By Karen Reisner
Solid Waste Administrator Jon Martin reported at the county board’s October 25 meeting that the county has received two proposals for waste and recycling services. Waste Management and Harter’s Quick Clean-up offered their rates for landfill and recycling services.
While there would be significant savings with Harter’s for landfill services, WM had considerably more savings for recycling. WM will cost the county $102,000 less than Harter’s over a year. Chairman Marc Prestby commented that once the new compactor is in place the increased cost to the county per year will be $4,000. Commissioner Harry Root explained the compactor will provide a savings of $58,000 per year.
The Solid Waste committee recommended the lower contract price from WM. A representative from Harter’s said their price is good for 120 days. He also praised Martin for negotiating a good contract. He said Harter’s will be happy to serve the county in the future if the opportunity arises.
A motion was unanimously approved authorizing a contract to be drafted with WM.
WM agrees to an extension of their “Temporary Agreement” beginning November 1. The extension of the agreement was approved until a new signed contract with WM is in place.
Solid waste disposal includes disposal of solid waste, household and hazardous waste, appliances, electronics, and recyclables.
Martin’s resignation effective October 31 was approved previously. Since then, restructuring has been discussed. There is a proposal to combine the solid waste department with the highway department, which already includes the county airport. The combined department will be overseen by County Engineer Ron Gregg. Gregg was previously the solid waste administrator for Cottonwood County. The combining of these departments will allow for sharing of equipment and workforce.
Instead of a solid waste administrator, the proposal is for a solid waste program director along with the current transfer station operator. The solid waste program director will do Martin’s work with Gregg’s oversight. Two highway maintenance workers are to be backups for the transfer station operator. They will each have to get certification as a landfill operator. Approval was given to advertise for a solid waste program director.
Until a new person can be hired it is expected that a building maintenance person can help fill in or a highway maintenance worker if the union allows. The transfer station requires more than one person to operate. The restructuring will be discussed more with the Personnel Committee.
Other business in brief
•Sheila Craig, Southeast Minnesota Wastewater Initiative Community Facilitator, received approval for a grant agreement with Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for a wastewater treatment program for Cherry Grove. Brett Grabau, Stantec Consulting Services, received approval for a contract for the Cherry Grove Community Assessment Report. He noted the technical portion is the same as the 2012 Greenleafton contract.
Approval was given for an estimate from Davidson Septic Service for soil verifications for Cherry Grove. Craig noted at this time there is no location for exploration. In the event some land becomes available Davidson will charge $150 for travel and one borehole, and $50 for an additional borehole if done at the same time. Grabau says he thinks Cherry Grove will need a community system.
Approval was given for a $350 estimate from Scheevel for digging necessary for soil verifications.
• Approval was given as requested by Michael Cruse, Local Extension Educator, to purchase a public address system. The old system quit working. He explained that he can find $950 in his budget. The PA system is used countywide, including by local school programs. The board’s approval allows for a purchase costing up to $2,000 with the understanding that $950 will come out of the current extension budget.
• The resignation of Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing, was approved with thanks effective November 14. She will remain available as an intermittent nurse when needed.
• A quote from Canton Heating and Cooling in the amount of $2,963.90 for a filtered water bottle filler station at the Preston Highway Shop was approved to be paid for with Wellness Program and SHIP funds.
The funding amount of about $17,000 from Southeast Service Cooperative’s 2017 wellness incentive program was accepted. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman said the funds are from the premiums that we pay for health insurance. The Wellness Committee will bring back suggestions on how to best use the funds.
• Social Services Manager Neva Beier asked for and received approval of the Memorandum of Understanding, Region 10 Contracting Services. The contract cost for 2017 increases $233 to $7,588.
• An access permit for Jerry and Rebecca Gingerich, Section 27, Amherst Township to move an existing driveway was approved. The old driveway will be removed and the new driveway will give better access to a newly constructed barn.
Leave a Reply