East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
May 11, 2026
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on May 11, 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, 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, Tracy Emerson, ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Addition to the agenda, EPG bills totaling $7,060.63 invoices from earlier this year we didn’t receive the bill for, Soil screening bids added to New Business.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the agenda with the additions second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING April 13, 2026
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026, second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, and Hauler Rebate second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor of paying the Claims List 48 items ($185,195.23), the additional claims 15 items ($14,523.29), the Paid Claims 8 items ($364,999.33), Payroll 13 items ($143,587.61), the Hauler Rebate ($93,644.68), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
SOIL SCREENING BIDS
The sealed bids were open on Friday May 8, 2026, at 3:00pm.
1. Burski Excavating – $6800 Mobilization/Demobilization/Incidentals, $3.58 per yard
2. JR Ferche Inc. – $5000 Mobilization/Demobilization/Incidentals, $4.18 per yard
3. Hard Rock Screening – $5000 Mobilization/Demobilization/Incidentals, $4.90 per yard
Burski Excavating was awarded the bid.
MARCH 2026 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For month ended March 31, 2026, the ECSWC realized a net increase on an accrual basis of $6,385. On a cash flow basis for the month of March there is an increase in cash of $198,263. Unobligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $6,165,627.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $6,447,309.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve March 31, 2026, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Whitcomb, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Mora
We are continuing work on soil cover improvements and establishing vegetation on the site to reduce erosion and soil run off as well as site aesthetics and follow MPCA guidance. Commissioner Whitcomb questioned if we could make pollinating areas on the closed landfill. Director Kellas said he would check with the MPCA.
High winds have been causing problems at all three facilities. Litter collection has been ongoing to mitigate the litter issues.
We have added one outside (Rose Trucking) leachate hauling truck to manage leachate storage pond levels.
We have had several HWY 23 road cleanup days to collect litter along the Highway.
Cambridge
Paving improvements are being made from winter damage.
The REUSE store is open every Saturday during the summer and fall months. Sales through May 5, 2026, are $8,100.
I have started meeting with scale installation companies for new scale installation.
Several road cleanup days have taken place along HWY 95 for litter control.
Commissioner Whitcomb moved to approve the Executive Director Report second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Director Kellas made a comparison of fuel cost from January-April of 2025 and January-April of 2026, cost of on road fuel increased by 9.80% and off road increased by 18.94% with a total increase of 28.74%.
Commissioner Whitcomb stated since we are over budget already on fuel and repairs, we may need to put a hold on some budgeted items to make up the difference in the higher costs.
The June Meeting is scheduled for Monday June 8, 2026, 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 second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Emerson, Recording Secretary