Summer mural and Artists on Main projects underway

By Robert Williams

Editor

The council approved a Frazee Community Development Corporation (FCDC) request to apply for a Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant funding for an archeological study to be used for future use of the east side of the Otter Tail River through Wannigan Regional Park. 

Funds would not be appropriated until 2028, but a pre-application is due July 19. 

The next step would be a final draft of the grant proposal that would be brought to council later in the summer for council approval, according to Economic Development Consultant Karen Pifher.

Pifher also addressed rumors about her future involvement with the Frazee Economic Development Authority (EDA), along with her company Creating Community Consulting (CCC).

“We have been leading the economic development contract for the EDA for Frazee and have absolutely loved that work,” Pifher said. “Because there were changes in FCDC looking at a city employee, and also the economic development work has grown dramatically, there is an opportunity to take a step back for a moment and look at what would be best.”

Pifher did not mention a significant amount of hours her company has provided to the city for free under the current contract, but she did elaborate on CCC beginning to scale nationwide with a new technology platform launching on Monday, June 30, with artificial intelligence and training tools on how to do rural community development work and leverage grant writing tools.

“Although I won’t be doing a lot of the specific project work in Frazee, I have hired staff—three of them,” she said. “We provide great jobs with good benefits and I’m teaching them how to do that work.”

Rachael Johnson will be taking over a number of projects. Johnson is also serving as the District 3 representative on the Becker County EDA, Shelly Blauert is organizing the multiple art projects going on in Frazee, like the downtown mural and Artists on Main programs. Funds were provided to area artists that will be displayed downtown later this year.

Pifher did mention the muralist has been hired. Lili Lennox, seasoned professional muralist with 17 years of painting experience with a solid reputation for vivid designs, precise execution, and quality workmanship. Her work can be seen across Minnesota and regionally in Park Rapids where she created an 1,800-square foot mural depicting the activities in downtown Park Rapids through the seasons.

Lennox will provide a design to the council for review and final approval later this year.

“I’m still working on things as well, in the background, and coaching and advising them,” Pifher said. “I”m not leaving Frazee; CCC is not leaving Frazee. We’re restructuring and part of the beauty is that it’s really hard when there are only a few people that do this work. I think of it as we’re investing in Frazee to teach more people how to do this, providing good jobs to be able to step into that space.”

Pifher is committed to saving Frazee money and discussed that as well, including her being replaced as the city’s EDA Consultant.

“Because of the cost to the EDA and to the city to be able to hire us, I do think there is an opportunity to take a step back and look at—if FCDC is hiring somebody and also my company is looking at shifting and it would be replacing my role and I do have staff that could do that,” said PIfher. “But if there is an opportunity for the city to be fiscally conservative in thinking about a shared position that could fulfill the role of park development and economic development it could be a big win for everybody.”

Pifher is working with City Administrator Stephanie Poegel and FCDC with a future meeting planned to examine future options on behalf of the community moving forward.

“What is good for us is good for Frazee so we hope to continue to grow and expand our services and reach,” said Pifher. “People are hearing about Frazee all over the state and in places across the nation.”

Mayor Mike Sharp responded that he was glad to see CCC thriving and expanding.

“That’s a good thing and I know you put a lot of work into it,” said Sharp.

Council member Jim Rader thanked Pifher for her commitment to the community.