By Robert Williams

Editor

Frazee Community Development Corporation (FCDC) President Polly Andersen discussed the recent bonding bill passage that awarded FCDC and the city $1.85 million of a $2.45 million request to pave North River Loop and install city sewer and water infrastructure. The plan also includes an off-road trail beside the new road.

“This is a huge stamp of approval to the city of Frazee, the Frazee-Vergas Schools and Frazee Community Development,” Andersen said. “This was our second application and the achievement is monumental.”

Andersen also discussed the impact of the coming construction on the park’s infrastructure and Phase I planning.

“We are bringing together the engineers at Ulteig and Widseth to understand the construction and budget changes, and if any, would those changes need to be approved by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC).”

The GMRPTC granted Wannigan Park regional designation in 2022, making it eligible for ongoing state funding and infrastructure grants, then recommended a $917,177 grant in fiscal year 2024.

Andersen noted that city council approval would also be needed before moving on to fundraising efforts.

“We are realistically looking at a two-year, 24-month timeline to identify $600,000 in grants and community dollars to raise that additional 25 percent (the remainder of the $2.45 million),” said Andersen. “We will be talking to potential donors. This road is used by three groups who share an interest in seeing the road get funded: the city, the school and FCDC, so it’s going to take some time to collaborate to get the road completed on budget with funding secured.”

Mayor Mike Sharp asked about a timeline that needs to be adhered to in order to keep the grant funds.

Andersen did not have a definitive answer and FCDC is looking into that and other issues.

“I do appreciate your leadership on the FCDC; this would not be possible without your leadership,” Sharp said.

Later in the meeting, council approved a request for proposals for Phase I archaeological survey services for the east bank of the park. A contract with the Department of Natural Resources is needed to proceed with survey work. 

The objective of the study is to identify and document any archaeological or cultural resources within the project area and provide future recommendations, planning and regulatory compliance.

Artists on Main

Shelly Blauert discussed the Artists on Main Street program in Frazee, a collaborative initiative aimed at activating downtown spaces using community-focused art. Supported by the Lake Region Arts Council and Springboard for the Arts, the program empowers local artists to build community pride and attract visitors.

Some of the art installations are completed or nearly completed and ready to be installed around Frazee.

One piece, called “Detour Downtown,” a 4×5-foot painting on MDO plywood with a protective coating was approved for installation near the ice skating rink.

Licenses

The council approved the following 2026 alcohol and tobacco license approvals: 

Tobacco – Frazee Family Foods, All In All, Dollar General 

Club Liquor – Heart O’ Lakes VFW 

Liquor 3.2 Off Sale – All In All 

Liquor – Wine & Strong Beer – The Gobbler Grub & Pub

Liquor – Third Crossing Bar & Grill

Open Forum

The council approved a request from Mark Kemper to write a letter of support of the appraised value of his home. Kemper’s official appraisal is $110,000 less than the county assessment. Kemper will be questioning the evaluation of his home by the county at the County Board of Commissioners.

Becker County Sheriff candidate Shane Richard and Auditor-Treasurer candidate Kim Frederick appeared before the council to discuss their campaigns.

Frederick spoke on Kemper’s behalf noting the county’s assessors had been under-assessing a few years ago, which is why some residents saw a “huge jump in your values.”

The county has to be between 90 and 105 percent of market value, according to Commissioner Phil Hansen, who was also in attendance. 

“If we’re not, the state steps in and takes over,” Hansen said.

Sheriff

Shane Richard has been the Chief Deputy at the Sheriff’s Office working under Sheriff Todd Glander for the past 11 years. Richard, a West Fargo native, discussed his 25 years of experience at the Sheriff’s Office, which included nine years as a D.A.R.E. officer at Frazee schools.

Richard is running for the open Sheriff position with Glander retiring at the end of the year. Richard is running against Becker County Lieutenant Luke Sweere this November.

Auditor-Treasurer

Frederick grew up on a farm in Callaway and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School. Frederick is running against Brent Benscoter, Zac Baer, and Amy Rosing. Frederick has 19 years of financial experience, was a licensed real estate agent in Iowa, she is a Riceville Township clerk and has worked for the county’s auditor-treasurer’s office, motor vehicle and highway department for the past 12 years.

The auditor-treasurer position is open in 2027 after incumbent Mary Hendrickson decided not to run for reelection earlier this year.

Staffing

The council approved the resignation of Deputy Clerk Catreena Mahoney, effective Friday, June 12. Mahoney has offered her services part-time after her last day with hours based on her availability.

“It would keep us moving and not fall so far behind,” said City Administrator Stephanie Poegel.

Easement

Council approved an easement for parking lot purposes to Skyline Development Properties, LLC.

Police

The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board) is the occupational regulatory agency charged with the vital responsibility of maintaining selection, education and licensing standards for the 415 Minnesota law enforcement agencies that employ over 10,500 peace officers across our state.

On Saturday, May 6, a POST Board Standards Coordinator conducted a review at the Frazee Police Department. After a comprehensive review of their records concerning mandated employee training and department policies, it was determined that the Frazee Police Department passed the review.

Town Lake Beach

The city was awarded 29 lifejackets from a grant by the Sea Town Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Program.