East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
November 14, 2022
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on November 14, 2022 at East Central Solid Waste Commission office. Chairman Greene called the meeting to order at 9:00am.
Members present at the meeting included: Chisago County Commissioner Richard Greene, Isanti County Commissioner Dave Oslund, Kanabec County Commissioner Dennis McNally, Mille Lacs County Commissioner Phil Peterson, and Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan.
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director Janelle Troupe.
Others also present at the meeting included: John Kellas from ECSWC, Tom Roeschlein from Kanabec Co, Lisa Thibodeau from Chisago Co, Bruce Rehwaldt from Foth, and Tracy Emerson from ECSWC.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Additions to the Financial section, Investments into CD’s.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approved the Agenda and the additions, second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0)
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING October 10, 2022
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the Meeting Minutes October 10, 2022 second by Commissioner McNally all in favor, motion carried (5-0)
CLAIMS
Director Troupe stated everyone has copies of the Hauler Rebates and Additional Claims in front of them.
Commissioner McNally questioned the bill for Climate Aire, and wanted to know why we are paying. Director Troupe stated it is the second half of the amount the board approved to pay for the flare. We are paying because it is repairs of issues needing fixing to stay in compliance.
Commissioner McNally questioned if the Hauler Rebate for the Roll Off companies include the demo that is brought in. Director Troupe stated they are hauling to a transfer station and are licensed haulers so they get the rebate for the MSW tonnage.
Commissioner McNally moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List, second by Commissioner Hallan all in favor of paying the Claims List 53 items ($166,170.43), the additional claims 11 items ($17,354.82), the Paid Claims List 16 items ($27,974.63), Payroll 12 items ($128,823.64), all in favor, motion carried (5-0)
2023 Budget
REQUESTED ACTION:
Review of 2023 Budget for approval at November Meeting.
The 2023 Budget is based on 110,000 tons MSW being delivered to ECSWC sites.
For wages, we have used a 2.5 percent cost of living with 3 percent steps for the 2023 Table.
Health insurance is increasing $31.01 per month for single coverage; we have 11 employees with that coverage. Family increase is $82.77, currently 4 employees have family coverage. There is a $2.44 dental increase for single, $5.78 increase for family.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve ECSWC covering the full increase for one year, second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor of paying the increase for a year, all in favor, motion carried (5-0)
We do plan to do a closure of a portion of the landfill in 2023.
The costs for the EAW, being completed by Foth, for the landfill.
We do plan to do some building upgrades to provide for a better maintenance service area.
Commissioner McNally questioned if we are still planning on a building for the Compactor? Assistant Director Kellas responded, we are looking into something to get the equipment out of the wind and weather that is movable to where the equipment will be parked.
We have an International Truck to be paid for that was ordered in 2021.
Capital Expenditures Estimated Costs
The International Semi – Ordered in 2021; anticipated delivery 2023 – $143,000
Roll Off Truck – $200,000
Dozer – $800,000
Tractor/Mower – $75,000
Assistant Director Kellas stated we need a used tractor/mower to mow the landfill and other areas, the attachment one we have now just doesn’t do the work we need.
Rebuild TS Loader or new – $150,000
Assistant Director Kellas stated we would like to rebuild the current loaders at the transfer stations, the guys like those one better and they are pre-DEF
Walking Floor Trailer – $115,000
Service Truck – $125,000
Assistant Director Kellas stated the current service truck is falling apart, we need a construction size work truck to be able to do hydraulic work alone.
The Accrual Budget is showing Income of $8,171,400 and Total Expenses of $7,709,482. The end result is an Accrual Net Income of $461,118. The Cash Net Income is $1,923,045 with $400,000 being put in Reserve Funds, and Capital Expenditures for the year being $1,465,000; this leaves unobligated cash of $58,045 for the year.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the 2023 Budget for preliminary budget to be reviewed and approved at December 12, 2022 meeting second by Commissioner Oslund all in favor, motion carried (5-0)
Public Comment
Director Troupe asked Bruce Rehwaldt from Foth about the Climate Aire bill, and going after the old company with the flare issues. Commissioner McNally stated it was your company that designed it, you are responsible for paying for the issues from it not being correctly installed. Bruce stated it is a performance issue entirely on the company who installed the flare, not on Foth.
Commissioner McNally requested Bruce contact the company and report back at the next meeting.
SEPTEMBER 2022 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For month ended September 30, 2022 the ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $257,448. On a cash flow basis for the month of September there is an increase in cash of $183,443. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $5,136,150.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $5,015,507.
The funds are invested as follows:
The money market checking account at First Citizens National Bank earns 4.07%, Magic Fund rate is 3.07% and Unity Bank interest rates are 2.5%. I am trying to get some of these funds moved to CDs this week. First Citizens has indicated the money market rate is going down next week. I am having conversations with all three depositories.
Commission Hallan responded saying Director Troupe has been doing a great job with the investing and to keep doing what she feels is best.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Troupe would like the Board to Adopt the ECSWC Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy. Our current policy is only for DOT rules, for CDL holders. The new policy would include all Heavy Equipment Operators.
Commissioner McNally questioned the wording and language of the policy. Director Troupe stated it was taken directly from the State of MN statues.
2021 Audit
The 2021 Audit work is expected to be completed prior to our meeting in December. The Auditor was in the office Wednesday November 9.
Kick off Meeting with MPCA
A meeting was held last week to get the EAW started, allowing Foth staff and myself to ask questions of the MPCA staff.
Commissioner Hallan moved to Adopt the ECSWC Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, second by Commissioner Oslund most in favor, motion carried (4-1), Commissioner McNally voted against the policy because of the wording.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Commissioner McNally questioned if we are handling the deer carcasses like we said we were. Director Troupe responded yes.
NOVEMBER MEETING DATE
The December Meeting is scheduled for Monday December 12, 2022 at 9:00 am at the ECSWC office in Mora.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Oslund moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 AM, second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy Emerson