East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office – Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
March 9, 2020
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on March 9, 2020 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 Steve Hallan, Isanti County Commissioner Dave Oslund and Mille Lacs County Commissioner Phil Peterson.
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director Janelle Troupe.
Others also present at the meeting included: Bruce Rehwaldt and Cami Van Abel of Foth Companies, Gerrald Nohner and Jon LaFleur of ECSWC, Gene Kramer of Arthur Township and Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Director Troupe added: Mattress prices, equipment and roads to the Executive Director Report.
Commissioner McNally moved to approve the amended Agenda, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2020
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Meeting Minutes February 10, 2020 second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, and the Additional Claims List, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor of paying the Claims List ($167,729.92), the Paid Claims List ($31,322.17), and the Additional Claims List ($88,783.48), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Commissioner McNally requested clarification on Blaine Brothers, H & L Mesabi and Olsen Chain & Cable on the claims list.
Director Troupe responded that Blaine Brothers was for the roll off truck rear bumper and wiring lights. The H & L Mesabi was for cutting edge parts. The Olsen Chain & Cable was for a towrope that Ziegler broke which they will reimburse us for.
Commissioner Greene reported that the check for Ziegler on the claims list was in the amount of $8,527.36. This is partial payment pending a revised invoice from Ziegler.
FLARE UPDATE
Mr. Bruce Rehwaldt reported that flare has been shutting off a lot due to a blower failure. He has been in contact with the manufacturer and they will be replacing the switch.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.
JANUARY 2020 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Director Troupe reported for the month ended January 31, 2020 ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $53,232.98. On a cash flow basis for the month of January there is a decrease in cash of $359,369.00 because of capital purchases of Volvo Articulated Truck and Wilkens Walking Floor Trailer. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $3,742,699.07.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $3,722.48. Tonnage for February was 14,661.99.
The funds in January are invested as follows:
The money market checking account at First Citizens National Bank earn 2.0%, the CDs earn 2.0%. New CDs are 2.5%. The Magic Fund rate is 1.84% and Unity Bank current interest rates are 2.25%.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the January 2020 Financial Statement, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
TRUCKING
Director Troupe reported that the end of Patnode Trucking contract is April 30, 2020. Staff at Ease Central Solid Waste is requesting that we be allowed to haul garbage using our employees. Additional staff and equipment would be needed in order to do so.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve ending the contract with Patnode and hiring additional staff and purchasing equipment that is needed to haul garbage, second by Commissioner Olsund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Compost/Recycling Building
Director Troupe reported that it would be good to find a better use for the building on the right. She thinks it would be very beneficial for the Board to take a look and help with ideas.
It would be very helpful if we could find a way to wash our trucks and trailers containing the water to be hauled to the landfill. There may already be infrastructure in place that would allow for that.
Cambridge Building
Director Troupe reported that Foth Engineering has a structural engineer that will provide specs for the concrete floor.
Equipment and Roads
Director Troupe reported that staff has determined that it is not worth fixing the 2008 CAT loader and should be replaced. It is in the budget for $200,000.
The JD loader that is used to pull the con-cover is going to need to be replaced early summer. The price on a loader of that size new is around $230,000 and was budgeted. If a new loader is purchased the old one should be sold.
Yard dog – (old semi) at Hinckley is constantly having issues. Director Troupe suggested replacing it with a Capacity like the one in Cambridge; a jockey vehicle. There is $150,000 budgeted for this.
Fall Protection
Director Troupe reported that she didn’t feel confident that we have all our fall protection issues covered at the transfer stations. Even with the auto tarps – staff still has to get in trailer to push down items that are sticking up. They do this inside the building and they have no desire to wear a harness, which probably isn’t compliant.
Last fall Northland Safety sent a quote for a beam going across building with a system to hook one harness to. The cost was $23,500. There are also articulated boom lifts that cost around $30,000 used. A boom lift would keep employees out of the inside of the trailer completely. The lift could also assist us with building repairs especially doors if it was a 35-45 feet reach. A lift is Director Troupe’s best plan for safety that she is sure employees will use.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the purchase of an articulated boom lift, second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Landfill Roads
Director Troupe reported that the road in front of the ponds is in bad shape. Repairs were supposed to get done last year as part of the disaster claim with FEMA, which never happened. Commissioner McNally will check with the Kanabec County Engineer for ideas.
Mattress Prices
Director Troupe would like to increase the price for recycled mattresses from $13.00 each to $14.00 each.
Commissioner Peterson moved to increase the price to $14.00, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bruce introduced Cami Van Abel who is now working with him at Foth.
APRIL MEETING DATE
The April Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the Commission offices.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn at 10:33. Commissioner Oslund moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary