Meeting called to order at 8:02am by Tony Reyerson.
Board members present: Tony Reyerson, Jane Root, Tim Ahlers, Andrew Phelps, Josh Geistkemper Absent: Chip Flory, Nikki Lynch. Also present: Helen Schwietert (Treasurer), Laurie Helling (Secretary)
Many Members also present for the meeting. It was held outdoors for social distancing reasons.
*Before the First Order of Business, there was a short update by the Corps of Engineers (Kimberly Warshaw) and Project Managers (Chris Settles) and Mark Cawthorne, for Newt Marine & Dredging of McMillan Island. They also wanted to address any concerns.
- Kimberly Warshaw brought with her enlarged GIS comparative aerial photos/maps of our section of the river. The maps represent the river as it looked over several years. Inc. 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s and so on.
- The Corps is still determining new sites for the dredge material placement.
- Question from member: Have you checked depths currently, and how they have changed even in the last 10 years? Answer: They have not done a full geological study at this time.
- Maps are ours to keep in the Association Office.
- Chris Settles said a Test Pump was conducted Wednesday morning and Thursday, August 13th, they started production pumping.
- Mark Cawthorne from Newt Marine said they hope to be done by the end of September. It’s a slow process to get set up and started. Once in fully running, production can be 5,000 yards up to 10,000 yards on a very good day. Potentially 25K up to 100K potential yards.
- The Dredged Material Manager is Paul Machajewski 651-290-5866 Office.
- Board thanked them for coming to the meeting to give updates and answer any questions.
Proceeded to meeting agenda, Pres. Tony Reyerson yielded the floor to V.P. Jane Ertl to chair the meeting.
Minutes:
- Jane asked for motion to waive reading and approve July meeting minutes. Tim Ahlers made the motion, Josh Geistkemper 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
- Secretary, Laurie Helling, apologized for the late posting of July minutes online. She could not attend the July meeting and was on vacation after.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Treasurer Helen Schwietert made note to the Board members, that the columns on the Revenues & Expenses have been changed to reflect Month to Month and YTD.
- Our CD’s are in good shape.
- Fidelity contacted Helen to let us know if we wish to access online account, we would need to set up new email address on file. Board agreed not to opt for that option at this time.
- All Annual Assessments with the exception of one has been collected and deposited. Helen has made contact with the member who is supposed to be sending it in. If not received, the late penalty will be applied.
- Motion made by Tony Reyerson to approve Treasurers Report. 2nd by Tim Ahlers.. All approved. Motion passed.
Bills Presented:
- Alliant Energy $78 AutoPay
- Bi-County Disposal-Quarterly $3900
- Hoffmann Lawn Mowing for Common Grounds $749
- Friedman Insurance (Association) $3324
- Motion made by Tony Reyerson to approve Treasurers Report. 2nd by Tim Ahlers . All approved. Motion passed.
Building Permits:
*Note: Permits & building plans need to be checked by 2 Building Committee and/or Board members prior to being presented to Board and signed off by building committee members after completion for final board approval.
- Permit submitted by Bill Allyn 299 Riverview Rd. Plans submitted for covered canopy over patio. Building Chris Miller, Tony Reyerson and Josh Geistkemper went to look/measure the plan. Setbacks are met and no road deposit needed. Pre-build permit approved.
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.
- 360 Second Avenue sold –K. Pittman to William (Bill) & Megan Demmer
- 410 White Oak sold —Takedown Ranch LLC to William & Christine Miller
- 411 White Oak sold— D. Weigel to Angela McGinnis
- 404 River View Rd — Koppenhaver to Randel & Tammy Dillavou
Road Report: *See Old Business for Road Reseal Updates.
Boat Storage Committee: Nothing to report at this time.
Landscape/Beautification: Nothing to report at this time.
Pond Committee: See New Business
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW ROAD Update—-RESEAL PROJECT START DELAYED UNTIL SEPT 8TH– 9TH 10TH The devastating storm (derecho) that hit Eastern Iowa has backed up Blacktop Services schedule.
- They will be on Esmann, Tuesday Sept 8th to start road prep and actual Re-seal will take place on Wednesday & Thursday Sept. 9th Friday Sept. 10th. *In case of rain on those days, the project will stop or not happen until dry.
- If you have a sealed or cement driveway please clear/clean away any grass/weeds at the end of your driveways.
- STOP watering the road. The tar will not adhere to wet surfaces.
- Terry Denner, Josh Geistkemper, and Ken Schwietert are volunteering to “screen” off the end of your concrete driveways in order to prevent tar from getting on your driveways. More volunteers for screening are very welcome! There are 102 driveways. Please contact Terry Denner if interested in helping on one or both days!
- If you have Visible Pins in/on the road or edge, please cover with something (i.e. piece of tin) or it will be covered by the tar/rock.
- Blacktop Services will broom & tar but no broom after in order to keep rock on the road. The more the roads are driven on after the reseal process complete the better it becomes packed down and compressed.
- The Board will double check to make sure we have applied for Non-Profit tax exempt status for the total bill.
- Bi-County Garbage can still pick up on Tuesday Sept. 8th. *Someone from Board will call them and just let them know the schedule.
- Contract was signed and returned. @1.72 yd. *$74K-$78K when all is said and done. Blacktop Services will track total tonnage at end of project.
- To pay for this project, the Board will need to break a CD (which was to come due in March).
NEW BUSINESS:
- Secretary Laurie Helling will send a Welcome Kit to the new Esmann Lot Owners.
- Revisit Andrew Phelps request. Discussion held on Andrew Phelps pin placement/situation.
- Wayne Jensen said the pins were placed where they were in the road back in 1992, isn’t really sure why the placement was put there. There was easement discussion back when the island was sold to the members.
- Kate Hoffmann, Jim Cunningham and Shawna Barton, voiced concerns over emergency vehicles being able to access and turn around and most large vehicles still have to do a 3 pt turnaround with the road as is presently. Also how would it affect garbage pick up.
- Andrew Phelps has had a survey done but has not received it back yet. When he does he will forward to the board for review and legal opinion.
- His goal is to regain some of the ground he feels has been lost over the years to the encroachment of the road from snowplowing and sealing onto the property.
- The Board reminded people to keep emotions in check, as this is under review and no action can take place without studying new survey, which has been received yet.
- The Phelps would like everything in writing because one of the co-owners of the property is legally deaf.
- It is a non-conforming lot and does not currently have a septic system. Andrew has been in touch with County about alternative septic systems that could be potentially used.
- Board will need to consider the effects any changes would have on emergency vehicles, mail deliveries, and garbage pickup.
- Further Discussion can be held in by the board in closed session but no voting will take place in a closed session.
- Tim Ahlers made motion to table Phelps discussion until Survey is received and reviewed. Josh Geistkemper 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
POND COMMITTEE: Kari Winders asked the Board to post reminder to members and guests NOT to climb on or stand on the pond beach sun shades. Which someone unfortunately did recently causing them to come down. Again, please if you see something, say something.
- The new ID tags are still being handed out to each lot owner, but should be close to being finished. Display them in your vehicles, golf carts, side by sides.
- No gas motors on the pond.
- Dennis
Winders Jr. presented a financial statement for the Pond Recreation Fund which
of course has had donations, money raised from fundraisers, and can
redemptions.
- Total Deposits since 2017 $18,139.86
- Total expenses- $12,606.01 (paid with funds)
- Current account balance- $5,533.85
- Working on a memorial board, please Dennis or Kari Winders know if we’ve missed anything prior to printing a banner to display this information on the pavilion wall this fall.
Memorial/Cash donations:
- Gifts Level Amt
- 4 Platinum $1000 +
- 3 Gold $500-$999
- 7 Silver $200-$499
- 6 Bronze $100-$199
- Picnic table donations: 8 of 10 *Still can “sponsor/buy” one or two of the tables.
- Other donations include concrete work, rafters, electrical work, port-a-potty, Popsicle sales, “I love my island” stickers, can recovery/processing and much donated work time/effort.
Discussion held on creating very small vinyl stickers that can be placed on the windshield of golf carts (in addition or in place of the hanging tag). Some carts it is difficult to hang the tag. Kari and Teri Denner will get some pricing to send to the board for review.
Discussion held on restricting the road to the pond with a gate on one side that can be pinned, but opened for firetrucks or larger vehicles transporting kayaks, canoes for pond. Terry Denner would help measure and fabricate the gate.
- Mr. Moser asked if he could still drive his pick up to pond with kayaks on back. Yes. He can open the gate to drive in and close it again.
- The goal is to limit some of the full size vehicles (Cars/trucks) from driving on the cart path back to the beach.
- New Pond Sign should be ready to be installed next weekend.
Cindy Lynch asked if we are still considering a flag pole at the entrance of the island at the Esmann Island Rock. There had been discussion about having an Esmann Island Flag contest. Yes, the Board is in favor of the flag pole and Cindy will check into possible grant(s) from the Daughters of the Revolution organization. Tabled until next meeting.
Jane asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tony Reyerson made motion with a 2nd by Andrew Phelps. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 am.
Next monthly meeting will be held September 19th 8:00am
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Helling, Esmann Secretary