East Central Solid Waste Commission
Commission’s Office – Mora, MN
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
October 9, 2017
The regular meeting of the East Central Solid Waste Commission was held on October 9, 2017 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 of Foth Companies, Gerrald Nohner of ECSEC, 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 to 8.2: Discussion of Audit
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the amended Agenda, second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
MEETING MINUTES FOR BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
Commissioner Oslund moved to approve the Meeting Minutes September 11, 2017, second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
CLAIMS
Director Troupe added: Isanti Zoning $233.26 for the building permit to repair the Cambridge Transfer station building, Dan Troupe $150.35 for reimbursement for over charge, Patnode Trucking $6000.00 for the van trailer – on the condition that it passes DOT inspection and Blombeck Contracting approximately $165,000.00 for pay application, all retainage and remaining payment.
Commissioner McNally asked if bills were paid within 10 days if there was a deduction and if so is that reflected on the Claims list.
Director Troupe responded that yes if there is a bill that is discounted, is paid and the discounted amount is on the Claims list.
Commissioner McNally asked if Federated Co-ops reimbursed for dividends.
Director Troupe responded that there have been some in the past and she would check into.
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the Claims List, Paid Claims List, the Additional Claims List and the additional bills for Isanti Zoning, Dan Troupe, Patnode Trucking and Blombeck Contracting, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor of paying the Claims List ($123,464.64), Paid Claims List ($78,165.98), the Additional Claims List ($32,322.03), Isanti Zoning ($233.26), Dan Troupe ($150.35), Patnode Trucking – pending DOT approval ($6000.00) and Blombeck Contracting (approximately $165,000.00), all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
HINCKLEY TRANSFER STATION FLOOR REPAIRS
Director Troupe reported that 2 bids were received for replacement of the Hinckley Transfer station floor. One from Passolt Masonry for $70,000.00 and Bald Eagle Concrete for $28,234.00.
Commissioner Hallan reported that he spoke with Passolt Masonry and they recommended patching the floor until spring then replacing. They would not guarantee if the new floor were put in this fall.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve Bald Eagle Concrete in the amount of $28,234.00, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Director Troupe reported that the PCA Engineer informed her that if the County Engineer inspected the floor for approval that would be all that is needed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Gene Kramer requested clarification on the Metropolitan Council claim for the Special strength charge. What nutrients are being charged for?
Mr. Bruce Rehwaldt responded that he thought it would be nitrogen but would find out for sure and let Mr. Kramer know.
Commissioner Peterson asked if the ponds have aerators and if they are running all the time.
Director Troupe responded that the new pond does not yet, but the other two do.
AUGUST FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Director Troupe reported for the month ended August 31, 2017 ECSWC realized a net loss on an accrual basis of $37,152.10. Landfill Closure in the amount of $219,601 is expensed in August. On a cash flow basis for August there is a decrease in cash of $6,627.05. Year to date shows an accrual net income of $172,613.82 and an increase in cash of $27,911.14. Un-obligated cash less upcoming cash outlays at the end of the month was $3,709,193.96.
Director Troupe reported that the new account for payroll was set up. The funds were coming directly from ECSWC and being placed into the payroll account to pay employees instead of Isanti County paying.
Reserve accounts for landfill expansion, hauler rebate, operating contingency, and host facility fund total $2,305,250.18.
The funds are invested as follows:
The money market checking account at First Citizens National Bank earns .35%, and the CDs earn 1.53%. Tonnage has increased 1,640 tons over 2016 or 2.2%.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve the August 2017 Financial Statement, second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
LANDFILL GAS SYSTEM
Director Troupe reported that at the last meeting of the Board, it was decided to go ahead with a purchase of a new landfill flare (not flare and blowers). Pumps will also need to be purchased to get the existing gas wells performing properly. Currently there is trouble getting the landfill gas that SMMPA is requiring to run their engine. Discussions with SMMPA about blowers is on hold until there is adequate gas to allow the engine to run properly. Quotes were requested from various vendors for dedicated pumps.
Two bids were received for dedicated pumps for the wells. QED $43,124.65 and EPG $25,680.00.
Commissioner Hallan moved to approve QED up to $75,000.00 for the purchase and installation of 10 pumps and a new compressor and pipe, second by Commissioner McNally, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Director Troupe reported that there will be continual odor complaints until a new flare replaces the old one.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Household Hazardous Waste Contract
Director Troupe reported that the JPA and Income Agreements for HHW reimbursement with the State of Minnesota are being finalized. Contracts will need to be signed when they are complete and an agreement with each of the participating counties will need to be signed. If Mille Lacs County does not sign an agreement by December 31,2017 with ECSWC for the previous years, the money will need to be returned to the State.
Yard Waste Permit
Director Troupe reported that the Cambridge yard waste site would be open to accept grass and leaves on Monday, October 16 unless there is objection by the MPCA prior to that date.
Call2Recycle, Inc.
Director Troupe reported that boxes to accept all types of batteries at all three locations have been ordered. She will be meeting with Tim Warren from Call2Recycle on October 18 and should receive educational materials to hand out.
Heater for Green Building Replacement
Director Troupe requested approval for Aquarius to install a new heater at a cost of $4,124.00.
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve Aquarius to install a new heater in the green building in the amount of $4,124.00, second by Commissioner Hallan, all in favor (4), Commissioner McNally opposed, motion carried (4-1).
Purchasing Policy
Director Troupe reported that she is still looking for updates to ECSWC Purchasing Policy including copies of current county purchasing policies. Commissioner Oslund provided information this morning, which she will review and if any other counties would like to send her information they can discuss at the November meeting.
Audit
Director Troupe reported that the audit should be done around October 19, 2017. The Landfill Gas Project and the IC134 will be written up.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bruce Rehwaldt reported that the pond and closure are almost done.
Commissioner Hallan asked if there was anything that could be done about garbage blowing out of the Waste Management trucks. Consensus was that there was nothing ECSWC could do about it.
Director Troupe is still working at getting quotes for repairs in the Cambridge Transfer station building required because of the fire.
Commissioner Oslund will talk to Ken Olson about the property next to the Cambridge Transfer station.
NOVEMBER MEETING DATE
The November Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the Commission offices.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greene asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner McNally moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:46 a.m., second by Commissioner Oslund, all in favor, motion carried (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Wilder, Recording Secretary