East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
April 13, 2026
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on April 13, 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 via Teams, 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 via Teams, Foth, Lisa Thibodeau, Chisago County, 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 Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
2025 Audit
Becca Nielsen from CLA gave the 2025 Audit exit presentation. Net position increased, charges for services revenues continue to be the primary source.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the 2025 Audit second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING March 9, 2026
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Meeting Minutes March 9, 2026, second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor of paying the Claims List 57 items ($360,789.98), the additional claims 7 items ($79,981.10), the Paid Claims 8 items ($89,433.27), Payroll 17 items ($251,436.91), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
OLD BUSINESS
Director Kellas asked for approval of final payment of $186,045.27 for Belair Builders for Phase 7A. This final payment includes the retainage and a change order. We have all paperwork to close and make final payment.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the final payment for Belair Builders second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
FEBRUARY 2026 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For month ended February 28, 2026, the ECSWC realized a net decrease on an accrual basis of $21,505. On a cash flow basis for the month of February there is an increase in cash of $99,483. Unobligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $5,951,953.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency and host facility fund total $6,413,396.
Commissioner Roeschlein moved to approve February 28, 2026, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Mora
Gas system/closure design work continues for the fall closure project. The gas system infrastructure work needs to be completed prior to the closure project. These improvements will also help the gas plant’s operation and compliance with our air emissions requirements.
High winds have been causing problems at all three facilities. Litter collection has been ongoing to mitigate the litter issues. Commissioner Hallan stated the Township next to the Hinckley transfer station needs help cleaning the back road. People have decided that is the place to throw out trash. Director Kellas stated we will get in touch with them.
Soil screening project is being advertised for bidding requirements. This project will conserve airspace by not landfilling rock, create a consistent daily cover as well as material for the capping project this fall.
Cambridge
We are finishing up the access road to have our transfer trailers begin exiting the facility through the Olson property.
Working on expanding the trailer parking area below the transfer station to allow additional room to begin the new scale project for Cambridge. This improvement will allow an in-and-outbound solution for Cambridge residential customers.
The REUSE Store is open every Saturday during the summer and fall months.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Executive Director Report second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Director Kellas and Ms. Thibodeau had a meeting with DKV about land and equipment, discussions went well. Director Kellas will bring anything further to the board.
Commissioner Hallan and Director Kellas attended the Highway 23 annual meeting, the next phase to bring to 4 lanes would be Foley to I-35. Commissioner Hallan would like to see this Commission become a member of the Highway 23 collation. Director Kellas stated he would look into that.
Commissioner Whitcomb asked if we have received all the CON letters from all counties. Director Kellas stated we have not. We don’t have an exact deadline, but we would like them by September of this year.
The May Meeting is scheduled for Monday May 11, 2026, at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Roeschlein moved to adjourn the meeting second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary