By Robert Williams

Editor

Frazee Community Development Corporation (FCDC) board member Polly Andersen discussed the board’s coming development of the $2.45 million North River Drive loop paving and sewer construction and that the city council will have a plan to examine in the next few weeks.

Council member Jim Rader asked if there was any bridge funding available to address the $600,000 shortfall after FCDC and the city were awarded $1.85 million in the state bonding bill.

“That is to be determined,” said Andersen. 

Andersen described the shortfall possible being a lesser amount after discussions with the architects and engineers of the project. 

“It’s a potential that we would see that much smaller; we just don’t know yet,” she said.

The Parks and Recreation Committee also discussed recent additions to the park. 

Erik Anderson reported that the new shelter is approximately 95 percent complete, with some fascia and rain drip installation remaining. Stone work has also finished.

City Administrator Stephanie Poegel confirmed that documentation—including photographs will be gathered upon full completion, as required by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for the site visit, noting that the shelter must be entirely finished prior to the LCCMR site visit.

Anderson reported that 7,200 trees have been planted over the last four weeks and are currently being watered using a large tank in the bed of a service truck, gravity-fed through two hoses. Each tank takes approximately 15 minutes to fill and about one hour to water through, covering roughly one section or 2,000 trees per run. Anderson noted the trees require 5-10 gallons of water per week for the first three months, which is especially critical given the recent stretch of near-90-degree temperatures.

McKenzie Hamm expressed willingness to assist with a second truck. Anderson agreed to follow up regarding whether volunteers had been organized for watering duties. The committee also noted that implements observed at a consignment auction—including boom-arm sprayers capable of  covering multiple tree rows at once—could significantly improve efficiency, though such equipment would require a larger pulling vehicle.

Anderson also reported that contact had been made with Drewes Construction regarding the seeding, which appears not to have taken. 

Town Beach

At the urging of Chief of Police Tyler Trieglaff, the Parks and Rec committee set established hours for Town Lake Beach to be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fire

The Frazee Fire Department lost another firefighter to retirement, Travis Gray, dropping the number of active firefighters to 19.

Liquor

Third Crossing Manager Amanda Young reported the liquor store being short-staffed and a need for weekend help.

Event Center

Manager Jolene Tappe reported a leaking pipe in the ceiling of the Event Center kitchen. The find was a relief as the leak was not coming from the roof, which was replaced as part of a broader project with the liquor store in late 2024.

Police

May 2026

Chief Trieglaff reported 137 Calls For Service for the month of April in the City; 115 calls for service by Frazee police.

There were 12 city ordinance violations, 9 properties notified about needing to mow their yard. 

Pets

City council amended City Ordinance 184 changing the annual license fee to be imposed on April 30 rather than continuing with a Dec. 31 deadline. 

Burning

Planning and Zoning adopted language from a Perham burning ordinance that would allow open burning in the city. Open burning permits are needed and can be obtained by making an application on a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) form and adopted by the Fire Chief. The permit application will be referred to the Fire Chief, and Assistant Fire Chiefs for review.

An open burning permit shall require a fee. Permit fees shall be set annually by city council resolution. However, the city council may at other times amend its resolution setting the fee as it deems necessary. 

The open burning permit is subject to revocation at the discretion of DNR, the fire chief, state fire marshal, or assistant fire chiefs. Reasons for revocation include, but are not limited to a fire hazard existing or developing prior to or during the course of the burn, any of the conditions of the permit being violated during the course of the burn, pollution or nuisance conditions developing during the course of the burn, or a fire smoldering with no flame present.

Elections

Two city council positions, currently held by Andrea Froeber and Jim Rader, along with the mayor position, currently held by Mike Sharp, will be on the November ballot.

The filing period for candidates interested in running for a position is July 14-28. Interested parties should contact the city office. The two-week time period also includes school district positions. More information on running for office can be found on the Secretary of State’s website at sos.mn.gov/

Four of seven school board positions expire at the end of the year and will be on the ballot. Those positions are currently held by: Simon George, Nathan Matejka, Daneele Shipman and Tammie Nunn.