Bemidji City Council: Hotel to be discussed

BEMIDJI – City officials are hoping for assurances from a developer that construction on a long-awaited hotel project on the south shore will begin soon.
Tripp Snyder, a Twin Cities-based developer, bought 2.17 acres for $756,202 to build a Country Inn and Suites and attached restaurant next to the Sanford Center in May. Since then, the project has seen delays as financing details fall into place.
“We want some assurances from the developer that he’s doing everything he can to get in the ground,” city manager John Chattin said. He added that Snyder and his business partner Lee Fundanet were invited to attend Monday’s work session meeting, where the hotel project is slated for discussion.
Snyder could not be reached for comment Friday.
Other items up for discussion during the meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m., include crafting questions to ask of candidates for the vacant Ward 4 city council seat. The council chose Monday to appoint someone to replace Rita Albrecht, who was sworn in as mayor mid-way through her term as councilor.
The council will also discuss topics to address during Bemidji Day at the Capitol, an annual lobbying trip scheduled for Feb. 6.
Dave Hengel, executive director of Greater Bemidji, will also be in attendance to discuss potential development in the city’s rail corridor.