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EDA pauses action on Blockmetrics power deal, will await BPU commission and revisit in December
Summary
Staff updated the board on outstanding purchase-of-power issues with Blockmetrics and recommended waiting for the Brainer Public Utilities commission to conclude its review; the EDA agreed to re-evaluate the project at its Dec. 4 meeting rather than send an immediate 30-day notice.
Brainerd City's EDA received an update on Sept. 4 about outstanding purchase-of-power and related contract questions with Blockmetrics and chose to wait for Brainer Public Utilities (BPU) commission action before taking remedial steps.
James summarized recent interactions: the city and BPU staff drafted a revised purchase agreement and sent it to Blockmetrics for review; staff have met with Blockmetrics and were awaiting their formal response. Possible EDA next steps included issuing a 30-day notice if no contract were executed by Oct. 27 or deferring remedies until after the BPU commission reaches a conclusion.
Board member Gabe urged patience: "I would like to reevaluate in December. Last time we had the joint meeting with the BPU, the commission asked us to specifically wait for them. So, I would like to get direction from them." Several members agreed the EDA should coordinate with the BPU commission and revisit the agreement at the Dec. 4 meeting.
Staff will monitor BPU progress and return to the EDA in December with options and any recommended remedies.
