Esmann Island
Board Meeting Minutes
Date: 07/19/2025
Time: 8:00am – _9:30
Location: Esmann Office
Facilitator: Josh Geistkemper (President) Called meeting to order at 8:00am
Note taker: Nikki Lynch (Secretary)
ATTENDEES
Tim Plagge, Tom Stueck, Kate Hoffman, Terry Denner, Cindy Lynch (Treasurer)
REPORTS
Report #1: Monthly Expenses Report
Details: Freedline $300.00, Alliant $15.79, Insurance $303.00, Bi-County $4,500.00
Motion to approve by Josh and 2nd by Kate
Report #2: Building Permits
Details: Mark Moser is replacing a 12×24 building with a 24×24 building with concrete
Josh signed off on this project.
Report #3: Committee Discussions
Details: Kari Winders representing the Pond Committee discussed the newly donated hand washing station at the pavilion. Thank you to Buddy Martens Lot 328.
Kari planted 2 new trees up at the recreation area, an apple and a shade tree. The cost was $80 for both trees. Everyone is encouraged to plant trees if they want up at the rec area but please talk to Kari to determine the correct location and plan to also stake.
Terry mentioned that there are 5 memory benches that need to be placed. If anyone is able to help with pouring the cement pads, please let Terry know or we will need to discuss hiring someone.
Kari also mentioned that the pond is quite covered in algae, etc. due to backwater from Buck Creek. Once things settle, she will spray again. There is also another aerator that needs to be placed, just waiting for electrical help.
Report #4: Roads
Details: Based on feedback from the annual meeting we will continue to sealcoat. Abel will be resurfacing their roads this year but we will wait to observe to see how their roads look and then make a decision as to when Esmann will resurfacing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item #1: Tree Removal Letters
Details: Josh stated that everyone did a great job last year removing old trees but we still have many that need to come down. Letters will be going out to those who need to remove trees.
Item #2: Website
Details: Josh has reached out to discuss building a new secure site. In the meantime, we will continue to update the old site in an attempt to make it more user friendly.
Doug Hinzman suggested an online portal called “Pay HOA” that would allow owners to pay for yearly dues online. Please take a look at this portal as we will discuss further at the next meeting.
Item #3: Condensed Building Checklist
Details: Terry is working on a condensed building checklist. We will also be updating all forms on the website to ensure accuracy.
Item #4: New Dock
Details: A new document was sent from Roadway Sport-N-Trailer, breaking down the charges. (see attachment) Estimated total is $11,775.00. Josh went over the drawing and the major details of the new dock. Terry stated that with this price, he can pick up once it is paid for and have it installed fairly quickly. Hoping to be installed by fall. Terry made a motion to move forward with the new dock and Tom 2nd the motion.
There was also discussion of trying to sell the old dock and also addressing the issues with the current ramp and what needs to be done to improve it. More discussion to follow.
Item #5: Garage Ownership Without Living Quarters
Details: Tami Haars was in touch with the board and was giving the details regarding the by-laws and has decided to place her garage up for sale.
Item #6: Campers
Details: Letters will be going out to address owners that have campers on their property. The board is requesting proof that the camper is registered in their name. Anyone that has a camper on their property that is not registered to them will be asked to remove the camper within 30 days or there will be consequences. Kate made a motion to proceed with sending letters and Tim 2nd.
NEW BUSINESS
Item #1: Guttenberg Island Gas Work
Details: Patrick from Black Hills Energy was here to discuss natural gas pressure upgrades on the island to eliminate the regulating station located at the front entrance. Also, the installation of additional valves across the island to improve the ability to isolate sections as needed. This project seems to be going well. If anyone has any issues with their gas being shut off, please contact Black Hills at any time and they will move quickly to get the gas turned back on.
Member Comments/Discussion
Details: Terry mentioned that he is trying to get someone from the DNR to discuss how changes to Busse Lake and to the main channel will affect the island. More details to follow.
Kate made a motion to dismiss at 9:27am and was 2nd by Time
Meeting Dismissed. Next meeeting will be Aug 16, 2025 @ 8:00am