EDA also owns Seip Drug, new commercial building

By Barbie Porter

Editor 

The Frazee Economic Development Authority agreed to purchase Sander’s Oil for $43,000, with conditions.

During the monthly Frazee EDA meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26, the meeting was closed for bargaining on the purchase price. When they re-opened the meeting, the motion was made to buy the property located behind Seip Drug and along State Highway 87. The conditions of purchase are for the property receive a clean bill from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the removal of hydraulic oil.

According to the Becker County Parcel information, the Sanders Oil building was erected in 1939 and totaled 880-square-feet. The lot size was stated to be 2,040-square-feet. The business once offered gas for vehicles as well as car repair, but it has been closed for several years. Earlier this year, building owner Roger Sanders  had the gas tanks removed.

In 2021, the total value of the property was $18,300.   

EDA asked to address 

window leakage problems 

at business center

Mahube-Otwa employee Lori Thorp visited with the EDA about the rental space in Frazee being utilized for Head Start programming.

Thorp expressed appreciation for the partnership with EDA and complimented how responsive they were when requests for updates were made. She noted there are concerns regarding water leaks near windows, as that can result in black mold.

Frazee Utilities Superintendent Larry Stephenson was at the EDA meeting and said quick fixes have included caulking, but to fix the problem long term the siding would need to be removed and the windows would need new flashing. He added there are other options being considered as well.

The idea was suggested to have the city building inspector look for mold, as well as to make potential recommendations to fix the leaking problem.  The EDA approved and requested the inspector to provide a report on his findings at next month’s meeting.  

After reviewing the financials for the business center,  the group agreed funds were available to make necessary improvements to the building.

In other news

• Half of a grant for $10,000 was paid to the EDA for a new sign along U.S. Highway 10. The EDA approved a contract with JH Signs & Designs for $12,380 to remove the old sign. It was noted the poles and structure was solid and can be reused. The new sign will measure 16-foot tall by 32-foot wide and will be made with 1/2 inch Alumacore and full color premium laminated graphics. The turkey and shapes on top of the sign will be cut out separately and installed. 

• The city beach will need a full archeological study before further consideration of building construction can be done. It was noted the city is waiting to hear back about steps needed in the process to get the study underway.

• When informed a women’s speaker series was interested in holding an event in Frazee in 2022, the EDA agreed to cover the cost of renting the event center.