East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
August 10, 2026
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on August 10, 2026, 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, and Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan.
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director John Kellas.
Others present at the meeting included: Cami Van Able, Foth, Gerrald Nohner, ECSWC, Tracy Emerson, ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the agenda second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING July 13, 2026
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Meeting Minutes July 13, 2026, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, Hauler Rebate, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor of paying the Claims List 49 items ($288,667.95), the additional claims 10 items ($23,116.54), the Paid Claims 7 items ($27,903.33), Payroll 18 items ($240,519.80), the hauler rebate ($123,256.55), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
JUNE 2026 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For month ending June 30, 2026, the ECSWC realized a net increase on an accrual basis of $577,649. On a cash flow basis for the month of June there is an increase in cash of $278,167. Unobligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $6,204,941.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $6,433,673.
Tonnage for July is down around 700 ton from last year.
Commissioner Roeschlein asked if the ReUse Store in Cambridge is the reason for lower tonnage? Director Kellas stated for some of it yes.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve June 30, 2026, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Mora
We have kicked off our formal EIS process and the timeline for review continues as planned.
We have sent a letter to the MPCA to coordinate all future permitting milestones and scheduling. Some of the items being discussed are CON (Certificate of Need), permitted airspace, permit reissuance and the EIS process.
We will hold a preconstruction meeting at the landfill site Friday August 7th for the landfill closure and gas collection system upgrade.
Overburden screening project is complete, and samples of the fines produced have been taken for use in different projects. The crew also was able to trommel screen organic materials on site and blend with sand for the top cover of the closure project.
Cambridge
We are starting new truck scale construction after receiving our Isanti County Building permit. Excavation will begin next week followed by concrete.
The Reuse Store remains very active, and we have signed the PaintCare contract and are close to being a paint drop-off and recycle location.
Commissioner Berg asked if there were any comments on the new road. Mr. Nohner stated he is also a driver when needed, and using the new road is safer and easier when trying to enter the highway.
Commissioner Berg asked if others are using the new route? Director Kellas stated not at this time, but will be considered in the future.
We will be starting the Glass Recycling at Cambridge.
MPCA requested the numbers again for the Grant for the new building in Cambridge. They said they are re-visiting issuing the Grant.
Hinckley
I have received multiple quotes on the Hinckley Floor replacement project.
Commissioner Roeschlein moved to approve the Executive Directors report second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
The September Meeting is scheduled for Monday September 14, 2026, at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to close the open meeting, open the closed meeting second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner Berg moved to close the closed meeting second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner Hallan moved to re-open the board meeting second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to continue open discussion and follow staff recommendations second by Commissioner Roeschlein
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Berg moved to adjourn the meeting second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary