East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office – Mora, MN
MINUTES
September 14, 2015
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on September 14, 2015 at the Commission Office, Mora, MN. Commissioner Greene called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present at the meeting included: Chisago County Commissioner Richard Greene, Kanabec County Commissioner Dennis McNally, Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan, Isanti County Commissioner Dave Oslund and Mille Lacs County Commissioner Phil Peterson.
Advisory member present – Executive Director Janelle Troupe.
Others also present at the meeting included: Gene Kramer and Dick Roesler of Arthur Township, Lisa Thibodeau of Chisago County, Phil Watkins and Greg Nuss of Nuss Truck & Equipment, Bruce Rehwaldt of Foth, and Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Director Troupe added: 6.2 Nuss Bill, 8.3 Gas Wells, and Internet and Patnode to the Executive Director Report.
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the amended Agenda, second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING AUGUST 10, 2015
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Meeting Minutes August 10, 2015, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Director Troupe added: Superior Jetting bill for $5,506.25 and Mike’s Lawn Service bill for $1,250.44 to be paid outside of the meeting.
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List and added bills, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor of paying the Claims List ($415,416.08), Paid Claims List ($160,396.37), the Additional Claims List ($13,174.04), and additional bills to Superior Jetting $5,506.25 and Mike’s Lawn Service $1,250.44, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Director Troupe reported that the Solid Waste Management Plan was submitted to Henry Fisher on September 4, 2015. He has not responded yet.
Director Troupe will like to look further into recycling boxes and the green truck is repaired so carpet hauling to Brotex will begin again.
NUSS BILL
Mr. Phil Watkins and Mr. Greg Nuss of Nuss Truck & Equipment addressed the Board regarding the outstanding Nuss bill. After much discussion it was decided that ECSWC would pay Nuss $60,000.00 to settle the bill.
Commissioner Peterson moved to pay Nuss Truck & Equipment $60,000.00 to settle the Nuss bill, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.
JULY FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Director Troupe reported for the month ended July 31, 2015 ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $221,827.70. On a cash flow basis for July there is a decrease in cash of $281,473.71; year to date cash has decreased $193,382.47. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $2,290,829.09.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $2,524,111.78.
The funds are invested as follows:
The money market checking account at First Citizens National Bank earns .35%. The CD earns 1.10% and the new CD earns .55%. Bremer Financial Assurance account is a fixed account so it never loses any principle.
.There is an increase in tonnage of 1,177.72 tons from 2014 or 2%.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the July 2015 Financial Statement, second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner McNally requested clarification of the Financial Assurance account.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Heavy Equipment Operators
Director Troupe requested approval to hire one part-time and one full-time heavy equipment operators.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve Director Troupe to hire one part-time and one full-time heavy equipment operators, second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Landfill Expansion and Water Issues
Director Troupe reported that there has been a considerable amount of rainwater running off the landfill into the leachate ponds. Mr. Bruce Rehwaldt suggested purchasing a rain sheet, which would help considerably if it is a wet fall. Bruce also reported that the main line from the old cell to the new cell has been connected. The completion date of the Phase 6B/C could be the end of this week.
2014 Audit
Director Troupe reported that Ms. Nicole Ollig from the Office of State Auditor began the 2014 Audit September 1. She was on-site September 3, 2015. Approval to sign the Letter of Understanding with the Office of the State Auditor is needed from the Board.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve Commissioner Greene to sign the Letter of Understanding with the Office of the State Auditor, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Director Troupe reported that she has sent two letters requesting to be released from their audit and she will send other this year.
GAS WELLS
Director Troupe reported that a new meter was installed last week that had just come back from calibration that would show the gas flow. The gas flow going to the engine is not what was previously thought according to the meter, which means two new gas wells need to be put in.
Mr. Bruce Rehwaldt explained the bids that were received.
Commissioner Peterson moved to accept the low bid for the total combined bid from Landfill Drilling & Piping Specialists in the amount of $43,188.00, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
INTERNET
Director Troupe reported that she is going to meet with a Verizon representative on September 24 to discuss Internet for the office and phones for the Transfer Stations. The Board gave consensus for Commissioner Greene to approve on that day if needed.
PATNODE
Director Troupe reported that she is addressing the issue of not enough Patnode trucks running the day after a holiday. She is going to be sending Mr. Joel Patnode a letter that states there needs to be four trucks running on the day after a holiday.
Commissioner McNally inquired why he as recently smelled the gases coming from the landfill. Director Troupe responded that the two new gas wells should take care of that. He also inquired about repairs to the green building. Director Troupe is working on finding someone to repair.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.
OCTOBER MEETING DATE
The October Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at the Commission offices.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Hallan moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:58 a.m., second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Wilder,
Recording Secretary