East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
October 13, 2025
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on October 13, 2025, 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 Tom Roeschlein, Mille Lacs County Commissioner Dan Whitcomb, Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan.
Advisory Members Present – Executive Director John Kellas, CFO Janelle Troupe
Others present at the meeting included: Cami Van Able, Foth, Tracy Emerson, ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Additions to the agenda: Ms. Van Able from Foth has a change order from Belair Builders to present under New Business.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the agenda with the additions to New Business second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Meeting Minutes September 8, 2025, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, 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 Whitcomb all in favor of paying the Claims List 57 items ($437,621.85), the Paid Claims List 10 items ($75,950.17), Payroll 13 items ($152,118.40), Additional Claims 12 items ($18,557.42) all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
AUGUST 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For the month ending August 31, 2025, the ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $346,105. On a cash flow basis for the month of August there is a decrease in cash of $122,178. Unobligated cash, less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $5,473,095.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $5,870,055.
Commissioner Whitcomb asked about the Magic Fund CD that is coming due if it is going to be reinvested. CFO Troupe responded yes it will but at a lower rate.
Commissioner Berg asked if it is restricted. CFO Troupe responded no, we can move it if we want. The only restricted investment is Bremer.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve August 31, 2025, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
2026 BUDGET
Capital Equipment
Wheel Loader Cambridge $280,000
Skid Steer Cambridge $60,000
Articulated Truck Mora $400,000
Truck Scale Cambridge $150,000
Pole Building Hinckley $250,000
Capital Projects
Around 5 acres of landfill final closure/gas collection system improvements. The closure activities would be on the east side of the landfill and would start where the previous capping ended and proceed to the northeast corner of the landfill. The gas collection system needs to be upgraded prior to closure activities commencing.
$2,000,000
General paving between three sites
$50,000
MN Paid Leave .88% Premium
Is company paying whole amount or splitting costs with employees?
Commissioner Berg asked when the capping will start. Director Kellas stated it will be started in early 2026.
Commissioner Berg asked for a list of equipment and when it will need to be replaced.
Budget decision will be tabled until next month.
Executive Director’s Report:
Mora
Cell 7A rain flap has been installed. All liner repairs in Cells 6 and 7 have been completed by Mid-American Liner.
Work has begun on repairing leachate transmission line from the blue storage tank to the leachate ponds. We are investigating if there are any other leachate pipes that need repaired along the eastern side of the landfill near the leachate collection ponds.
The engine was lost in the BOMAG Compactor, due to the oil filter spinning off. All maintenance for the BOMAG was completed by the dealer (RMS). After confirming with the VP of Parts and Service, they determined they would cover the engine replacement. They worked quickly and had a new engine installed in about a week.
The formal EIS/EAW process for the MPCA review continues with a public meeting for October 29th 5:00-8:00 Kanabec County Jail Meeting Room This will allow the public to review and ask questions of ECSWC or the MPCA on the future development of the facility.
The MPCA conducted a landfill inspection recently, we have not received their inspection yet. The inspector did mention that he would like additional cover applied where some waste was showing through.
Cambridge
Work continues the Better Futures building continues. 95% complete.
Traffic lights for scale customers installed and working.
Two attempts at reaching DOT Engineer, for traffic and development discussion.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Van Able stated Belair asked for additional days in May-June. July 16 for substantial completion and July 28 for final completion. Final completion has not been met yet.
Commissioner Roeschlein asked if we are charging liquidated damages.
Commissioner Berg stated to use judgment on damages.
Ms. Van Able stated that yes liquidated damages will be charged.
Commissioner Hallan stated to agree to the July dates, damages be charged from those dates.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the changes for Belair Builders second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner Whitcomb asked if the meeting date in December can be changed, it is on the same date as AMC. December 15 will be the new meeting date.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve December 15, 2025, meeting date second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
NOVEMBER MEETING DATE
The September Meeting is scheduled for Monday November 10, 2025, at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Hallan moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 am second by Commissioner Berg all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary