East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
March 9, 2026
Special closed meeting on March 6, 2026, for an interview for the Fiscal and HR Director position was held at the East Central Solid Waste Commission Main Office.
Commissioner Roeschlein moved to open the closed meeting at 2:50 pm second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner Berg moved to recess the closed meeting at 3:30 pm second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on March 9, 2026, at East Central Solid Waste Commission Main Office, Mora, MN.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to re-open the meeting started on Friday March 6, 2026, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
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 via Teams, Foth, Lisa Thibodeau, Chisago County, Tracy Emerson, ECSWC, Janelle Troupe, ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Director Kellas asked add CPI discussion in New Business.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the agenda with the addition second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING February 9, 2026
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Meeting Minutes February 9, 2026, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor of paying the Claims List 56 items ($269,322.34), the additional claims 4 items ($2,555.44), the Paid Claims 6 items ($17,817.88), Payroll 12 items ($147,750.14), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CPI INCREASE
The Consumer Price Index yearly report states the CPI increase is at 2.7% This increase will occur on July 1, 2026, and will bring the price per ton from $74.68 to $76.70.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the CPI increase second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
JANUARY 2026 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For month ended January 31, 2026, the ECSWC realized a net increase on an accrual basis of $9,130. On a cash flow basis for the month of January there is an increase in cash of $76,085. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $5,771,148.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency and host facility fund total $6,494.718.
Commissioner Berg moved to approve January 31, 2026, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Mora
Gas plant is running on a limited basis; the warmer weather and field investigation and repairs seem to be helping with gas flow conditions. Foth is currently working on gas system design upgrades for the landfill closure project. We will initiate the gas system work prior to the final capping portion of the project.
I have spoken with Belair Sitework Services and discussed the closure of the remaining issues to close out the Cell 7A project. Belair’s major concern is the application of penalty days being applied to the project, we have explored options for your consideration. Belair would be willing to withdraw some pending change orders to provide monetary compensation to the late penalties.
With the spring thaw weather will need to direct labor efforts to the site litter clean up. I believe all three sites are manageable to get back in order and stay in compliance.
Commissioner Hallan moves to not process CO 6&7, take penalty off record, make everything final, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Cambridge
The Better Futures Building Project has been completed; Janelle Troupe has committed to closing out the grant funding report prior to her departure. 2026 sales are running way ahead of 2025 levels.
Ms. Troupe stated we need to hold training in the building and should push to get the numbers monthly from Better Futures.
The Transfer Station Permit should be on public notice currently according to our MPCA reviewing engineer.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the Executive Director Report second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Commissioner Whitcomb stated the 1st offer for County Administrator fell through so the new County Commissioner is Doug Hanson.
Ms. Thibodeau from Chisago County stated she is going to organize a meeting with the Solid Waste Officers, MPCA and Director Kellas for the CON letters. Will let everyone know when that will be.
The April Meeting is scheduled for Monday April 13, 2026, at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora.
Commissioner Hallan moved to Closed meeting for Fiscal and HR director interviews at 9:45 am second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to re-open the meeting at 11:45 second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Berg moved to adjourn the meeting second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary