by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Thief River Falls Economic/Community Development Director Richard Baker has hit the ground running since he began his new position about three months ago. During the Administrative Services Committee meeting Tuesday, Jan. 9, Baker provided an update on his work.
Baker’s work has found him communicating with potential developers. Among them was a developer who may build a total of 220 apartment units over two phases in the city. He said he is waiting on a proposal for tax increment financing from the developer whom he didn’t name.
Baker has had discussions “with a potential investor of the Sanford hospital project.” It was unclear if Baker was referring to the former hospital property in downtown Thief River Falls or property near Sanford Medical Center along Highway 32.
Baker plans to continue his involvement with the Community Venture Network. He indicated it offers three events per year where prospective businesses are able to obtain information from economic development representatives.
Mayor Brian Holmer was in favor of Baker’s involvement with the organization. He noted that, unlike Advance Thief River, Baker can speak for the council and even get reprimanded by the council if needed.
Baker also provided an update on the city’s housing study, which remains ongoing. He suggested the city and its partners conduct a four-season tourism study as well as a retail market study. The latter study would be useful, especially since Baker said he had heard from an unnamed building owner who expected a tenant may vacate in 2025.
Committee members declined to participate in Day at the Capitol. The Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce hosts the event each year during which Thief River Falls residents promote issues important to the Thief River Falls area at the Capitol.
Holmer said city leaders can meet with the area’s representatives here when requested. He didn’t see a benefit for the city to participate in Day at the Capitol.
Holmer also indicated that neither Pennington County nor the Thief River Falls School Board contribute money toward the trip. The city contributed $2,500 last year.
Holmer instead suggested city leaders meet with legislators on their own. Council member Jason Aarestad specifically referred to meeting with and testifying before representatives and senators on public safety committees to discuss the school resource officer issue.