East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
July 14, 2025
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on June 9, 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, Kanabec County Commissioner Tom Roeschlein, Mille Lacs County Commissioner Dan Whitcomb, Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan via Teams.
Advisory Members Present – Executive Director John Kellas, CFO Janelle Troupe
Others present at the meeting included: Cami Van Able, Foth, Lisa Thibideau, Chisago County, Tracy Emerson, ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the agenda second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING JUNE 9, 2025
Commissioner Roeschlein moved to approve the Meeting Minutes June 9, 2025, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, 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 Roeschlein all in favor of paying the Claims List 55 items ($931,632.52), the additional claims 15 items ($54,433.16), the Paid Claims List 7 items ($37,539.65), Payroll 16 items ($184,866.68), all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
Commissioner Roeschlein asked about balance for Belair Builders. Ms. Van Able stated they are asking for an additional $80,000 for extra work with the clay site. Ms. Van Able and Executive Director Kellas both stated we may partially be at fault.
Commissioner Hallan asked for a recommendation, Director Kellas stated to pay some but not all of the $80,000.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve to pay 30% if the $80,000, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, most in favor, motion carried (3-1), Commissioner Roeschlein disapproved.
APRIL 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For the month ending May 31, 2025, the ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $217,867. On a cash flow basis for the month of May there is a increase in cash of $323,599. Unobligated cash, less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $5,883,335.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency and host facility fund total $5,863,388.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve May 31, 2025, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
New/Updated Landfill Scale Software
The scale software (AWS currently being used for our (3) facilities will no longer be supported after January of 2026. We are proposing that we upgrade the current software that we are using. We have requested pricing from (2) different software vendors, which we have included for your review. Both software quotes are for web-based applications. All updates and modifications can be performed remotely. We will have access to the system from our mobile device and be able to help with any of our locations. The systems will also back up and store all our transactions on a remote server in the cloud. After reviewing both software quotes, I am recommending that we move forward with AWS/VALSTONE which is our current vendor for landfill scale software.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the updated software with credit card readers, second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
Executive Director’s Report:
Mora
Work on Cell7A is near completion and initial disposal should begin this week. At the time of writing this memo, we need to finish pump installation and pressure test the piping system. Once all tests are completed, we will be able to submit documentation to the MPCA for review and approval. We only be able to accommodate small route trucks the first few days until a larger pad can be built inside the new cell for tractor trailers to be able to turn around in the new cell.
Leachate levels are still being reduced in our storage ponds, and outside trucking (Rose Trucking) is still assisting.
We received a letter of Warning for the MPCA for a previous Air Inspection performed at the site. The warning letter was seeking additional technical information on the sites air emission data going back to 2021. The information was submitted to the MPCA, and the corrective actions have been completed.
Securing new employees to add to our team has been difficult in recruitment. Summer volumes and vacations along with several health challenges have added to the shortage.
I would like to work with PHASE-Industries to bring Brian and (Amber) Brian’s employment support professional to work with us to complete various site projects and administrative tasks at our Mora office. I would anticipate starting at 4 to 8 hours a week to try and see how projects go with this newly created partnership.
Cambridge
Work has begun on the Better Futures building framework (Janelle to update)
The new access road to the (formally Kenny Olson) property has been completed and fencing is being installed currently along Lever Street. Once the Lever Street side is complete, we begin fencing along Hwy 95.
A paving contractor has been selected to begin paving repairs in the facility.
Hinckley
New convenience center boxes have been delivered; the loader hook-up brackets are in the wrong location we will relocate the brackets.
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Executive Director’s report, second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
AUGUST MEETING DATE
The August Meeting is scheduled for Monday August 11, 2025, at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Whitcomb moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 am second by Commissioner Roeschlein all in favor, motion carried (4-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary