East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
December 11, 2023
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on December 11, 2023 at East Central Solid Waste Commission Main Office, Mora, MN. Chairman Greene called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
Members present at the meeting included: Chisago County Commissioner Richard Greene, Isanti County Commissioner Bill Berg, Kanabec County Commissioner Alison Holland, Mille Lacs County Commissioner Phil Peterson and Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan.
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director Janelle Troupe.
Others present at the meeting included: Assistant Director John Kellas, ECSWC, Cami Van Able, Foth, Lisa Thibodeau, Chisago County, Bruce Rehwaldt, Foth, Tracy Emerson, ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Additions to the agenda:
- Solid waste agreement with Pine County Solid Waste
- Black Boot Builders payment of $54,417 for repair of the roof due to snow load. This was paid for by insurance
- 8.2 State wide reduction/reuse grant
- Odor complaint this month.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the agenda and additions to the agenda second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING November 13, 2023
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Meeting Minutes November 13, 2023 second by Commissioner Holland, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, second by Commissioner Berg all in favor of paying the Claims List 59 items ($233,397.05), the additional claims 9 items ($8,157.07), the Paid Claims List 14 items ($70,005.52), Payroll 17 items ($198,549.53), and Black Boot Builders ($54,417) all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
OLD BUSINESS
2024 Budget/Purchasing Policy
The 2024 Budget is based on 110,000 tons MSW being delivered to ECSWC sites.
For wages, we have used a 3.0 percent cost of living with 3 percent steps for the 2024 Table.
The landfill expansion is estimated at $5 million.
2024 estimated Accrual Income is $8,594,200 and estimated Expenses $7,993,352, providing for an Accrual Net Income of $600,848. Cash Budget provides for an increase in Cash of 1,887,289 before deposits to Reserve Funds of 900,000 and Capital Expenditures 918,800 leaving an increase in cash at end of year of $68,489.
We have a new opportunity with Better Futures Minnesota that will require start-up funds if taken advantage of.
Purchasing Policy – Discussion on approval of budgeted items and when Board approval is required. Commissioner Hallan stated if it is in the budget it does not need to come to the board for approval.
Commissioner Hallan also suggested the contract be reviewed by a lawyer and contract be signed by the Board
Director Troupe was told to make changes and bring back to next meeting.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the 2024 Budget second by Commissioner Holland, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairman Greene asked Lisa Thibodeau if she was able to reach out to the owner of the C&D landfill. She stated he goes south for the winter, so she has not received any definite plans.
OCTOBER 2023 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For month ended October 31, 2023 the ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $323,460. On a cash flow basis for the month of October there is an increase in cash of $570,843. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $1,866,108.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency and host facility fund total $9,643,905.
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the October 31, 2023 Financial Statements second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Better Futures Minnesota MOU:
Better Futures
Commissioner Hallan, Lisa Thibodeau, Caleb Anderson Pine County, John Kellas, and I met with staff from Better Futures Minnesota at the Cambridge Transfer Station.
We will need to provide office space in our current shop for their staff and storage area for materials. This could be a very promising opportunity for providing a service that would lesson our dependance on landfilling.
Commissioner Berg stated as long as wording can be changed as a work in progress, its good.
Director Troupe asked for applying for the MN Waste Reduction & Reuse grant from the PCA. It will fit in with Better Futures.
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the application for the Grant second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Pine County Solid Waste
In order to receive the rebate on hauling garbage, there needs to be a signed contract with ECSWC. The Pine County Attorney has stated the contract does not apply to Pine County and will not allow the contract to be signed. After further discussion, Commissioner Hallan asked the contract be sent to the Attorney to see if wording can be changed to allow the signing of the contract.
JANUARY MEETING DATE
The January Meeting is scheduled for Monday January 8, 2024 at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Holland moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 am second by Commissioner Hallan all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary