East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
May 12, 2025
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on May 12, 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, Isanti County Commissioner Bill Berg, Kanabec County Commissioner Tom Roeschlein, Mille Lacs County Commissioner Dan Whitcomb, and Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan.
Advisory Members Present – CFO, Janelle Troupe, 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
AGENDA APPROVAL
Addition to the agenda, Commissioner Roeschlein would like to talk about the SMMPA generator and garbage pickup.
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the agenda with all additions second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING April 12,2025
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Meeting Minutes April 12, 2025, 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, Hauler Rebate, second by Commissioner Whitcomb all in favor of paying the Claims List 51 items ($203,531.26), the additional claims 10 items ($4,678.73), the Paid Claims List 9 items ($42,601.00), Payroll 14 items ($184,068.24), Hauler Rebate (88,940.44), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MARCH 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For the month ending March 31, 2025, the ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $276,895. On a cash flow basis for the month of January there is a increase in cash of $333,579. Unobligated cash, less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month were $5,588,969.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency and host facility fund total $5,875,192.
Commissioner Roeschlein requested a list of the CDs and when they are coming due.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve March 31, 2025, Financial Statements second by Commissioner Roeschlein, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mora
Work on Cell 7A has started, the piping, leachate storage and transmission lines are being completed currently. The leachate pump station is in the process of being lined and the leachate collection pipe vault concrete is being poured.
Clay samples (4) for the liner subgrade have been collected and transported to a lab for testing. This permeability testing could take two weeks to complete. This test will determine if the clay from last year’s construction is ok in place or if it needs to be re-worked to meet the MPCA guidelines.
Outside leachate hauling resources (Rose Trucking) are being used to lower on site leachate levels to accommodate the opening of Cell 7A. During the first 3 weeks of hauling, they have moved approximately 380,000 gals of leachate for treatment. When new lined cells are first opened they are very vulnerable to rain events, prior to the initial fluff lift being completed.
The leachate transmission line from our above ground leachate storage tank to our leachate holding ponds is inoperable and will need to be replaced. The line that needs to be replaced will be approximately 800-825 ft.
Cambridge
Now that we have received the building permit, some initial work has started on the “Better Futures” Building. Maple Ridge Sewer is putting in the sewer this week.
A local contractor (DW) was selected to complete a new road into the adjacent (Kenny Olson) property. This new access point will allow us to start using this area for activities like storing brush and yard waste.
Several new gates will be placed to begin to limit access to this property, more fencing will be needed soon.
A new capacity yard truck was ordered for the facility, should arrive within 2 weeks.
We are looking for a used trailer that can be used for our mattress recycling program.
CAP grant – we did file for the grant.
Commissioner Roeschlein asked if capital purchases are brought back to the board for approval even if they are a budgeted item? CFO Troupe responded yes.
Hinckley
3 small roll-off boxes have been ordered for the convenience center/ public drop off area. Small scale repair and building interior metal fabrication projects have been completed recently.
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Executive Director’s report, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Commissioner Roeschlein asked about the status on the Generator? Director Kellas responded that they have rebuilt the generator, and it is now working.
Commissioner Whitcomb asked if the issue with our contractor for the new cell is fixed. Director Kellas responded yes, we had a meeting with everyone, sent a letter out so everything is in writing, and we are all on the same page.
CFO Troupe stated if the clay doesn’t pass, we may need a meeting before the next meeting.
Cami Van Able from Foth, stated they are working on the new permit and the environmental review, so that means we need the Certificate of Need (CON) letters from all 5 counties.
JUNE MEETING DATE
The May Meeting is scheduled for Monday June 9, 2025, 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