East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office, Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
October 14, 2024
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on October 14, 2024, 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 Roeschlien, Mille Lacs County Commissioner Phil Peterson, and Pine County Commissioner Steve Hallan.
Advisory Member Present – Executive Director Janelle Troupe.
Others present at the meeting included: Cami Van Able, Foth, Gene Kramer, Arthur Township, John Kellas, ECSWC, Lisa Thibodeau, Chisago County.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All present said the Pledge of Allegiance
AGENDA APPROVAL
Commissioner Berg added discussion concerning Isanti-Chisago Landfill Commission. Director Troupe added Claim from Belford Electric for $1,615.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the agenda second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING September 9, 2024
Commissioner Berg moved to approve the Meeting Minutes August 12, 2024, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Commissioner Holland moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, Additional Claims, second by Commissioner Berg, all in favor of paying the Claims List 62 items ($809,187.41), the Paid Claims List 5 items ($23,388.91), Additional Claims List 9 items (12,438.36), Payroll 10 items ($186,773.51), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
AUGUST 2024 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For the month ended August 2024, the ECSWC realized a net income on an accrual basis of $720,631. On a cash flow basis for the month of August there is a decrease in cash of $348,585. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $3,107,798.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency and host facility fund total $9,669,970.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the August 2024 Financial Statements second by Commissioner Peterson, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
2025 BUDGET DISCUSSION
Director Troupe suggested a 3.0 percent increase from 2024 pay schedule to 2025 pay schedule. Commissioner Berg suggested the Commission investigate doing a comp worth study.
Director Troupe requested a change to the sick leave policy. The current policy: with 800 hours of sick time, the hours get paid out upon retirement. If the employee has less than 800 hours, the hours do not get paid at all. Commissioner Berg suggested an option where the hours get divided in half, then paid out when leaving employment. Director Troupe will bring some examples of changes to the sick leave policy.
Director Troupe discussed capital items that will be presented in the budget. The full budget document will be provided at the November Meeting.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Sustainable Building Grant
Director Troupe informed the Board that they were awarded the Sustainable Building Grant for the Cambridge building. The MPCA has not sent any documents to be signed yet.
Isanti – Chisago Landfill Commission
Commissioner Berg informed the Board that Isanti County had appointed Trina Bergstad and Commissioner Berg to the ICLC. Chairman Greene commented that it had not yet been on the Agenda at the Chisago County Board Meeting. Commissioner Berg commented that a public meeting of the ICLC will need to be held to make decision on the transfer of property and dissolution of the ICLC.
PFAS Source Identification and Reduction Grant Application
Director Troupe stated that Foth provided information that will be used in the grant application. Foth has also suggested that Kanabec County apply for a grant for PFAS.
Director Troupe asked if she should apply for the “PFAS Source Identification and Reduction Grant,” and consensus was that the grant should be applied for.
Commissioner Peterson mentioned an interesting article he had read about waste-to-energy. Commissioner Hallan commented that it may be beneficial to look again at waste to energy for our garbage disposal in the future.
Landfill Development
Assistant Director John Kellas provided information to the Board about the progress of 7A and concerns with critical path items.
Clay
John Kellas reported that all the clay required is on site, the clay layers have been tested on-site (density, moisture); off-site lab testing (permeability) has not been received yet for any of the clay that has been placed. This is an essential test and all tests need to pass prior to the liner work starting. With the time of year this is critical to finish the project this year.
Leachate Lift Station
The lift station that was set by Belair has cracking and the manufacturer has said the entire structure needs to be replaced. The excavation and replacement of this structure will affect our clay placement due to its proximity to the landfills Southern berm. The lift Station was designed by County Materials Corp. and reviewed by Foth
Existing cell tie in East side
The MPCA has approved the East side liner tie in modifications. The older cells had some areas that did not have adequate subgrade clay under them to tie into with the 7A construction clays, so a layer of GCL will be placed in those areas.
(Estimated 65K)
To the question, if the project encountered continued delays or a winter weather event, how were we set for airspace. John Kellas commented, although it would be a last resort, we would most likely have adequate airspace until the spring of next year.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The Next meeting is scheduled for Monday November 11, 2024, at 9:00 am at the ECSWC main office in Mora. The December meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2024.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Berg moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 am second by Commissioner Peterson all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully Submitted,
Janelle Troupe, Recording Secretary