Esmann Island Owner’s Association Board Meeting July 18, 2020

Board Members Present: Meeting called to order at 8:01am. Tony introduced Tom, Kim and Paul from the Corp. of Engineers and Jesse Speer from Newt Marine. **The meeting information and discussion are on a separate post/document.

Board members present: Chip Flory, Tony Reyerson, Jane Root, Tim Ahlers, Andrew Phelps, Nikki Lynch  Absent: Josh Geistkemper, Laurie Helling  Also present: Helen Schwietert (Treasurer)

Minutes: Tony Reyerson approved June Board meeting minutes. Chip Flory 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • Helen mentioned the depreciation amount was incorrect on the balance sheet which was presented at the Annual Meeting. She has corrected the error and it has been rectified.
  • There are 15 residents who have not paid Annual Dues to date. If they are not paid by July 31st the penalty will be applied forthwith. Helen will contact the remaining unpaid residents.
  • Helen (Treasurer) & Kari Winders are working together to reconcile the Pond/Rec Fund.
  • Motion made by Tim Ahlers to approve Treasurers Report. 2nd by Nikki Lynch. All approved. Motion passed.

Bills Presented:

  • Alliant Energy: $43.60
  • Treasurer Wages: $509.40
  • Clemens Attorney-Legal Opinion $182
  • Island Insurance- $303
  • Swing Hooks for playground *awaiting receipt
  • Cindy Lynch reimbursed $439.76 for Island ID Tags. Brief discussion on whether Assoc or Pond Fund will pay. It was voted on at Annual Meeting as Association expenditure.
  • Motion made by Chip Flory to approve Treasurers Report. 2nd by Tim Ahlers. All approved. Motion passed.

Building Permits:   

  • G. Burco submitted permit for garage across from house. Chris Miller asked for clarification of drawing, specifically the pitch of roof. Gerald clarified it will be a pre-fab with a lean to. Approved by 4 members of the building committee.      
  • *Note: Permits & building plans need to be checked by 2 Building Committee members prior to being presented to Board and signed off by building committee members after completion for final board approval.

Property Ownership Changes: *NOTE: If property is sold or changes hands between family members, it is very much appreciated if the Board is notified so we can keep current information for our records and correct mailing of annual dues.

  • Kyle Pittman sold 360 2nd Ave  
  • Weigel’s sold 410 White Oak to McGuiness family

Road Report:  *See Old Business for Road Reseal Updates.

Boat Storage Committee:  Nothing new at this time.

Landscape/Beautification:  A huge thank you to Cindy Miller, Rick & Mary Eulberg for their continued efforts and attention to the flowers/plants along the back road. The flowers are spectacular this summer!

Pond Committee:  None at this time.

OLD BUSINESS:  

ROAD Updates: As noted, it wasvoted on & approved at Annual Meeting to move ahead with road reseal project.

  • Terry Denner has asked for clarification from Gary from Blacktop Services regarding driveways. If need more than 2ft from road, need to contact Gary @ 712-830-7345.
  • Blacktop Services will broom & tar but no broom after in order to keep rock on the road.
  • Still on schedule for mid-August and just need to finish up paperwork.
  • Abel Island is not finishing their roads this year but they are paying for 1/2 of the main entrance to island.
  • Gary Gansen: Mention concerned issue with driveways that have drop offs. He called Gary at Blacktop Services, but no return call yet. So Terry Denner said to call Humbolt # 515-332-4208, or retry Gary at above #.
  • We have secured the certificate of insurance.
  • Dennis Winders: Concern about heavy machinery on island may damage new road.
  • Chip: No other heavy equipment should be on road after road is done, however, the dredging project will not be complete by then. Discussion held on holding off on project but we are too committed to change at this point. Will really need to be watchful later this fall.

Speed bumps Update:  Nikki and Andrew researched and best bet are the roll up/no stick removable speed bump that can be staked down on grass. Need to discuss placement and will likely table until next spring.

Speeding Concerns: As discussed at the annual meeting, vehicle (cars/trucks/carts/mini bikes/mopeds etc) speeds on roads are still an ongoing concern. 

Nikki Lynch asked whether it’s better to just approach the few (families) or members that are the most frequent offenders directly.  Discussion held. Tony said he has addressed the family about the damage to pavilion and road rules. Chip also agrees everyone just needs to slow down. Tom Nagel has also addressed some dirt bikes/mini bikes doing wheelies and going too fast. Generally, it’s everyone’s individual and shared responsibility for safety on the island.

NEW BUSINESS:

Andrew & Amy Phelps brought forth a concern stating the road by their home has encroached onto their property North end of island. They had a survey done and plan to add landscaping and remove some of road, which if done, the road would no longer be a cul-de-sac.

  • Shawna Barton says they have same issue but roads should not have to change.
  • Terry Denner states check the 6ft road easement which states they can’t landscape.
  • Andrew strongly feels the road is on his property and he can take it back.
  • Dale Hoffman stated everyone gives some to the island roads.
  • Cindy Miller states we should consider a survey of all roads.
  • Dennis W: There was a similar land dispute in the 90’s & suggests going back to see original intention and resolution.
  • Lots of discussion was had on this subject. Board will contact lawyer and also get clarification of road easement.
  • Will revisit the minutes and previous resolutions to similar issues.

Rosemary Neylan 309 Riverview Rd has a dead tree she wants removed. Tony met with her to discuss splitting cost. Tree is also on Bill Allen’s property. Ideally, should split cost. Rosemary refuses to pay or show pins. Should board pay to remove or just cut down dead branches for liability purposes?  Tom N: Suggested renting equipment to remove low hanging branches ourselves. Cindy Lynch raises concern for liability. Discussion was held regarding hiring Moser do the cutting and volunteers to do the cleanup.  Discussion tabled to explore options and will get back to Tom.

Jane suggested board members touring the common grounds prior to next meeting. Tom N: In years past about an hour prior to every monthly meeting, board members used to tour island and discuss any issues that need to be addressed. This will be discussed among Board Members.

Chris Miller: Regarding damage to new pavilion over Memorial Day weekend. C. & K. Hanson’s teenage son ran a cart into the side and damaged. Chris said he will fix but needs to be paid and feels parents should have to pay for repairs. All in agreement. Also discussed if you see anyone going too fast or unsafe…say something!

Helen spoke with Chad, the 911 contact. People appear to be moving the 911#’ metal stakes with address number. If you need to relocate these, you must contact Clayton County and alert of the move and new location. All buildings with a structure should have a 911# and if they do not, the county will bill $50.

Tom Nagel asked about installing a flag pole setup at entry to island. American flag, Iowa flag and possibly create an Esmann Island flag? Chip will look into cost. Some members may also be interested in donating a pole.

New ID Tags: Tags are complete and 2 per family and if you want extra or lose will cost. Cindy and Kari will determine plan to distribute to members.

Kari Winders: Asked about planting donated trees on common ground on west side of road by pond. All in agreement.

Tony asked for motion to adjourn meeting. Chip Flory made motion and Andrew Phelps 2nd.  All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 10:04 a.m.

Next monthly meeting will be held August 15th.

Respectfully submitted,

Nikki Lynch (on behalf of Laurie Helling)

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