, while OTCEPAC highlighted the importance of GPS technology for emergency preparedness. Public comments included concerns about Lueders Road conditions and a request for a parade. Old business covered Deer Run Estates water easements, water tower warranty work, a letter of support for the Otter Tail River issue, a draft of the updated Animal (Chicken) Ordinance, weather sirens, and a city hall generator. New business included the 2024 city audit and a call for a TIF District hearing for the Ottertail Family and Recreation Center.