MWOA CENTRAL SECTION MINUTES

June 14, 2005

Cokato, Minnesota

INFORMATION SESSIONS

The Central Section of the Minnesota Waste Operators Association held its quarterly meeting in Cokato on June 14th, 2005.

The meeting was opened by the Mayor of Cokato, Bill Johnson. He spoke about growing up in Cokato, leaving for a teaching career, and then returning for retirement and community service opportunities.

Bill Spain and Keith Redmond from the St. Cloud Technical College gave a talk on the many exciting changes taking place with the Water Environment Technologies program. Changes include the expansion of the mechancial lab and equipment up-grades of a pressure filter and gravity filter water system.. Bill noted the increase in demand for recent graduates and the subsequent higher starting salaries. If you or your system is looking for additional help give them a call. Keith spoke about the small water systems grant they received especially for systems under 3300 residents. SCTC is conducting classes FREE of charge to learn and re-learn some basic water systems concepts.

Cindy McComas from MnTap followed with a presentation on phosphorus reduction studies they have conducted for a few communities like Hutchinson and Paynesville. She emphasized the importance of creating goals on influent waters to acheive effective reductions.

Bill Schueller from Fergus Power & Pump gave a power point presentation on the GeoTube sludge dewatering bags. The benefits include up to a 50% reduction in the polymer usage versus a press or centrifuge; easy installation and maintenance; 13-54% solids cake with a month of dewatering; and it contains many of the odors within the bag until you are ready to haul.

Don Christenson from Minnesota Rural Water told the group about the many services they provide. The services range from educational training/ technical assistance to short-term and now long-term financing options on improvements for both water and wastewater systems.

After a delicious fried chicken lunch, Mike Clark from Safety First of Willmar up-dated us on what to do when an OSHA inspector arrives at your doorstep. He also strongly suggested we periodically look at the Minnesota OSHA's website to stay somewhat current on their recent changes.

BUSINESS MEETING

The business meeting was opened at 1:50 by new chair Glen Bauer. Brian Mehr, sectional secretary, read the previous minutes. No additions or corrections were made. Motion by Ken Bakke s/ John McCluth to approve minutes as read. Motion carried.

Glenn Bauer requested another city to host the September meeting since Fort Ripley backed out. Glen and Brian to do follow-up.

Glen stated he had spoke to Clay Watson, District Advisor, about the 2007 Central Section hosting the Annual Meeting in Willmar. Volunteers for various committees are needed to make this a success. Anybody interested should contact Clay.

Dianne Navatril up-dated the group on this year's annual in Marshall. The Best Western is full and the Comfort Inn still has some room, but they are filling fast. Changes include having the vendor display on Wednesday, and operators receiving 16 hours of continuing ed credits instead of 12. She also stated the Waste Watcher will be late due to printer problems. There was a mis-understanding about postage and paper quality. The Board also had a discussion to create a permanent membership card. A discussion ensued on ways to promote membership.

John McCluth asked the MWOA for support in changing the NPDES permits with the verbage to state the flow measuring devices to be revalidated instead of recalibrated due to the changes in the new technologies and meters being designed to be calibrated at the factory only.

A motion was made at 2:20 by Tim Vogel s/ Keith Redmond to adjourn. Motion passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Brian Mehr

Central Section MWOA Secretary