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Brainerd commission approves $45,000 extension for hydrogeneration lobbying contract
Summary
The commission voted to extend its lobbying contract to advance a hydrogeneration project after staff reported the original equipment vendor withdrew and legislative language must be redrafted. Commissioners approved the larger extension to keep momentum in the state legislative process.
The Brainerd commission voted to extend a lobbying contract tied to its hydrogeneration project, approving the larger option discussed by staff to keep the issue active at the state level.
Commissioners debated two options presented by staff — a shorter, lower-cost extension or a longer extension that would run through late 2027 at a higher price. Staff said the technology vendor originally expected to supply the generating unit has withdrawn from the project and that legislative language must be redrafted because a sponsoring senator left the legislature. That combination increased the commission’s concern that advocacy work would be needed over a longer period.
“We’re back to the drawing board on different generating units to install,” Operations Manager Trent said, describing the need to identify and vet alternate units. Trent said staff expects to present generator options at the next commission meeting and will spend the next 30 days evaluating candidates and likely civil-work impacts.
Marty Seaffort, the consultant referenced in packet materials, has been handling drafting and liaison work; staff said Seaffort would need to redraft legislation to reflect the change in senators. Commissioners who favored the longer extension argued that keeping lobbyists engaged helps place the project on legislators’ priority lists, even during slower legislative months.
The commission approved the staff recommendation to proceed with the extended contract term and the $45,000 option. The motion carried on a voice vote; a roll-call tally was not recorded in the transcript.
