By Robert Williams

Editor

West Central Initiative (WCI) Senior Director of Community Programs Cedar Walters addressed the Frazee City Council about combining on future solar projects in town after the successful installation of the first at the public works building.

Communities across the region, including Frazee and Vergas, joined WCI’s Municipal Solar Cohort. West Central Initiative created the cohort to help communities develop project proposals for small-scale municipal solar projects to provide practical ways to reduce energy costs, generate local revenue, and strengthen their communities through clean energy investment.  

The Public Works building was selected to have a solar photovoltaic system installed on its roof.

The facility uses 71 kilowatts per year and the solar system will produce 67 kilowatts, thus cutting the electricity bill for the building by 94 percent, according to Holsen Solar owner Ben Holsen.

Total cost of the project is $106,439.14 that will be financed by rebates and tax incentives, including a $60,000 rebate from Otter Tail Power.

The additional tax credits equate to a total of $102,576, leaving a $3,800 balance for the city to pay.

Annual savings are $5,800 allowing the project to pay itself off from the energy savings in 12 months. The city is expected to save $182,954 over the lifetime of the project, which is 30 years.

According to Walters, WCI has supported 22 projects in 16 communities in the region.

“We’re working to ensure that financial incentives for small-scale solar projects come to communities in our service area,” Walters said.

Walters introduced a third and final round of projects while incentives remain available.

Target areas for the next solar project are the Event Center, the liquor store, or both.

Funding available are a solar rebate from Otter Tail Power of $54,000 is available and a 30 percent investment tax credit from the IRS—a special direct pay tax credit of approximately $35,000 and a 10 percent Minnesota energy community credit to offset project costs by a total of $101,700, leaving a balance of approximately $17,000.

Annual energy savings are anticipated to be $4,400, which would pay off the balance in four years.

“After that, you’re just saving that money year after year with a lifetime savings of $131,900,” Walters said.

The liquor store would be a slightly smaller system and less project costs leaving a balance of $15,690 with annual savings of $3,875 paying off that balance in four years. Estimated lifetime savings are $115,896.

Both roofs are ideal for solar and Walters also discussed a state battery incentive that would help pay for a battery backup system for the Event Center. 

“That covers over $700,000 of a battery backup system,” said Walters.

The council approved a resolution to be included on WCI’s distribution of information and the request for proposals (RFP) process. 

A final decision or commitment was not needed immediately. Should the city move forward the likely spot for the solar addition is the Event Center.

CornerStone

CornerStone Community, Youth & Family Resource Center Executive Director Mackenzie Hamm presented CornerStone’s 2025-26 annual report to the Frazee City Council on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

“We also want to sincerely thank the City of Frazee for its support over the past several years,” Hamm said. “Your partnership has helped ComerStone grow and make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth, families, and neighbors throughout our community. Together, we have helped create a welcoming place where people can connect, find support, and feel a sense of belonging.”

Hamm shared several updates, including their new grant-funded Family Resource Center addition. 

CornerStone has also been awarded a grant through the Drug-Free Communities Support Program to support our G.R.O.W. Coalition. The grant work focuses on preventing youth substance use while strengthening community connections, promoting positive mental health, and supporting youth well-being. The grant requires matching support from the community, making local partnerships an important part of these efforts.

Hamm requested the City of Frazee to consider a $1,500-$2,000 contribution toward finding a motivational speaker to students during the 2026-27 school year in April of this school year. The finance committee will be working out the 2027 budget and agreed to consider a donation for CornerStone.

“The city’s involvement at any level would be greatly appreciated and would provide more than financial support,” she said. “Visible support from the city helps reinforce that creating a healthy, drug-free community is a shared commitment.”

Donations

The United Way of Becker County and Erie Township each donated $2,500 to the Frazee Rescue Department.

Ordinance 186

The city council approved a summary of ordinance 186 earlier this year and City Administrator Stephanie Poegel announced it has now been approved by the state. The ordinance annexes a 31.36 acre, more or less, tract located in Burlington Township, Becker County, pursuant to petition signed by a majority of the property owners. Said tract abuts the current city limits.

The tracts are identified as Becker County Parcels 037027001, 037027002 and 037024000, and are located at 108 River Dr. N. and 305 N Lake St.

Mayor

During Council Member Comments, Mayor Mike Sharp requested council work together to wrap up a few specific items before he steps down in early January. He did not expound on what those particular issues were. Sharp will have completed an approximate two-year term after winning a special election in November of 2024 and filling in for former Mayor Mark Flemmer, who had resigned. The full term of the mayor position is four years.

Refuse

The council approved a three-year price guarantee and proposal for trash and recycling from Steve’s Sanitation of Perham.

Ordinance 181

The council approved assessments for 2024-26 delinquent city utility bills for nine properties. Two of the property owners, Roger Boe and Dale Fett, negotiated terms acceptable to the city.

Boe agreed to sell or demolish his building at 207 West Main Avenue in one year and was given a temporary exemption through a signed agreement. If the building is not sold or demolished, all the current charges and fees for the following year would be due. All fees and future fees are currently waived.

“In the past, Roger has always kept his word with us and has done what is good for our community also,” said Vice Chair Jim Rader.

The council reduced charges to Fett and his 2 Below Trading Company LLC by eliminating existing penalty fees. Both Boe’s and Fett’s properties were removed from the delinquent service bills resolution.

The other seven properties have been billed and notified of nonpayment. Those charges will be applied to the corresponding property taxes payable in 2027 at a 7.875 percent interest rate if unpaid prior to January 1.

The temporary exemption is a recent allowance added to City Ordinance 181 regarding the city water system.

Schedule

The next city council meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m., at the Event Center. The meeting was moved from its original date of Wednesday, Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day. The city office will be closed.