at the time he was charged he was already gone from General Bio Energy here is a newspaper report from that time.
Metz remains a consultant to green energy park
The Leader-Post (Regina)
Tue Jul 7 2009
Page: D1 / FRONT
Section: Business & Agriculture
Source: The Leader-Post
The City of Prince Albert is keeping Troy Metz on contract to conduct a feasibility study on a proposed 'green energy' park in the northern Saskatchewan city, despite the Regina businessman being charged for securities fraud in the U.S.
In May, the City of Prince Albert announced that Metz's company, Canadian Bio Energy Management Inc., had been awarded the $100,000 contract to study the "viability of green energy industries in Prince Albert and region."
Metz and former Regina businessman Dallas L. Robinson were charged last month with securities fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for disseminating "false and misleading press releases.''
Robert Cotterill, city manager, said Metz has been working on the green energy park feasibility study since May and the city has been satisfied with the work done so far.
"A civil suit has been launched against Mr. Metz,'' Cotterill said, referring to the civil fraud action launched by the SEC in a Florida district court June 25.
"We have to let the courts decide whether there's any guilt or not ... So it would be premature for us to cancel the contract with him when we have no reason to.''
Cotterill added that the court would not likely come to any decision before the completion of the feasibility study, which is expected to be in August. At that time, the city will decide whether to continue its relationship with Metz.
"So far, the work that he's done has been excellent and we'll continue to monitor to make sure we're getting the product we need to get.''
Cotterill said the contract could see Metz continue in the third phase of the project, which involves seeking investors for the green energy park.
"When we get to phase three, I have to make a decision whether to continue to utilize his services or not. And I'll make that decision once phase two is finished.''
He said he only became aware of the SEC charges last Friday and informed city councillors at a special meeting of council on Monday.
A spokesman for Enterprise Saskatchewan, which administers the provincial community development trust fund that would be the source of the $100,000 grant, said the money has not been disbursed.
"It has to be approved. The money has not gone out,'' said Tim Tororey of Enterprise Saskatchewan.
"As it long as it meets the eligibility criteria, the project will be approved,'' he added. "As to the consultant, that's the city's job.''
Metz was unavailable for an interview Monday.
Edition: Final
Story Type: Business
Length: 422 words
Idnumber: 200907070064
