East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
January 12, 2026
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on January 12, 2026, at East Central Solid Waste Commission Main Office, Mora, MN. Executive Director Kellas 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 arrived at 9:30am, Mille Lacs County Commissioner Dan Whitcomb, and Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan via Teams from Florida
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director John Kellas.
Others present at the meeting included: Cami Van Able, Foth, Tracy Emerson, ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
ORGANIZTION OF THE BOARD – ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN/VICE CHAIRMAN/TREASURER
Director Kellas called for nominations for the Chairman position.
Commissioner Hallan nominated Commissioner Greene to the Chairman position, all in favor of Commissioner Greene to the Chairman position, nomination approved.
Chairman Greene called for nominations for Vice Chairman
Commissioner Berg nominated Commissioner Hallan for the Vice Chairman position, all in favor of Commissioner Hallan for the Vice Chairman, nomination approved.
Chairman Greene called for nominations for Treasurer.
Commissioner Hallan nominated Commissioner Whitcomb for the Treasurer position, all in favor of Commissioner Whitcomb for the Treasurer, nomination approved.
Chairman Greene called for Confirmation of Official Newspaper – Kanabec Times. Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Kanabec Times as the Official newspaper, second by Commissioner Berg, all if favor, motion carried (4-0).
Chairman Greene called for Confirmation of Meeting dates, 2nd Monday of each month and Confirmation of Official Depository of funds – First Citizens National Bank. Commissioner Berg moved to approve the meeting dates and Official Depository of funds, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (4-0)
ORGANIZTIONAL ITEMS
First Citizens National Bank – Letter for changes to the signature cards for the General account and the Payroll account.
Credit Card – Remove Janelle Troupe from Authorized Business Officer 1 and replace with John Kellas.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the changes for signature cards for First Citizens National Bank and the Authorized Business Officer 1 for the Credit Card, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all if favor, motion carried (4-0).
AGENDA APPROVAL
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the agenda second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING December 15, 2026
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Meeting Minutes December 15, 2026, second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, second by Commissioner Berg all in favor of paying the Claims List 53 items ($333,395.91), the additional claims 11 items ($12,271.89), the Paid Claims 6 items ($24,205.22), Payroll 19 items ($221,279.09), all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
OLD BUSINESS
Director Kellas stated we will be trying new things with the current software for the scheduling of things and reminders instead of purchasing new software. Our budget for subscriptions has been completed with our current software solutions.
NOVEMBER 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For month ended November 30, 2026, the ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $262,321. On a cash flow basis for the month of November there is an increase in cash of $20,049. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $5,562,033.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency and host facility fund total $6,429,486.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the November 30, 2025, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Fiscal & Human Resources Director Position
All Commissioners agreed to find out what their counties would pay for this position, get that information back to Director Kellas. Once Director Kellas is satisfied with the salary range, he can open the application process.
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the job opening and application process for the Fiscal & Human Resources Director Position second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Mora
The new scale software and credit card system have been launched, with some initial adjustments made during rollout. The new system is up and operating and accepting credit cards. The staff is becoming more comfortable as we proceed forward with the new system.
Gas system repairs are continuing, vacuum on the system is a major hurdle. We have exposed existing vacuum lines to find a reliable vacuum source with little success. We are installing new lines for additional vacuum capacity. The vacuum problem has hampered the gas plants’ operation.
Foth has completed revised ISWMP plan for the management and handling of special wastes for ECSWC facilities. This plan needs to be reviewed and approved by the MPCA prior to implementation. The current plan is from 2012. After receiving approval for the new ISWMP, we will notify all haulers and provide employee training to ensure ongoing compliance with the plan.
We continue to deal with the MPCA on permitting capacity and CON (certificate of need) permit capacity. The landfill permit capacity issue is more straight forward and is being managed through the EIS/EAW permit process. The CON is a more persistent issue that is a long-term issue that has not moved much recently. I have requested additional information from MPCA leadership for a clearer path forward.
Annual report submissions have begun for stormwater, air, solid waste, public safety, OSHA, etc.
Cambridge
Better Futures is up and operating as local Reuse Store and seems to be settling in with our customers. The Better Futures representative has stated that he is receiving incredibly positive feedback from the community members utilizing the new facility. There is still a small balance of promotional funds remaining in the MPCA Grant, which will soon be used to advertise the facility.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Executive Director Report second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
The February Meeting is scheduled for Monday February 9, 2026, at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Berg moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 am second by Commissioner Whitcomb all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary