Author: EIOA

https://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/2019NHA.html

Hello islanders!

It’s that time of year again.  Due to the ground frost going out– we are closing roads until further notice to heavy equipment, large trucks, trailers, etc. to protect the roads. We will post when it is OK to allow them resume once the soil stabilizes.  Note– if an island member (or any of their contracted work) damages the road, they are assessed any repair cost.  

The garbage container will stay at the south end of the island until the embargo is lifted. * There will be no garbage pick up at individual residences during this time.

Thanks for your help in maintaining our roads. Any questions or concerns, contact your board members. 

Please stay aware of changing variables which will affect river levels and forecasts!!! Click on link for Forecasts–https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/probability_information.php?wfo=arx&gage=gtti4

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

September 22, 2018

Meeting called to order at 8:04 AM by Terry Denner.

Members Present: Terry Denner, Bob Buhrow, Bruce Copeland, Tom Reimer, Tony Reyerson, Jane Ertl Root (acting as secretary).  Chip Flory, absent. Laurie Helling (Sect) absent.

Guests:  Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Jeff Heisling, Robin Heisling, Doug Hintzman, Bob Sims, Helen (Treasurer)

Minutes: The September minutes were approved as read.  Bob Buhrow made motion to approve.  Tom Reimer 2nd.

Treasury report:

• Boat storage money $252.00  (listed as Other Income) on R&E
• Minimal discussion.  Motion approved Bob Buhrow made motion. 2nd by Tom Reimer

Approval of BILLS:

• Concrete for poles for gate $165.41
• New signs made by IA prison Ind.  $145.09
• Meuser Lumber $68
• Treasurer service $204.00
• Secretary service $240.00
• Alliant Energy $ 34

Motion made by Tony Reyerson to approve current bills, Bruce Copeland 2nd. Motion passed

Future bills: Bi-County, Snow removal, Alliant.

Motion to pay bills over the winter:  Motion made by Bob Buhrow, 2nd by Tom Reimer. Motion passed.

Building Permit:

Jeff & Robin Heising, 412 Hickory Rd.  (Lot 1 of Lot 225) Waiting or permits for the island and county. Approved pending permits.

Road Report:

• Hanging of the back road high water gates will take place soon.
• Tony Reyerson, 401 River View Rd (Lot 208) moving a electrical pedestal to add a driveway.

Boat Storage Report:

• Jeff Brown is out. Dean Drew has taken Jeff’s place.  The building is full.
• Don’s comment; change the fees for single vs dual jet ski trailers.
• Discussion of security of the building for boat storage.
• Winterize the building, hang dates, secure boat storage building, hang signs: date set for Nov 3.

Any questions, contact Terry Denner.

Discussion of adding Road Closed sign for mid-island ramp for winter

Old Business:

None

New Business:

• Laurie, talk to Don about the kids rolling on corn bails… ???
• Change of permanent address for Dick Staab?
• Any last concerns will be addressed November 3rd. Time TDB

Next meeting tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 8:00AM  (Easter is April 20)

The meeting was adjourned at 8:44AM.  Tony Reyerson made motion, 2nd by Bruce Copeland

On behalf of your Esmann Board, have a healthy and safe Winter season.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays for all.

Submitted by,

Jane Ertl Root V.P.

cc: Laurie Helling, Secretary

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

September 22, 2018

Board Members Present:  Meeting called to order at 8:03 am by President Terry Denner. Board members present: Tom Reimer, Bruce Copeland, Bob Buhrow, Jane Ertl, Tony Reyerson and Chip Flory Also present were Helen Schwietert (Treasurer) Laurie Helling (Secretary)

Members present: Linda Lampe, Dale Hoffman, Teri Nelson-Denner, Cindy Miller, Chris Miller, Bob Sims, Ken Root

Minutes:

• Minutes of 8-18-18 meeting had been emailed to all board members. Motion made by Bruce Copeland to approve the board minutes.  2^nd by Tom Reimer.  All approved. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Per Treasurer: All Dues and Assessments Paid. Insurance is now current for the year.1 more payment for mowing services this year. Taxes will be paid in full for the year. $1850 Farmland rent received for the 2^nd half of the year.
• Motion made by Jane Ertl to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd by Bob Buhrow All approved. Motion passed.

Bills:

• Bills Presented:  Final Black Hills statement. Meter has been removed from Association office building.
  • Outstanding bill for sanding roads (Joe’s Maintenance) Bill had gotten stuck between papers in file cabinet and misplaced. $1050
  • Alliant
  • Guttenberg Press—Lawn Mowing Bid Ad
  • Removal of trees on north pond road to be split with member owner of adjacent lots. $700
  • Meuser Lumber- $4348.88 $168.17 Shelter materials
  • Lauren Mott Mowing-Final bill  $570
  • Laurie Helling-Sect. Reimbursement for Internet/Esmann Domain site and Hosting fee. $111.05
  • Pond Fund Reimbursement for Pond Sun Shades. $236.05
• Tony Reyerson made motion to approve bills, Chip Flory 2^nd.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

 Building Permits:

• 412 Hickory-Heising will be replacing current mobile home and replacing with a new mobile home in spring. Road deposit check received and island permit check received. Approved pending DNR and other permits.

Property Ownership Changes:

• None at this time

Road Report:

• Tom mentioned with all the rain there are a few low spots to be watched and addressed with cold patch.
• Back road high water gate posts installed. When set, gates will be hung for use during high water.

Boat Storage Committee:   Nothing new to report. Association building storage list is full. If there are any changes or you wish to be placed on a wait list contact Don Niosi.

Ramp Committee:     Must sign a letter for the Corps of Engineers and send to them.  Need new and additional signage.

Pond Committee:    (See Old Business)

• Cindy Miller again wanted to express a HUGE THANK YOU to all the volunteers who provided so much time and effort this year with the pond, island beautification and more!! Just so thankful.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Pond Fund Reimbursement to Association. There is no issue with direct reimbursement from pond fund as long as it is noted in QuickBooks ledger.
• Revisited agreement between Sheppard and Ormsby for retaining wall on Sheppard’s property.
• Reimer-revisited half lot adjustment question. Terry Denner denied any adjustment.

 NEW BUSINESS:

Lawn Mowing Bids for 2019+

• Several bids were submitted and discussed by Board Members.
• Discussion held on one submitted by Member: Hoffmann Lawn Care
  • Cost was less than other bids submitted
  • Accompanied by Certificate of Insurance
  • Pride of ownership as an Esmann member/owner
  • Motion made by Tony Reyerson to extend hire 3 yr contract to Hoffman Lawn Care
  • Bruce Copeland 2^nd Tom Reimer abstain. Motion carried.
  • Jane Ertl will contact other bids and thank them for their submission

NEW SIGNAGE:

• Discussion held on new signage needed for both boat ramps, parking area, pond and playground area. New Speed Limit Signs.
• Tony Reyerson will be checking on ordering new speed limit signs.

COMMENTS from the floor:

• Ken Root brought up a few points for consideration.
  • Have you ever considered converting the cornfield back into native prairie grass or flowers and natural habitat?  What are the pros/cons vs. renting vs. set aside.
    • Discussion held and tabled
  • It might be a good idea to place a security camera on the pole by the dike road and back road intersection. Just as a way to monitor vehicles (especially unknown) in case anything would happen on island.
    • Discussion held and tabled
  • As much taxes as the Island Members and Association are assessed by county and state we really should consider having a committed person to lobby on our behalf in order to have supervisors and legislators ear more than we do. We pay taxes but really have nothing in return.
    • Discussion held and tabled.

 Next Board Meeting is October 20, 2018 at 8:00 am

Terry Denner asked for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Jane Ertl,  2^nd by Chip Flory  Motion approved. Adjourned at 9:20 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

August 18, 2018

 Board Members Present:  Meeting called to order at 8:10 am by President Terry Denner. Board members present: Tom Reimer,  Bruce Copeland, Bob Buhrow, Jane Ertl, Tony Reyerson. Absent: Chip Flory Also present were Helen Schwietert (Treasurer) Laurie Helling (Secretary)

Members present: Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Dottie Reimer

Minutes:

• Minutes of 7-21-18 meeting read aloud by Secretary. Motion made by Bruce Copeland to approve the board minutes.  2^nd by Bob Buhrow.  All approved. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Per Treasurer: Still 2 outstanding and now overdue Assessments. Letters will be sent. Need to be paid ASAP.
• Motion made by Bob Buhrow to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd by Jane Ertl. All approved. Motion passed.

Bills:

• Bills Presented:  Insurance, Utilities, Mowing, County Taxes
• Bob Buhrow made motion to approve bills, Tony Reyerson 2^nd. All in favor.  Motion carried.

Building Permits:  None at this time. However, discussion was held regarding a landscaping wall S. Sheppard would like to construct adjacent to neighboring lot at his storage shed site. Tony Reyerson suggested a Title Company write up a document so both parties would agree to details and that nothing can be built on it. It would be filed with Association. Follow up at next meeting.

Property Ownership Changes:

• None at this time

Road Report: Nothing to report at this time

Boat Storage Committee:   Don Niosi presented updated and current list for fall storage. At this point the building is full and members on waiting list. Any questions, please contact Don Niosi.

Ramp Committee:    Nothing to report at this time

Pond Committee:   Shelter is progressing very well. Lots of activity last weekend.  Thanks to everyone who pitched in!

• Scott Kainz volunteered to pull electrical wire for us when ready. Discuss with Alliant. Will run North to a pedestal.
• Discussion on creating and placing more prominent signage around the pond and playground area.
• Discussion on possible statute and future self-governance of area.
• Discussed Pond Fund which has grown quite a bit and what is proper way to reimburse the Island Association for expenses.
  • Board will contact Dave Wagner

OLD BUSINESS:

• Association Insurance
  • Decision was made to move from Grinnell Mutual to United Fire. The coverage will be equal to what we had. Scott DeSousa, representative based in Dyersville from Friedman Insurance (Dubuque), came to the meeting to explain policies and answer any questions from Board members.
  • Switched to United Fire August 15^th. Policy is matched apples to apples from the policy we had previously with Grinnell Mutual.
  • Coverage for Buildings etc. (replacement cost)
  • General Liability coverage with additional umbrella policy, fiduciary, surety bond.
  • Director and officers coverage
  • Annual Cost $2947
  • Draft letter to Tujetsch Agency thanking them for their past service.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Member Dottie Reimer brought up to the board that she and her husband Tom own half of Lot 108 which is a very small and unimproved lot and only used for river access. Dottie was requesting that since this is only a 10 ft walkway and easement it should be granted an adjustment on dues assessment.
• Tabled for next meeting and further discussion
• REMINDER: GOLF CART PARADE on SUNDAY-SEPT. 2^ND LABOR DAY WEEKEND!
  • NOTE: New starting & ending point at the POND SHELTER!
  • Line up at 9:30 Parade start 10 am
  • 2 Divisions: Adult and Kids
  • At end of parade there will be a Pot Luck Meal at the shelter for a Recognition & Dedication ceremony!
  • More details to come!

• NOTE: September Meeting has been moved a week later because of several Board schedule conflicts.

 Next Board Meeting is September 22, 2018 at 8:00 am

Terry Denner asked for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Jane Ertl,  2^nd by Bob Buhrow.  Motion approved. Adjourned at 9:15 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

July 21, 2018

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order at 8:10 am by President Terry Denner. Board members present: Tom Reimer,  Bruce Copeland, Bob Buhrow, Jane Ertl, Chip Flory, Tony Reyerson  Also present were Helen Schwietert (Treasurer) Laurie Helling (Secretary)

Members present: Don Niosi, Dave Wagner

Minutes:

• Minutes of 6-23-18 meeting read aloud by Secretary. Motion made by Chip Flory to approve the board minutes of 6-23-18  2^nd by Tom Reimer.  All approved. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Terry Denner & Jane Ertl recently moved funds to an 8 month CD at Fidelity Bank with a 2.35% rate.
• Accumulated Depreciation was noted and corrected in the QuickBooks report on the Association laptop.
• Per Treasurer: Still about 19-20 Member Dues Outstanding. Will be sending reminders. Need to be paid ASAP. Any assessment not paid by August 3, 2017 will be assessed an interest charge of 12%.
• Motion made by Bruce Copeland to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd Bob Buhrow. All approved. Motion passed.

Bills:

• Bills Presented:  Utilities, Mowing, 2 invoices for gate materials.
  • Materials were purchased for fabrication of high water gates for back road  $694.08 and $199.85
  • Mowing- Current mowing service will finish out the 2018 year.
  • Bids will be taken for the 2019 mowing for common grounds.
    • Will place ad in Guttenberg Press
  • Treasurer’s Time Sheet $390.75
  • Utlities: Black Hills *Board will ask BH to remove the gas meter at office building. Hardly ever used. Will switch furnace to propane tank.
    • Bi-County
    • Alliant
• Tony Reyerson made motion to approve bills, Chip Flory 2^nd. All in favor.  Motion carried.

 Building Permits:  None at this time

• Road Deposit remitted by Kent Root & Jane Ertl
• Note: Seawall construction does need a permit from board including Road Deposit.

Property Ownership Changes:

• Lot 210 (357 Second Ave) from Hess to Biedermann Homes, LLC .

Road Report:   At conclusion of meeting, Board members will drive around island to inspect current road deposit checks and if they are ready to be returned to members.

Boat Storage Committee:   Don Niosi presented updated and current list for fall storage. At this point the building is full and members on waiting list. Any questions, please contact Don Niosi.

Ramp Committee:   North Ramp Work has been completed and open for use.

Pond Committee:   Thank you to everyone who volunteered for Clean Up Day at the Pond

OLD BUSINESS:

• Association Insurance
  • Board is conducting a review of current insurance, cost, coverage and policies as the renewal date is approaching August 15^th. Annual cost has been approx. $4500 this past year.
  • Discussion held on reviews so far of coverage for general liability, umbrella policy, coverage for fiduciary activity etc.
  • New bids from Grinnell Mutual and United Fire
  • Dave Wagner was present at meeting and verified the Esmann Association is a ‘C” Corporation on taxes rather than an HOA.
  • Discussion tabled upon further review of coverage, policies and cost comparisons.
  • August 11-Special Meeting of Board members to discuss and decide on insurance going forward.
• REMINDER: Esmann Island Garage Sale—Weekend July 28!

 NEW BUSINESS:

• Shelter Rafters and poles have been donated
• Discussion held on future use of shelter/pavilion and having a sign-up sheet for reserved use.
  • Discussion on a small reservation fee
  • New signage for pond and common ground area

  Next Board Meeting is August 18, 2018 at 8:00 am

 Terry Denner asked for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Jane Ertl,  2^nd by Bob Buhrow.  Motion approved.  Adjourned at 9:05 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary