[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6047544,"mediaKeyId","3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff","parentId",3532984,"title","Council approves transfer of Sunset Ridge TIF note amid heated debate","audioSeconds",1184,"startMs",2956000,"endMs",4140000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff&start=2956&end=4140","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff/thumbnail_2956000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6047544/Fergus-Falls-City/Otter-Tail-County/Minnesota/Council-approves-transfer-of-Sunset-Ridge-TIF-note-amid-heated-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047544-e6d920e8257f4a40e4924256f9bf0439/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176141&Signature=fanu9BSMGA1U6Ai2GD2gYDyyywHJArATZ9SF3LEQjvsJv6AE0PJHn10vqMdWQXpSIGqwZ8FyczVORnJoXk~zfsQt4kbWWLrFEytILjtKcSaHYf8n-4bNrBtA7vM8YUqPsFyw7cjsmOBUVxXGQ2ByB7GKhinEvyQRcNIm~7mfOg3-ixaVrSYL0u7ENa3ZNmjg5DaIgi9acjEIaVwqeDgj5Q40o44uVxB5Wn0K1CHaTkD1mFHcFWOAKb3VZSimwg3UjO-sa9LUU6oPX-Jn2e~i1pIpL~ggMfMnYr9x3-C4eVMMC7wljLdq1xiyU~SvQiuTGMRvfRfZiOokyzHVoi4ErQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fergus Falls, MN","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Fergus Falls City Council approved a resolution authorizing the transfer of tax-increment financing (TIF) funds tied to Sunset Ridge Apartments from Sunset Ridge Apartments of Fergus Falls, LLLP to Fergus Falls Apartment Developers LLC following an extended debate about the fairness of the transfer and potential taxpayer impact.

Council members spent more than an hour discussing the transfer. Several members asked for additional information and sought to table the matter for a closed-session review; one tabling motion failed on a 5-3 vote. Opponents argued the transfer would effectively deliver roughly $600,000 in tax-increment value and that the new buyer would realize immediate benefit; proponents and the applicant said the buyer is paying the seller for the TIF note and that the city's tax collections and obligations would not materially change if the transfer were approved.

Samuel Herzog, who identified himself during the meeting as the prospective buyer, addressed the council. He said his company intended to operate long term and disputed claims that previous operations were unchanged. Council debate ranged across topics including the original development agreement, the remaining term of the district (obligations through 2030 with TIF district administrative life to 2041 in the original documents), whether prior compliance issues existed with the original developer, and the distribution of incremental taxes among taxing jurisdictions.

After discussion the council voted to approve the resolution authorizing the TIF transfer. Several council members said they would pursue more detailed review of the development agreement and financial particulars of the original TIF project after the vote.

City staff noted that the TIF schedule involves multiple taxing jurisdictions (school district, county) and that the numeric total often cited in debates included the combined foregone increment across jurisdictions; staff reminded the council that a transfer does not immediately change tax receipts for the city alone. The council also asked staff to provide additional documentation and directed the city attorney and administrator to continue due diligence regarding the district's obligations and future decertification schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Fergus Falls City Council Meeting- April 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Fergus Falls City Council authorized transfer of tax-increment financing funds for Sunset Ridge Apartments to a new LLC after a protracted debate, but not before declining a motion to table for further review.","taxTitle","Fergus Falls City, Otter Tail County, Minnesota","taxId",70991,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6047550,"Council adopts deferred assessments and awards Scenic Drive water/sewer contract to Kotze Excavating",841,1663000,2504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff&start=1663&end=2504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff/thumbnail_1663000.jpg","/articles/6047550/Fergus-Falls-City/Otter-Tail-County/Minnesota/Council-adopts-deferred-assessments-and-awards-Scenic-Drive-watersewer-contract-to-Kotze-Excavating","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047550-07d834a7cc57b1e8383da3ad0083b789/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176141&Signature=XcIoGofIMalPHU3HAUnQ9r3ZLmjxCCZL05Z~CRD6vtHJKLs~r8TLYIZmvGUjzlFBFBJvke~2N~Mf1n0CCutIgYLHQfXyLe67cWfbTuFOwy7of9MSTua~TjyLzeBIeih~0Wy-QhyJpnCJ3nZjApymrldyZmpa~iaIUoOGCDfc5b5MC2ULQ9BOVyQ-36j66-1lIawxnJcxSaN-xW52mShQzE6OElKYW~pfBxpDEMp83inbCznQvuUVPpF01JPvDTwqW-nWa7LvuOvxSaTdEIVn7SEe1jpkHiId42p0ihwHrVjp0hr-13u7-XeycxwfwI-xuhDAjrnuehO65Go7rcFOsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fergus Falls City Council adopted assessments for two Scenic Drive utility projects and awarded the contract for construction after a final-cost public hearing.

City staff described two linked projects to extend sanitary sewer and water mains in the Pebble Hills/Scenic Drive area. Engineering originally estimated per-unit assessments of about $11,800 for sewer and $9,100 for water; competitive bids reduced the per-unit assessments to $8,415 for sewer and $7,700 for water, staff said. Total project costs presented were $1,103,035 for sanitary sewer (project PI 7224) and $186,700 for water (project PI 8231). Council was told that special assessments would be placed in deferred status until a parcel connects to the new utilities; no interest will accrue during deferral and property owners may prepay by the posted May 30 deadline to avoid future interest.

At the hearing a resident, Gerald Lineman, submitted and asked that his written objection be entered into the record; he asked that assessments be deferred, noting he purchased a lot to keep it from being developed and that the proposed assessment represented more than half he paid for the lot. Staff confirmed the notices had been mailed and described how the maps highlighted adjacent lots.

Council voted to adopt the assessments and to proceed with the project. The council then considered awarding the construction contract and, after discussion about the apparent low bid and city protections against overruns, approved a resolution awarding the Scenic Drive improvements to Kotze Excavating Inc. with a contract amount of $222,881.67. Staff explained that the city will absorb cost overruns unless the council holds a new assessment hearing; change orders would require council approval.

Staff said the city will fund its share from sewer and water funds built into the capital improvement plan; assessments qualify for bonding because more than 25% of project costs are assessed. Staff also provided a parcel-level assessment example: a single lot connecting would face roughly $19,001.65 in combined water and sewer assessments (7,700 + 8,415 + service fees shown in packet), payable over 15 years if connected, at the stated 5.5% assessment interest rate.

Council directed staff to finalize contracts and assessment documentation.","The council adopted deferred special assessments for Scenic Drive water and sanitary sewer projects, set assessment amounts and deferment rules, and awarded the construction contract to Kotze Excavating for $222,881.67.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6047554,"City approves $250,000 loan to Fergus Hotels LLC and waives $3,750 origination fee",506,1072000,1578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff&start=1072&end=1578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff/thumbnail_1072000.jpg","/articles/6047554/Fergus-Falls-City/Otter-Tail-County/Minnesota/City-approves-250000-loan-to-Fergus-Hotels-LLC-and-waives-3750-origination-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047554-1a1bbf4056876541d19a9e9d12822b2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176141&Signature=h3aRi3kUgqtv5H3rE0AAdQ6ovLo2ovMKCIhWHErRiLjnBg5IcPqEwrFUiFn~8Ck~Wcrf2UnXQDL7f73Wd8Nqu1Tba2zZAsmNWHCaengohmYiScmgce8RJT6WyZ4vrdcANIBAlLTfl7mDGiUAxKSd5EbSHvkZkyp1OrGuiOD9bzHjjDjh18pZoijwS8qKX02Z87dleNlnRUTm8AznEqR1C7cbt~y3rjyEZiHwPSs3XYPg4yMXeMnWZ8q-sci~ZrLqZiEHeU5EWBRhSukm752U0m~Iz8VYZzkWPyawt9pz8QhVZOlvpu9G1SEZhHwsGhaAX27qPCMF7enD5Txganwg6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fergus Falls City Council approved a $250,000 loan to Fergus Hotels LLC and voted to waive the loan program's standard 1.5% origination fee, a council member said, during a public hearing and subsequent roll-call vote.

City staff presented the Business Development for Fergus Falls (BDFF) committee's recommendation that the city make a $250,000 IRP loan to Fergus Hotels LLC to fund a second phase of renovations for the property being rebranded as a Days Inn by Wyndham. Clara Beck of BDFF described the loan terms as 5.5% interest on a 20-year amortization with a 10-year balloon, a 1.5% origination fee, recording fees, personal and corporate guarantees, and a key-man life insurance policy assigned to the city. Collateral was described as a third position mortgage on the real estate at 610 Western Avenue; a subordination agreement from West Central Initiative was said to be in process.

The loan triggered the public hearing requirement in state subsidy law because it exceeded $150,000; staff noted the newspaper notice had been published at least 10 days before the meeting. After the public hearing closed with no public speakers, a council member moved and another seconded to approve the resolution to make the loan. The council then separately moved and approved a resolution waiving the 1.5% origination fee (equal to $3,750) as a one-time courtesy to the borrowers.

Council members discussed whether waiving the fee set a precedent; council and BDFF members noted that future applicants could request similar relief but that such waivers had consequences for the IRP program's reserve balance. Staff said the origination fee would normally be deposited to the IRP account and used for future loans. The resolution approving the loan passed on roll call with all members voting yes; the separate resolution waiving the origination fee also passed on a roll-call confirmation.

The loan documents and BDFF financial analysis are available for review in the community development office, staff said. The borrowers were not present at the meeting; councilmembers publicly thanked them for reinvesting in two hotels on the city's main corridor.

The council recorded the formal approvals and directed staff to finalize loan documents consistent with BDFF's recommendation and the council's waivers.","The Fergus Falls City Council approved a $250,000 IRP loan to Fergus Hotels LLC to complete a second round of renovations at the Fergus (Days Inn by Wyndham) and unanimously waived the standard 1.5% origination fee as a one-time courtesy.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6047534,"Council recognizes civilian lifesaving and proclaims Arbor Day",267,2536000,2803000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff&start=2536&end=2803","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff/thumbnail_2536000.jpg","/articles/6047534/Fergus-Falls-City/Otter-Tail-County/Minnesota/Council-recognizes-civilian-lifesaving-and-proclaims-Arbor-Day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047534-8fc24ab36ea7653fb34656a297c1a337/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176141&Signature=XoHpXyYIgrVhMbWnLr~kpF~HwFxm6HYcScVN8lVGJZjt-CnW1~M4Vnx78-tYknCzO7aaXkS89SGSmjgvFoABIzGDuRYFbbo1jlflLyzr0s7A-N8Ni95EyRxsKcz6CX~uKrhb8M~t-643q1pKAK68UD3qaTcIQOG3p0GPuncEwkuAg3y2t77ChMlEJiQ5FCLY3KPgWgaBf8PTabfjAl417NzsT~bsYi2ZmGApUpvLcduLbVhLkoeAj3gNFpeoaQGRYzd~810dqh~5uI31MdF4cI8Rw2zB72kq3zHZ6WcYPUcHp~nz1wTS0zQ8lv8as7KMfozwdJsRrrz3ouzIcjAACw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council recognized local action and declared an annual observance.

Fergus Falls Fire Department staff presented a Civilian Lifesaving Award to Abby Albert for her actions on April 3, when she detected the smell of smoke, investigated several homes and discovered an active fire; staff said first responders found an occupant asleep in the affected home and that Albert's actions aided the occupant's safe evacuation. The fire department described the award as its highest civilian citation and presented it at the council meeting; the resident and family attended.

The council also adopted a proclamation declaring April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in Fergus Falls. The proclamation noted Arbor Day's origins and encouraged tree planting and stewardship. The mayor signed the proclamation and reminded attendees that Fergus Falls is a Tree City and regularly undertakes tree planting and maintenance activities.

Both items were approved by council as noncontroversial recognitions; no formal votes beyond the consent to approve the proclamation and the presentation were required.","The council presented a Civilian Lifesaving Award to Abby Albert for reporting a residential fire that enabled an occupant's evacuation and proclaimed April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in Fergus Falls.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6047539,"Council denies two downtown cannabis interim-use permits and orders legal review of 250-foot park buffer rule",1716,4146000,5862000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff&start=4146&end=5862","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3532984-30755d9abfe83508191e7d2905a622ff/thumbnail_4146000.jpg","/articles/6047539/Fergus-Falls-City/Otter-Tail-County/Minnesota/Council-denies-two-downtown-cannabis-interim-use-permits-and-orders-legal-review-of-250-foot-park-buffer-rule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047539-e5688ae7ddd9cf996832b736c595ebba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176141&Signature=cAq6pq70C2i9q6cE4Gy~TO48x1-B4XLOPQX~dGIUgil1bVAHnj-UUc4su0taAsSEqM6q7WIBRkVVl4YsNqV4dCP9n1lBN5PixhFlfYvgkaLSPWDr6xBgl3EU~D37gczRnIJ7yPNICKES1ETVdbpWKPHYeD1q5vsyuoW6NdUo7CVzV1uWADvRJQrWWOPzc-Rx2BAqSAOor~j9EYKpvy20TKXj1crcNeLNbXKFuszUogCXx~S3awZHIHYtTFAZNqIMFUoQmHROg4r00vH8R3hIfaki~ANl7Ay4teQv1kSRY6T9nQtrnYrlg-IKqy4ttA8iaSbppfj5tv~AfX9AeV~bnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fergus Falls City Council declined two interim-use permit applications for cannabis retailers at 112 E. Washington (Sugar High) and 214 W. Lincoln (Elevate) after members raised concerns about proximity to park attractions and odor control; the council then unanimously approved a separate motion to seek legal guidance on how to interpret the city's 250-foot buffer around park attractions.

Staff reminded the council of the conditions discussed during preliminary review: hours restricted to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., sales in sealed packages (no loose product or on-site sampling/consumption), a shortened interim-use term proposed at two years (which some council members wanted extended to five), and written sign-off from any residents living above a ground-floor location. Staff also reported the building owner had obtained written consent from upstairs residents for the Sugar High location.

Councilmember Mike Martinson raised a legal question about the ordinance's phrase \"attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors,\" saying a parcel-to-parcel measurement from 112 E. Washington to City Park property registered about 216 feet and could put the proposed store inside the city's 250-foot buffer. The city attorney said there is no controlling case law or definitive statutory guidance; he advised that councils must exercise judgment and that cities across Minnesota are seeking clarity from state regulators.

Because of the legal uncertainty over what constitutes an \"attraction\" and how to measure the 250-foot buffer (parcel edge to parcel edge versus other measurements), the council voted against issuing the interim-use permits for both Sugar High and Elevate. The council then unanimously approved a motion directing staff, the city attorney, and the city administrator to consult with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management and return with a clarified interpretation and written guidance for future permit decisions. Staff provided map distances showing multiple measures (for example: 249.1 feet as a straight-line measurement to the riverwalk grade but 216 feet parcel-to-parcel in the City Park measurement cited by council). The council agreed applicants would be notified and could reapply after the city obtains clarification.

Councilmembers expressed divergent views: some said sealed packaging and state enforcement reduce odor concerns; others cited uncertainty and the risk of legal challenge if the council approved a permit that a court later found inconsistent with the city's ordinance. The council emphasized that a business license and state licensing remain separate steps in the regulatory process.","The council voted down interim-use permit requests for two proposed cannabis retailers (Sugar High and Elevate) and approved a motion to consult the Office of Cannabis Management and the city attorney to clarify what constitutes an \"attraction\" and how the city's 250-foot buffer from attractions in public parks should be measured.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves transfer of Sunset Ridge TIF note amid heated debate

Council adopts deferred assessments and awards Scenic Drive water/sewer contract to Kotze Excavating

City approves $250,000 loan to Fergus Hotels LLC and waives $3,750 origination fee

Council recognizes civilian lifesaving and proclaims Arbor Day

Council denies two downtown cannabis interim-use permits and orders legal review of 250-foot park buffer rule