East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office – Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
September 9, 2019
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on September 9, 2019 at the Commission Office, Mora, MN. Chairman Greene called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present at the meeting included: Chisago County Commissioner Richard Greene, Kanabec County Commissioner Dennis McNally, Pine County Commissioner John Mikrot Jr., Isanti County Commissioner Dave Oslund and Mille Lacs County Commissioner David Oslin.
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director Janelle Troupe.
Others also present at the meeting included: Bruce Rehwaldt of Foth Companies, Lisa Thibodeau of Chisago County, Dick Roesler of Arthur Township, V.J. Polkus of Ziegler/CAT, Stephanie Reynolds of Mille Lacs County, Gerrald Nohner of ECSWC, and Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Director Troupe added: 8.4 Resolution for metro waste.
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the amended Agenda, second by Commissioner Mikrot Jr., all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING AUGUST 12, 2019
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the Meeting Minutes August 12, 2019 second by Commissioner Oslin, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner McNally moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, and the Additional Claims List, second by Commissioner Oslund all in favor of paying the Claims List ($160,946.33), the Paid Claims List ($69,856.07), and the Additional Claims List ($82,583.79), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Director Troupe reported that the paid claim for A & K Construction was reimbursed to us by Waste Management because it was their driver who hit the Hinckley door.
FLARE AND BLOWERS
Director Troupe reported that the flare and blowers are installed and running properly. There is an auto-dialer that will call Janelle and Gerrald if the flare unexpectedly goes down.
SCALE – CAMBRIDGE
Director Troupe reported that the Board had approved the purchase of an above ground scale at the last meeting. The vendor has made some changes to the design, which has increased the cost an additional $10,500 for a total amount of $85,085.00.
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the additional cost of $10,500 for the above ground scale in Cambridge, second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Director Troupe will work on locking in the price on the concrete and scale so there are no more increases in cost.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. V.J. Polkus from Ziegler/CAT reported that the CAT 836 is in Forest Lake for repairs and the CAT 826 is here at the landfill in replace of it until repairs are completed. He said to hold all invoices until everything is resolved and when the time comes for the 826 to be returned it needs to be cleaned. He will check it out before it is returned.
JULY 2019 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Director Troupe reported for the month ended July 31, 2019 ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $385,561.29. On a cash flow basis for the month of July there is an increase in cash of $580,266.88. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $3,304,575.62.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $3,434,481.76.
The funds in July are invested as follows:
The money market checking account at First Citizens National Bank earns .5%, the CDs earn 2.0%. New CDs are 2.25%. The Magic Fund and Unity Bank were added in August for deposit options providing higher interest rates.
Tonnage has increased 2,487.36 tons year-to-date over 2018 or 4%.
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the July 2019 Financial Statement, second by Commissioner Mikrot Jr., all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Mr. Dick Roesler asked what rates and term for the new accounts and to make sure they are secured.
Director Troupe responded that there are no terms. Unity bank is currently at 2.27%, which fluctuates, and First Citizens would hold at 2% and they are secured.
2020 BUDGET
Director Troupe reported that the job descriptions along with a recommendation for pay rates were provided at the last meeting. She is requesting a motion to approve so she can move on with other budge items.
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the pay rates, second by Commissioner Oslin, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Director Troupe reported that she would like to suggest that we be closed the Saturdays prior to Monday holidays. The other major holidays should be looked at teach year to see what day of the week it falls on, then determine if we should be closed. She would like the Commissioners to think about and bring back to the next meeting.
Director Troupe reported that the Board should be aware that the Hinckley Transfer Station does not have many customers on Saturdays and that there are 2 people working making an additional $2 per hour because it is Saturday. Most haulers do not haul on Saturdays.
Director Troupe reported that the Terax Off-Road seems to be in need of repairs quite often. It is very difficult to get parts. It has been recommended that we get rid of that truck and purchase a more reliable truck. This truck is used daily. We use this truck to haul dirt to cover the landfill and garbage out of the building after windy days. She will look for a new/used off-road truck.
Director Troupe reported that we should consider hiring a part-time person to clean up the grounds on an as needed basis. This would be a much less costly wage than out landfill staff. This position would be like the summer help that the counties hire. This person would be kept at a wage under the PERA qualifications.
EXECTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Credit Card
Director Troupe reported that she and Tammie Denholm each have a company credit card. They both had to provide social security numbers to get this card. First Citizen’s Bank provided them with the information but it is another bank that provides the credit card. No additional employees were given a credit card because they would have to provide their social security number.
Compactor
Director Troupe reported that the compactor has been down since August 21 again. We had no equipment to compact with so all the garbage had to go inside the building for a day and ah half. We spent most the next week hauling out garbage, two guys, a loader and a truck. Breakdowns in this business are very costly.
Diesel Fuel/Propane
Director Troupe reported that she went out for quotes for diesel fuel and propane. She learned that Kanabec County has an 8000-gallon tank and quotes are received each time it is filled. The tanks here are not owned by ECSWC so new tank get set each time we switch. Based on the quotes, we will begin using Beaudry for diesel and Lakes for propane.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Lisa Thibodeau responded that Chisago County Environmental Services is closed the Saturdays prior to Monday holidays and they do not have any problems with that happening.
Gerrald Nohner reported that Brett Johnson from Cambridge had the usual complaints against Patnode Trucking. Quitting early on Fridays, no empty trailers for Saturday, etc.
OCTOBER MEETING DATE
The October Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at the Commission offices.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Oslin moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:01 a.m., second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary