Joseph M. Artessa

The meeting included the recognition of the Conkling Elementary School Green Team as the 2025 Recycling Champion and a presentation regarding recycling education. Key approvals included the 2026 Authority Budget and Rate Schedule, 2025 Supplemental Appropriations and Budget Transfers, and the authorization to issue a Request for Proposals for the transportation of non-recyclable solid waste. The Board also renewed a professional services agreement with Trainor Associates, Inc., established the 2026 regular meeting schedule, and elected officers and committee members for 2026. Additionally, the Board appointed a new Authority Board Secretary and commended the service of the outgoing secretary.

The Governance Committee meeting involved the review of several Board Policies, including the Procurement Policy, Procedure for Disposition of Property, Ethics and "Whistleblower" Report of Fraud Policy, Board of Directors' Annual Evaluation, and Authority Mission Statement and Performance Measures. The Committee decided to recommend the full Board approve these current policies without modification. Updates were provided on the utilization of employee suggestion boxes, which may require reminders to increase engagement. The Committee confirmed compliance with Authorities Budget Office (ABO) guidance concerning website transparency and record retention. Furthermore, the Committee discussed implementing a "First Amendment Audit Policy" in the Employee Handbook due to recent instances of individuals requesting access to record public areas and employees, and this policy will be recommended to the full Board. Finally, an update was given on the Cash Payment Rounding Practice, with plans to present a draft cash rounding policy to the Board by mid-2026 after consulting with legal counsel and relevant staff.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the recognition of the Conkling Elementary School Green Team as the Authority's 2025 Recycling Champion, involving the presentation of a resolution and a plaque. The Board approved the Proposed 2026 Budget, 2026 Rate Schedule, and Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Permit Rules and Regulations via Resolution No. 25. Resolution No. 26 approved 2025 Supplemental Appropriations and Budget Transfers, noting a significant increase in tire disposal expenses. Furthermore, the Authority authorized the issuance of a Draft Request for Proposals for non-recyclable solid waste transportation (Resolution No. 27). A one-year renewal of the Professional Services Agreement with Trainor Associates, Inc., for public relations and advertising services was passed (Resolution No. 28). The Board also established the regular meeting dates for 2026 and designated official publication venues (Resolution No. 29), elected the slate of officers and committee members for 2026 (Resolution No. 30), and appointed Hailey Hutchinson as the new Authority Board Secretary effective January 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 31), while commending the service of Jodi M. Tuttle (Resolution No. 32). The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss contract negotiations.

The board meeting included approval of previous minutes and a public hearing concerning the proposed 2021 budget. Key discussions focused on budget projections, which heavily rely on tipping fees, although efforts are being made to diversify revenue sources like recycling sales and carbon credits. The proposal included maintaining current tipping fees for 2021 and introducing two new reduced tipping fee programs for disaster/flood debris material and Brownfield cleanup/Ida projects, both set at $42 a ton. The organization continues to offer a zero tipping fee for in-county residential recycling. Expenditure discussions highlighted increases across several divisions, notably due to higher retirement contribution rates (from 15.8% to 18.2%) and increases in landfill reserves and equipment replacement funds, including the purchase of a landfill compactor. Furthermore, the organization plans to retire 2007 and 2011 bond issues in April 2021, which is projected to result in a $26,000 savings in interest expense.

The board meeting commenced with the approval of the previous month's minutes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presenting the 2024 Recycling Champion award to UDA Creative Reuse, commending their efforts in diverting materials from the waste stream, organizing community events, and operating an art supply thrift store and maker space. The board then discussed and approved the proposed 2025 budget, which represented a million-dollar increase over the prior year. Following this, several supplemental appropriations and budget transfers were approved across various cost centers, including addressing increased costs for tire disposal due to volume and weather impacts, and reallocating funds for overtime, temporary labor, and insurance within the administration and operational budgets. Finally, the board awarded a three-year contract for the hauling of wastewater treatment plant byproducts, selecting Southwick Trucking, and renewed the contract for marketing and processing of processed paper recyclables with Waste Management.