City council discusses streamlining processes

By Robert Williams

Editor

The Frazee Area Community Club is selling banners to display civic pride and local business names across the city. There are two designs and sizes available. Cost is $125 each. Checks can be made payable to the Frazee Area Community Club and mailed to P.O. Box 276, Frazee, MN 56544. 

There are 45 banners in total. The council opened up the banners to individuals also, i.e., in memory of listings and other publicly acceptable sponsorships. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Winn (218) 849-1590 or Mayor Mark Flemmer (701) 351-7920. Official forms are available on Facebook at the Frazee Area Community Club page.

Mayor report

Mayor Mark Flemmer submitted his monthly report.

Flemmer received a request from the CornerStone to place two sheds on their property and bring in an Amish farmers market this summer. Flemmer suggested they present the plan at a future council meeting after verifying with the neighbors on any parking concerns.

A railing on the steps at the new Seip Drug store will be installed.

The post office has made improvements to the conditions the council previously identified. The post office will stay in place during the coming demolition of the former Seip building and Sanders building. Discussions about what to do with the space post-demo remain in the works with much of it centering around green space, potential parking or both.

According to the report, it is the post office’s responsibility to update the front of the building and cement in the back. The contractor and city will be responsible for any repair to the post office caused by the demo of the attached buildings.

No update was made on the future Dental Access Center, other than construction estimates are in progress.

Estimates are being sought for roof and shingling work on both the Liquor Store and Event Center.

The Personnel and Finance committee is reviewing all city job descriptions and will present those to the council upon completion.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation asked the city to purchase no parking signs for the Hostel Hornet side of Lake Street, across from the pumps at All in All. What looks like two parking spots are actually not spaces for parking.

Goals

City Administrator Stephanie Poegel opened up a lengthy discussion on goals for the city council and all the respective committees to try to bring a more cohesive approach and accountability to the community.

Poegel broached the subject during her interview for the position last December and elaborated on the fact that she is looking to instill overall goals for the city rather than a list of projects.

“Where do you want the town to move; how do you want it to go forward?,” Poegel asked. “Every person on every board and every committee and each board and each committee have their own goals and their own projects.”

Poegel is looking to streamline the process for the administrative staff in support of the council and the city’s committees.

Poegel noted the current system is frustrating and overwhelming with each committee going in different directions.

Council member Mark Kemper said he believed committee’s could refine their processes, citing the Economic Development Authority specifically.

“They seem like they’re trying to get 20 things going at once instead of getting five and trying to finish those five,” he said.

Kemper pointed out the two empty spots in the retail center as an EDA goal that should be prioritized.

The EDA has been in discussion on that space regarding the Dental Access Center using it prior to constructing their main building.

Another big priority Kemper brought up was full market residential rentals and the council discussed many other potential projects the city has in the works.

“These are good problems to have,” councilman Jim Rader said.

“We have a lot going on, there’s no doubt about it,” vice mayor Mike Sharp said. “We’re trying to make a difference. There are some things that are stacked against us but we’re trying our best.”

Poegel is looking to improve communication between all parties and an overall direction for the city.

“I’m hoping we can narrow it in and get on the same page so we’re all working towards the same end goal,” said Poegel.