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Mora recycling project changes focusBy Danielle Strenke While the commission is still in support of the proposed recycling project at the Mora facility, it will no longer be partnering with the University of Minnesota on the project. The East Central Solid Waste Commission received word from Richard Swanson, assistant dean of the office of international and agricultural programs at the U of M, who also heads the project, that there were concerns over royalty rights involved with the project and a change was needed. Executive Director Allen Bonini told the commission at its regular meeting Monday, Swanson, along with BMSI, the company which came up with the technology which will be used in the waste-to-energy project, had made the decision to look for another lead organization on the project. ìHe said there was a problem with who would hold the claim rights on the technology involved, and that the university would take as much as 30 percent of the grant for administrative costs,î Bonini said. After searching for a new partner, Swanson and BMSI came up with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (MNSCU) to lead the project. They have since received a letter of support from MNSCU. Commission chair George Larson was concerned that Swanson was still employed by the U of M. ìI would like a little more background on Swanson, who is he employed by?î Bonini said while Swanson still works for the U of M, it is not uncommon for someone in his position to be working on a project independent from the U. ìSo weíre not dealing with the U anymore,î Larson said. Bonini also shared good news about the 2001 financial picture. ìAs we set up the 2002 budget, we assumed a surplus of $300,000 at the end of the year,î he said. ìWe are now at $542,000 for the year.î Commission members saw the surplus equaling savings for the counties. ìActually the budget shows us paying three bond payments, but youíre saying it could go into paying four or possibly five this year,î Larson said. ìI think weíre clearly going to be in a position to make a fourth bond payment,î Bonini said. Commissioner Alan Hancock asked how much of the increased income can be attributed to private haulers. ìWe have noticed a drop in those customers,î Bonini said. ìWith the high price of gas I would probably hire the garbage company to take it,î Commissioner Bob Gustafson said. In other business: ï Officers for 2002. George Larson of Isanti serves as chair, Bob Gustafson of Chisago as vice-chair, Alan Hancock of Pine as treasurer, Paul Reiman of Mille Lacs and Dennis McNally of Kanabec as the other commission members. ©ECM Post Review |