Rob Schilling

The Board meeting included reviews and approvals for several operational and planning initiatives. Key topics included authorizing professional services for the Silverbrook Interceptor Replacement Project, amending the Solid Waste Ordinance regarding the disposal of recyclable materials, and approving a construction agreement with Cosney Corporation for the replacement of lab countertops and cabinetry. Additionally, the Board discussed a professional services agreement for the Cloquet Pond Liner Replacement Project and reviewed financial documents, including board member vouchers and a cash payment register.

The Board meeting included discussions on updating the Data Practices Policy and the approval of new job descriptions and pay grades for the Electrician 1, Electrician 2, Electrician 3, IT Specialist 1, IT Specialist 2, and Systems Administrator positions. Additionally, the Board considered professional services agreements for the Major Pump Station Assessment, an Arc-Flash Study for the Collection System, HVAC modifications for the Secondary Clarifier Rehabilitation Project, and a force main assessment for the Cloquet Discharge. A mediated settlement agreement and release were also presented for approval, alongside committee reports and monthly financial and operational updates.

The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting included a review of the agenda, old business such as affirming an Administrative Citation and fine related to a Solid Waste Hearing Examiner matter, and approval of the Consent Agenda items. New Business focused heavily on Finance, including the approval of 2025 Financials, Year-End Adjustments, 2025 Gainshare Measures and Payout, approval for 12-month extensions for EPAM (Bid #1493) and DPAM (Bid #1492) polymers with SNF Polydyne, awarding the 2026 Sodium Hypochlorite Bid (#1506) to Hawkins Water Treatment, approving 2026-2027 dues for Area Chambers of Commerce, and approving updated Data Practices Policy and Procedures. Additional items included the approval of Professional Services for the Woodland Interceptor CIPP Lining Project and approvals for new job descriptions and pay grades for Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sustainability Specialist, Inventory Technician, and Buyer positions. Committee Reports were also scheduled.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda included a review of the agenda, old business, and approval of consent agenda items, specifically excluding the approval of previous minutes. New business focused heavily on Operations and Planning matters, including the approval of professional services for the Knowlton Creek Forcemain Rehabilitation Phase 3 Project, entering into a relocation agreement with MNDOT for the Lakeside Interceptor Relocation, approval of Change Order #1 for Dewatering System Improvements to evaluate Class A biosolids, and approval of Change Order #1 for the Final Effluent Sample Building Design revisions. Finance items included approvals for various PFA Loan Agreements and a resolution to apply for the MN Sea Grant Fast Track Grant. The Board also addressed legislative matters, approving the 2026 Legislative Priorities, and governance, approving the revised 2026 Board Calendar and Board Officer/Committee Assignments. Committee reports were presented for Finance, Operations and Planning, and Legislative committees, alongside a review of October 2025 monthly financials and the September NPDES report.

The 2025 budget for the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District includes wastewater charges totaling $30.280 million, reflecting a 2.78% overall increase, and a capital budget of $18.150 million. Solid waste residential line item fees and commercial hauler collected fees are increased by 15%. The District-Wide Allocation budget has increased from the 2024 budget for a total amount of $388,000.