East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office – Mora, MN
APPROVED MINUTES
February 10, 2020
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on February 10, 2020 at the Commission Office, Mora, MN. Chairman 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, Isanti County Commissioner Dave Oslund and Mille Lacs County Commissioner Phil Peterson. Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan attended via facetime from Pensacola,Florida.
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director Janelle Troupe.
Others also present at the meeting included: Bruce Rehwaldt of Foth Companies, Gerrald Nohner of ECSWC, Lisa Thibodeau of Chisago County, Gene Kramer of Arthur Township and Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the Agenda, second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING JANUARY 13, 2020
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Meeting Minutes January 13, 2020 second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Oslun moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, and the Hauler Rebate, second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor of paying the Claims List ($131,759.64), the Paid Claims List ($455,336.03), the Additional Claims List ($84,591.49), and the Hauler Rebate ($130,133.20), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
FLARE UPDATE
Director Troupe reported that on Sunday, January 26th at 1:30 p.m. the flare shut off and she could not get it to re-start and it did not get it fixed until Monday, January 27th around noon. No odors were realized at that time. There has not been any downtime since. A plugged valve on the compressor was the cause of that shut-down.
Mr. Bruce Rehwaldt heard from SMMPA and they are waiting on a part for the engine with expected delivery the middle of March.
Director Troupe reported that there was one odor complaint on Thursday, February 6th in the morning. This was reported to MPCA and Arthur Township Zoning.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.
DECEMBER 2019 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Director Troupe reported for the month ended December 31, 2019 ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $133,675.90. On a cash flow basis for the month of December there is an increase in cash of $300,319.19. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $4,443,563.99. Cash increased $1,560,983 in 2019.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $3,381,062.50. Tonnage for 2020 is 7,957 tons.
The funds in December are invested as follows:
The money market checking account at First Citizens National Bank earns 2.0%, the CDs earn 2.0%. New CDs are 2.25%. The Magic Fund rate is 1.84% and Unity Bank current interest rates are 2.25%.
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the December 2019 Financial Statement, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Annual Reports
Director Troupe reported that all required reports were submitted on-time. The Landfill Annual Report does show that there is much less of a compaction rate: 2019 = 1,579.54, 2018 = 2,092.19.
Bruce Rehwaldt provided a chart showing past year’s compaction. The compactor being down so often last year contributed to the lower compaction rate.
Metro Waste
Director Troupe reported that staff from MPCA did not accept the monthly report showing zero metro waste or the Compliance Plan that was submitted. They have specific language that is to be in the Plan, which they didn’t inform her of prior to the Board approving the Compliance Plan that was sent in; our compliance plan covers the 7 items that she was asked to include that was sent to her by e-mail. MPCA is setting up a meeting with Director Troupe. She did ask them to attend a Board Meeting.
Recycling
Director Troupe reported that there have been several calls for recycling in Cambridge. She talked to one recycler that is a bit larger and he is paying $39 per ton to drop off his recycling. She had heard $60 from other haulers.
Director Troupe reported that maybe in the next year or two to look at putting in a recycling center at the Cambridge Transfer Station that would be funded by Score or a grant.
CPI
Director Troupe reported that every July1, MSW rates either increase or decrease based on previous year’s CPI. Charts are showing a 2.3% increase or $1.36, this would increase the current price per ton to $60.85.
Phase 7
Bruce Rehwaldt provided information on building Phase 7. He reported that the available remaining capacity for Phase 6 is 700,000 yards and to plan on a maximum of 5 years to build Phase 7. More air space will have to be requested before the new permit is issued.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.
MARCH MEETING DATE
The March Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the Commission offices.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner McNally moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary