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Ortonville Economic Development Authority Accomplishments

May 2007 through April 2008

 Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) – Technical Assistance - $45,000

 MHP will provide technical assistance to Ortonville to create new housing development, a new housing program, and increase historic preservation capacity.  Value of the technical assistance totals $45,000 over three years.

 Minnesota Housing Partnership $10,000 Grant

The EDA has been awarded a $10,000 grant to be used as match funds to conduct a Housing Study.  The EDA has commissioned Development Services Inc. (DSI) to provide technical research and analysis in assessing the current and future housing needs and opportunities in Ortonville and the surrounding area.  DSI will conduct a housing analysis establishing housing needs in the target area (Ortonville, Barry, Beardsley, Big Stone City SD, Clinton, Correll, Graceville, Johnson, Milbank SD, and Odessa) and in conclusion will provide information on the types of new construction or upgrading that may be desired in order to fill shortages or meet projected needs, options for new housing subdivision and infrastructure development and identify funding sources for potential housing projects.

 The completed Housing Study will provide a valuable tool.  In identifying the housing gaps, we will be able to focus our efforts and resources on providing the needs of our citizens along with increasing our ability to attract new and expanding business to the area.  An up-to-date Housing Study is also valuable in attracting both private and public sector investment to met housing needs. 

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP) - $100,000 Grant

 The $100,000 grant will be processed through our local lenders (Minnwest Bank and Cenbank) providing funds through the Mortgage Revenue Bond Programs of Minnesota Mortgage Program (MMP) and complement additional funding through the Community Activity Set Aside Program (CASA).  Ruth Simmons of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has met with committee members in the fall and attended the Sport’s and Leisure Show to assist with the promotion of the programs available.  Ms. Simmons has met with Lucie Thorson and Marilyn Hansen and will be working closing with the lenders.

 Minnesota DEED Small Cities Development Program grant for $192,000

The dollars will be used to rehabilitate 10 commercial units in Ortonville.  As stated in the congratulatory Letter to the Editor in the Ortonville Independent (April 1^st Issue) – “This funding will go a long way to revitalize the local economy!”

 The above mentioned grants have been awarded since the first of the year – 2008!  The total amount awarded is $347,000.00

The EDA has established Economic Development Workgroups

There are four work groups (listed below) consisting of Ortonville Citizens and government entities working to revitalize our community. 

 These workgroups are an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan update which is headed by the Ortonville Planning Commission along with the Ortonville Heritage Preservation Commission.  The EDA has taken the initiative to provide a link/umbrella to all involved in this planning process with staffing and also engaging State assistance.

 The EDA has held a Town Meeting to begin the official process of the project and look forward to continued citizen input and assistance.

 Forfeiture Land.  By purchasing this property, the EDA/City has the opportunity to ensure the property brings maximum benefit to Ortonville’s tax base.

 The Columbian Hotel, Odd Fellows Building and the Strege Recycling building are all commercial forfeited properties purchased by the EDA.  The process has begun to complete a Historic Structures Report through the Historic Preservation Commission with the Request for Proposal process to begin in the near future. 

 Lundell Property.  The EDA has purchased 9 platted lots along with an additional 15 acres of unplatted property.  The property is in the planning stages to expand Fairway View to be a part of a larger Senior Living Campus.

 Fairway View Senior Community. Fairway View has been successfully well-managed by the EDA since February 2008. The EDA and Ortonville Area Health Services have completed a successful management transition at Fairway View, and in addition, successfully completed the 2007 financial statements and annual audit. Fairway view continues to have a substantial and growing waiting list for occupancy.    

The EDA utilizes the Revolving Loan Fund, a General Loan Fund, Electric Rebate Program, JOBZ Zone, and the Border City Tax Credits to assist in the economic health of Ortonville.  Utilizing these projects has most recently brought Ortonville Hardware Hank, Snortums and the expansion of services at Larry’s Refrigeration.

 We are currently working to bring an Anytime Fitness Center to Ortonville.  The contact has secured the area for the fitness center and is in the process of finalizing a location.  The fitness center is a national franchise and members can access any/all locations across the United States.

 The EDA has been involved in recent plans/discussions for new construction in the empty lots/space on the Too Mad Corner.  An architect has been contacted for assistance in planning the building and the two major investors in the project are actively pursing options.

 The EDA has acknowledged the need in Ortonville and surrounding area for Daycare.  We currently rely on in-home daycares which are increasingly insufficient in both number of providers and also the hours of service provided.  This shortage has a direct affect on the health of our business community who rely on employees who need daycare.  In response to this shortage, the EDA is working with a group to establish a non-profit umbrella group creating smaller daycare centers in Ortonville.  The group will also establish centers in surrounding area providing daycare stability.  The EDA will work with BSAG who has applied for grant funds for such a project.

 Most recently the EDA has been researching a coalition movement for commuter rail in western Minnesota.

 Although the EDA provides specific business assistance, the EDA Board also plays a strong role in City Government in general with the establishment of the workgroups and the intertwining with the Planning Commission, and the Heritage Preservation Commission.

Focal Point For Revitalization Efforts

The EDA has begun to function as a general community communication hub for the City through the web page and now more recently the plan to coordinate the new meeting space in the Armory building with public notification provided through the web, Community Access Channel 3, the Ortonville Independent and KDIO Radio through one contact.