The Solid Waste Management Authority approved multiple routine and contractual items during its regular meeting, including a consent claim payment, the appointment of a public member, an external audit engagement and a legal counsel retainer.

On the consent agenda the board approved a claim for $5,199.80 to the Del Norte Tribal Lands Committee Food Council (invoice 1007) and approved the minutes of the prior regular session. The vote was unanimous.

The authority appointed Eli Nafah as a public member for a two-year term. Staff noted Nafah previously served as a public member from 2016 to 2019; Nafah was not present at the meeting because he was on a flight. Commissioners moved and seconded the nomination and voted to appoint Nafah unanimously.

The board also approved a letter of engagement with Harshal and Company LLP to complete the authority’s external audit (amount not to exceed $15,460). Staff said the firm is the same external auditor used by the county and that the fee is slightly higher than last year but within budget.

Finally, after a multi-month search the authority approved a professional services agreement with the Rene Law Group for legal counsel at a monthly retainer of $2,400. Staff warned that onboarding a new firm will increase near-term legal expenses; the director said the authority will likely need to add about $12,000 to the legal-services budget line this fiscal year to cover front‑loaded transition work.

All four items passed on unanimous votes. The board ended the meeting and set its next regular session for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.