Author: EIOA

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

June 18, 2016

 Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order at 11:15 am by Doug Hintzman. Board members present: Chris Miller, Doug Hintzman, Tom Reimer, Chad Williams. Newly Elected Board members: Terry Denner and Bruce Copeland. Not present: Tony Reyerson. Also present were Laurie Helling(Secretary) & Helen Schwietert(Treasurer)

Members Present: Wayne Jensen, Steve Lampe, Max Smith

• First order of business was to confirm positions of President and Vice-President. Motion made by Chad Williams to re-elect Doug Hintzman as Board President, 2^nd by Chris Miller. Motion carried.
• Motion by Terry Denner to re-elect Chris Miller as Vice President, 2^nd by Tom Reimer. Motion carried.

Minutes:   Motion by Chris Miller to approve board minutes of 5/14/2016.  2^nd by Chad Williams. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report by Chad Williams,  2^nd by Tom Reimer. Motion carried.

Bills: Submission of Bills for Utilities, Bi-County Disposal, Lawn Cutting, and Friedlein Excavating. Motion to approve payment of bills by Chad Williams, 2^nd by Chris Miller. Motion carried.

Building Permits:

• Permit submitted by Lynch to replace existing 8 X 10 Shed. Building committee said permits are in order and it will meet setbacks. Approved by Board.
• Permit submitted by Francois for Deck Replacement. Incomplete information provided on replacement size etc, so approval is tabled until detailed specs are submitted.
• Smith permit issues were discussed and addressed. Porch and deck dimensions will need to be changed and moved in order to be in compliance with Island by-laws for property setbacks and DNR river high water mark. Owner agreed to make needed changes. Approval contingent on meeting all the required compliances with County/DNR and check back by Building Committee members.
• It was brought to Board’s attention of new shed constructed/placed on Allyn lot, no permit on file. Being addressed with owner.

MEMBER REMINDER:  The Island requires a permit for ALL structures. Clayton County now wants a permit filed for any sheds of 100 sq. feet or larger.  Please DO NOT BEGIN CONSTRUCTION without proper permits and prior board approval. Thank you!

Property Ownership Changes:

• None brought forward at this time.

Road Report:

• Nothing to report

Old Business:

• Addressed at the Annual Meeting
  • North Dock Repair (see Annual Meeting Minutes)

New Business:

• Board Terms-

3 years left: Terry Denner, Bruce Copeland

2 years left: Tom Reimer, Tony Reyerson, Chad Williams

1 year left: Doug Hintzman, Chris Miller

• Laurie Helling will continue as Secretary through next Annual Meeting.
• Helen Schwietert will remain Treasurer through next Annual Meeting.

• Abel Island asked permission to do some maintenance and decorating on the posts to the entrance of Abel. They would need to be on the Esmann side to complete some of the work. Board is okay with them doing the work.

Next Board Meeting will be held July 16, 2016 at 8:00 am

Motion made by Chris Miller to adjourn at 11:45 am. 2^nd by Chad Williams. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling

Secretary

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Annual Meeting  Minutes

June 18, 2016

Call to Order:  The Annual Meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by President Doug Hintzman.  Doug Hintzman made note that the Annual Meeting notice was mailed on June 4, 2016.

Board Roll Call:  Present were President Doug Hintzman, Vice-President Chris Miller, Board Members Tom Reimer, and Chad Williams. Tony Reyerson (Absent due to a family commitment out of state) Bill Allyn (Absent due to  Funeral) Treasurer: Helen Schwietert and Secretary Laurie Helling also present.

Annual Meeting Minutes of 6-13-15 were announced.

• Doug asked if any members present preferred the minutes to be read aloud. There were no requests or questions regarding minutes by members present, so therefore a motion was made for minutes not to be read.  Approved.
  • Doug Hintzman asked for Motion to approve the 2015 minutes. Motion made by Tom Reimer, 2^nd made by Chris Miller.  Motion carried.
• Doug Hintzman apologized for the annual minutes not being in the meeting mailing this year and will included in 2017 mailing.
• As always, minutes will be available on the Esmann website (www.esmannisland.com) , posted on office door and island bulletin board.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Cash Flow and Balance Sheet presented by Doug Hintzman.
• No questions from members present at meeting.
  • Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report by Chris Miller, 2^nd was made by Chad Williams and motion carried.

Reports of Officers:

1. Road Report –(Bill Allyn)
   1. Road remains generally in good shape at this time
   2. Question was raised by member Bob Gilkes about cleaning up debris left by last fall trimming on the back road. Chris Miller stated this was started but contractor equipment broke down. This clean up will be completed as soon as Moser’s equipment is repaired.
   3. Reminder members to trim low hanging branches along the road/streets that border their lots to keep sight lines as clear as possible and safety reasons.
   4. A big thank you to Island Members who assisted in Tree/Shrub Trimming last fall. Your help is greatly appreciated!
   5. If you notice any areas of concern on the roads, please let a board member know!

Report of Committees:

• Dock Committee –
  1. North Ramp dock condition.
     • Tom Nagel brought up the North ramp was moved to make loading and unloading easier.
     • Friedlein Excavating completed the pulling of rocks and silt from the ramp area.
     • Further discussion of ramp was held (see New Business)
  2. Repair work on 2^nd St ramp was completed by Friedlein Excavating this spring.
• Pond Committee: No Pond Committee member was present.
• Event Committee:
  1. Cindy Mller has extra copies of the calendar if you need a hard copy of upcoming events.
  2. The Events calendar is also emailed to members.
  3. If you wish to be on the email list for events and aren’t already, please contact Cindy Miller.
  4. If you are hosting an event, or would like to add an event to the calendar now or future, contact Cindy Miller.
  5. THANK YOU to all the island members hosting great and fun events!

Election of new Board Members:

• Bill Allyn has fulfilled his term obligation and was not seeking re-election.
  • Thank you for your service this past year!
• Ballots included nominations to the board for the following:
  • Terry Denner (on ballot)
  • Tom Reimer (on ballot)
  • Write In: Tom Nagel, respectfully declined
  • Write In: Bob Gilkes, respectfully declined
  • Write In: Dennis Winders, respectfully declined prior to meeting
  • Nomination from the floor, Bruce Copeland. Dottie Reimer made the nomination and Cindy Miller 2^nd.
• Since there were 3 Board openings, and 3 candidates, President Doug Hintzman asked for a motion from the floor to waive the paper voting.
• Member Tom Nagel made a motion to waive the voting and a 2^nd by Mike Schaffer. Motion passed by majority.
• NEW BOARD MEMBERS:
  • Terry Denner
  • Bruce Copeland
  • Tom Reimer (re-elected)

OLD BUSINESS:

1. GARBAGE –Bi-County Disposal

• Discussion held on satisfaction with new garbage service.
  • Everyone present seems very happy with service.
  • The employees are courteous and place garbage containers back where they were.
  • We have shown a substantial savings in using their service than previous garbage service.
  • At end of June, board will do a year comparison of usage and fees.
• Since Bi-County will pick up large items like appliances but you need to contact them ahead of time: 563-875-9076
  • It was also brought up there is a local scrap dealer you can contact named Laverne: 563-252-9187.
• Discussion was also held again on the Pros/Cons of Recyling options for island.
  • Options to be explored could be a large bin or recycle bin placed on island in a central location.
    • It was suggested if a dumpster of any kind was placed on Esmann, we should approach Abel Island to chip in on cost.
  • Board will check on cost and options available.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Don Niosi presented information regarding a Clayton County & City of Guttenberg Proposal for a multi-use trail from Marina Road to Buck Creek Rd.  Don and other island members attended a public forum in Guttenberg regarding the proposed trail. (Don’s notes from this meeting will be posted as a separate document or by clicking link below)
• http://esmannisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Proposed-Multi-Use-Trail-Clayton-Cty.pdf 
  • Discussion held on if this would be a good idea or if anyone had any concerns. The consensus of members present at meeting was very positive.
  • Paper passed around for members to sign if you are in favor of the trail. This paper with signatures in support of proposed trail would be sent to Yvonne Diller at the Iowa DOT by July 1^st, 2016.
  • Dottie Reimer made a motion to gather signatures and mail the support letter.   2^nd by Jeanne Niosi .  Motion approved.
  • NOTE: If you didn’t attend the meeting and would like to add your name, please contact a Board Member.

• Donna Gilkes raised the concern of BARD Cement cleaning out trucks in the north common area. Board agreed they should not be doing this and will send a letter or call about not cleaning out residue cement on island property.
• Donna Gilkes also brought up a timely reminder that ALL VEHICLES including 4 wheelers, Go-karts, scooters, mo-peds, Cars, etc. OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT!  Also please inform your Guests about our road rules and speed limit!

• Updating the 911 Directory!  Several members requested copies of the 911 Island Directory.  Secretary Laurie Helling stated there were several new owners & address changes. She will be updating those before making the new directory available as soon as possible!  It can be emailed or posted electronically.  Discussion held on possibly hard mailing it to all members since some don’t have digital access.
  • Member Ken Brandel made a suggestion of having a master list of member phone numbers  and possible Emergency Contact be kept in the office in case of emergency.  Personal phone numbers would not be published on the directory.

• Ken Schmitt raised his concern about boats staying overnight at the North Boat Ramp.
  • Shore space is limited for loading and unloading, and many members recall a previous understanding of no overnight parking.  Laurie Helling will go through island minutes and provide further information.
  • It was brought up that is the reason for the boat dock but members voiced concern over the condition of the dock, scratching boats on it, or difficulty in pulling up to it as opposed to simply pulling on shore to load/unload.  (see below for more dock discussion)
  • Discussion held on what options are there for overnight guests.
  • Reminder to everyone the Boat Ramps are for Island Members use only!  Please be considerate and courteous in parking.  Please instruct guests or large boat trailers to use the extra parking area on common ground by sand pit.  The roads need to be kept open for vehicles coming in and out with trailers in order to make the turns in backing up and pulling out.

• NORTH DOCK NEEDS REPAIR:
  • Because of the heavy amount of traffic and usage the North Ramp gets during the summer, it was brought up by Tom Nagel, that the dock itself really needs repairs.
    • The carpet on top needs to be replaced.
    • The Pontoons are in good shape but the wood frame needs to be addressed soon!
    • It was agreed the cushioning around the perimeter of the dock need to be replaced with better materials. (Carpet/plastic)  Several members voiced concerns of scratching their boats on the dock frame and thus have avoided using it for loading and unloading.

• Tom Nagel has (informally) been our dock committee for several years, but we need some new and “younger” island members to volunteer to be part of this committee.  Please consider giving Tom a hand!
  • It was also brought up by members on possible options to make the dock more ADA compliant.  i.e. Wider walkway, double rails, cement path to ramp.
  • This raised concerns of cost, feasibility, legal issues/responsibility. Will need to be researched more fully by Board.  Member Tom Lynch is checking into the possible wheelchair access.

• Member made a suggestion for the Board to invest in Wireless Microphones for the annual meeting.  Several members have difficulty in hearing all the discussions being held in the building.  Microphones and speakers would help in everyone having the ability to fully participate.  It was so noted by Board.
• MEMBER REMINDER:  Please keep dogs leashed!  This applies to guest’s pets as well.  It was brought up by a member reporting a large dog recently running loose which can cause concerns.  Also PLEASE “Pick Up after your Pooch”–whether it is in someone else’s yard, common ground or by the boat ramp area.  Thank you!

• TRAILER STORAGE: Don Niosi reminded members that boat trailer(only) storage is available in building during the summer months.  Boat trailer storage is a first come/first serve basis. Please contact Don Niosi if interested.  $30 per trailer.

General Reminders:

1. Reminder: Guttenberg Fireworks are July  2^nd.
2. Reminder: Abel  Island Fly In  (Saturday) Aug 20^th, 2016
3. Reminder: Esmann Island Golf Cart Parade, Labor Day Weekend-(Sunday) Sept 4^th, 2016

Doug Hintzman asked for a Motion to Adjourn.  Motion made by Chris Miller, 2^nd  by Chad Williams.  Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at approx. 11:15 am.

Thank you very much for your participation and input in our Annual Meeting!

Have an ENJOYABLE & SAFE Summer!

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

Hi everyone, I’ve resurrected the Esmann Island Buy, Sell & Trade page on this site. See the link at the top of the home page. Click to see current listings and check back since the items will change frequently.

This is a page for Members to post items for sale, looking to buy, or trade on the Island. Examples may be (but not limited to) Boats, motors, Jet Skis, golf carts, furniture, bicycles, fishing equip, docks etc…Please no requests to post items not related to the island.  

Contact Secretary, Laurie Helling (lahelling24@gmail.com) with information if interested in posting.  Thanks!! 

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

May 14, 2016

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order by Doug Hintzman at 8:00 am.

Board members present: Chris Miller, Doug Hintzman, Tom Reimer, Chad Williams, Bill Allyn

Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schwietert (Treasurer) *Tony Reyerson (Absent)

Members Present:

Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Cindy Miller, Bob Sims, Steve Lampe, Wayne Jensen

Minutes:

• Motion by to approve board minutes from 4-16-16. 1st by Chris Miller 2^nd by  Bill Allyn. Motion Approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Call for Motion to approve Treasure’s Report by Doug H. Motion made by Tom Reimer, 2^nd by Chad Williams. Motion Approved.

 Bills:

•  Utilities & Bi-County and Treasurer hours/miles submitted.
•  Motion made to accept bills. 1^st by Bill Allyn, 2^nd by Tom Reimer. Motion Approved.

Building Permits:

• Perrinjaquet Permit:  Replace and enlarge deck. Approved.
• Ertl: Permit Garage w/ Loft. *Motion to Approve Pending Setbacks.

Property Ownership Changes:

• Yvonne Roberts to Todd Ilax Lot #2

Road Report:  

• Nothing major at this point. Bill Allyn (Road Committee) has been checking and monitoring major construction areas for damage.

Old Business:

• Brush and branches leftover from Fall Clean-Up Day. Chris Miller contacted Moser for pricing. Moser quoted $135 an hour to clear and chip the leftover branches/debris on the back road. Call for motion to approve. 1^st by Tom Reimer, 2^nd Chad Williams.  Motion approved.
• *Will need to call for volunteers when a day/time is chosen for clean-up.
•  Don Niosi gave an update on Island Boat storage: All boats still in shed but will most likely all be out when weather gets better.
  • If you would like to store Boat Trailers in shed AFTER the Annual Meeting please contact Ken Niosi or Ken Brandel for availability and cost.

MEMBER REMINDER: If you have boats in the island shed for winter storage, they need to be removed before Annual Meeting, June 18^th.

• Mowing Update:  New lawn mowing contractor seems to be working fine. Still need to make sure he is aware of a couple common ground areas that need to be mowed.

• South Boat Ramp Update:  Scheduling with Friedlein to do the needed repair work to the drain pipe.

• North Boat Ramp Update:  Motion made to contact Friedlein about possibly scraping mud/silt to clean up the north boat ramp. Many complaints about the silting in on the cement ramp. Based on the discussion with Friedlein, future options will be discussed at annual meeting.  Motion to approve. Motion carried.

New Business:

• ANNUAL MEETING:   
  • June 18, 2016 10:00 a.m.  *Bring your own seating.
  • Board Member Positions Open:
    • 3 positions to fill:
    • (1) 2 year term
    • (2) 3 year terms
    • Nominations forms can requested from Board Member and/or
      • Nominees need to have 25 Island Owner signatures.
      • Nominee forms with original signature list to be submitted to Board Member/Secretary/Treasurer BY MAY 30^th

*PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A PART OF YOUR ISLAND ASSOCIATION BOARD!*

MEMBER REMINDER:  Current Dues $200 Residential Lot, $100 Non-residential Lot.

• Invoices will be sent with Annual Meeting Mailing.
• Annual Meeting Mailing will be sent out after Memorial Day weekend.

Next Board Meeting will be held June 18, 2016 at 10:00 am.  Request for motion be made to adjourn at 8:36 by Doug Hintzman.  Motion by Bill Allyn.  2^nd made by Tom Reimer. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling

Secretary

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

April 16, 2016

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order by Doug Hintzman at 8:09 am. Board members present: Chris Miller, Doug Hintzman, Tom Reimer, Chad Williams Tony Reyerson, Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schwietert (Treasurer) Bill Allyn (Absent)

Members Present:   Donna Gilkes, Terry Lubbens, Terry Demmer, Dottie Reimer, Tara Williams, Bob Sims, Ben Kettler, Wayne Jensen, Steve Lampe, Mert Duffy

Minutes:

• Motion by to approve board minutes from 10-10-2015. 2^nd by Chris Miller , 2^nd by Tony Reyerson. Motion Approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Motion to approve Treasure’s Report by Doug H. Motion made by Tom Reimer, 2^nd by Chad Williams . Motion Approved

Bills:

•  Utilities, Bi-County Disposal, Friedlein Excavating, Joe Rausch Maintenance, Misc. Office Supplies
•  Motion made to accept bills by Tom Reimer, 2^nd by Chad Williams

Building Permits:

• Linder Permit Approved
• Earl & Barbara Burkle Permit Approved
• Ben Kettler Permit. Building Committee Members presented. Motion to Approve by Chris Miller, 2^nd by Chad Williams.

Property Ownership Changes:

•  Lot #112 Linus & Louise Amling to Earl & Barb Burkle

Road Report:  

• Embargo is off.  Bill Allyn was not present to give full road report. Will do so at May meeting.

Old Business:

• Discussion reopened on 2^nd St boat ramp. Rough estimate of $2000 by Friedlein to bury the exposed pipe Suggested to pour 40 ft by 2 ft concrete over new drainage pipe. Another member suggested placing rip rap instead of concrete.
• Motion by Doug Hintzman to repair drainage pipe at 2^nd Ave ramp at a maximum cost of $2000 pending further discussion with Friedlein. 2^nd by Tony Reyerson.  Chris Miller will discuss options with Jeff Friedlein again.
• Brennan Project was completed last fall-no issues
• Tree Trimming—Discussion held on the need to pick up the leftover tree branches, logs etc. from llast fall tree trimming.  Chris Miller said legal opinion is to not to have island members run a chipping machine due to liability. Chris will check around with local service companies.
• Mowing Contract–Discussion on contracts submitted. Motion to approve lowest bid by Chris Miller. 2^nd by Chad Williams. Contract by Loras Matt Colesburg, Ia $2400

New Business:

• New Assessments—New Clayton County assessments were considerably higher on the field, island owned buildings (office & shed), common ground, pond area, boat ramp areas. The new assessments were contested by Doug Hintzman at the County level (Beacon/Schneider) and presented information/examples to lessen the assessment amounts on the buildings, open fields, sand pit, boat ramps. Doug was successful in reducing several of the assessments and will be going back to the County to try and reduce them further.
• ALL ISLAND OWNERS have until the end of April to file assessment appeals, write a protest letter, call and set appointment with assessor. HOWEVER—Be prepared to have and show “comparable” documentation to what was sold in last 3 or 4 years. Have specific examples of other comparable properties.
• Nuisance Properties:  Members present voiced concerns over a couple of nuisance properties on the island that are not being maintained and becoming an eye sore. Nuisance letters will be sent to these property owners to comply with association rules.  Lot #57 and Lot #133

 Next Board Meeting will be held May 14, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.  Motion made to adjourn 2^nd by Tom Reimer.  2^nd made by Chad Williams. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling

Secretary

Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

October 10, 2015

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order by Doug Hintzman at 8:00 am. Board members present: Chris Miller, Doug Hintzman, Tom Reimer, Chad Williams, Bill Allyn, Tony Reyerson. Absent: Greg Apel. Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schwietert (Treasurer)

Members Present:  Jeff Zearley, Steve Lampe, Dena Lampe, Linda Lampe, Bob Sims, Larry Brown, Donna & Bob Gilkes, Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Ken Schmerbach, Charlene Manson, Cindy Miller, Bruce Copeland, Carol Buhman, Mert Duffy.

Minutes:

• Motion by to approve board minutes from 10-9-2015. 2^nd by Chris Miller, 2^nd by Bill Allyn. Motion Approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Check submitted for Boat Storage in the building.
• Motion to approve Treasure’s Report by Doug H. Motion made by Bill Allyn, 2^nd by Tony Reyerson. Motion Approved.

Bills:

• Treasurer & Secretary Compensations 2015 submitted and approved.
• County Taxes paid

Building Permits:

• J. Zearley submitted plans for building screened in room on back of existing home. Discussion held. Building committee members approved proper permits and setbacks. Doug Hintzman made a motion to approve. 2^nd by Tony Reyerson. Motion passed.
• G. Apel variance request revisited. Doug Hintzman read the legal opinion on “structures/buildings” in regards to the by-laws. Taking this into consideration as well as by-laws, Doug asked for a motion to not approve the variance. 2^nd by Chad Williams. Motion passed.
  • Addendum:  Legal opinion http://esmannisland.com/esmann-island-hoa-100115/

Property Ownership Changes:

• None at this time

 Road Report:  

• Bill Allyn spoke to Jim Schleuter (School Bus) about our plans to trim the back road and he was happy to hear that information.
• Tentative Date of Tree Trim/Work Day October 24^th.
• Bill will be keeping an eye on a couple spots in the road with changing temperatures into the upcoming months. (Especially once frost sets in)

 Old Business:

• Pond Committee:  Results being compiled. Will post on website & bulletin board when received.
• Esmann Island Pond_Sandpit – Responses _ SurveyMonkey
• Rock/Sign Committee:
  • Susy Apel ordered the trees to plant around the rock.  3 of the trees are on backorder and will arrive in spring. (Thank you to Susy for getting those ordered!)
  • Maple Tree did arrive and is planted. (Thank you Bill Allyn for getting it in the ground!)
• Land Committee:  No updates to report at this time
• Brennan Dredging:
  • Doug H. filed Proof of Insurance
  • Brennan started their work this week. Transport Boats are at North Boat Ramp.
  • Doug H. will remind workers to park in the extra trailer spots on common ground rather than in boat ramp area.
• Second Street Boat Ramp:
  • Chris Miller needs to reconfirm with Jeff Friedlein about cost and timing of pipe repair. Need to confirm what the repair really entails, how long it would take and how much it will cost.

• Mailbox:
  • Some discussion reopened on the location of mailbox on Timberline.
  • Contacting PostMaster and looking into issue more.  Requested that when people shovel or blow snow around mailbox, please be aware of neighbors’ property and be careful not to cause damage.

• Tree Trimming—
  • Chris mentioned letting Alliant Energy clean up the interior road trees next to their power lines then take a look at what is left to cleanup. However, we realize there will be more to trim.
  • Gary Moser is contracted to trim trees on the back road.
  • Bob Gilkes made the suggestion of having the cable company to trim up along their lines as well.
  • Chris brought up to add to the annual meeting agenda a reminder to the island membership about keeping trees/shrubs trimmed back out off of the roads.

OCTOBER 24—TREE TRIMMING WORK/CLEAN UP DAY!

Meet by the Island Building.   TIME: TBD **Will post when confirmed

                  Call Chris Miller (319) 533-2281 if you are interested in helping out!!

MEMBER REMINDER:  Please trim back low hanging branches and shrubs etc. that encroach from your property in the roadway. They cause sight line hazards, scratch vehicles, and cause drivers to swerve in order to avoid them.

• Grass Mowing Bids:  Ad will be placed in the Guttenberg Press for 2016 bids.
• Snow Removal:  Board will contact and confirm snow removal pricing from Friedein.

New Business:

• Budget Proposal 2016:
  • Doug Hintzman made a motion to use the same budget as was adopted in 2015. Chad Williams 2^nd the motion.
  • If there are Discrepancies or changes needed, they will be made at the first meeting in 2016.
    • Areas of possible adjustment:
      • Garbage fees
      • Insurance costs
  • All board members approved. Motion carried.

• Doug Hintzman made a motion to have Dave Wagner continue preparing the Association Income Tax for 2015. Doug will contact Dave to confirm.
• ADDENDUM: Greg Apel resigned from the Board effective 10-13-2015.  Since this is last meeting of year, position will be filled at 2016 Annual Meeting.

Next Board Meeting will be held April 16^th, 2016 at 8:00 am.

Motion made by Doug Hintzman to adjourn at 8:54 a.m.  2^nd by Chris Miller. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling

Secretary

OCTOBER 24—TREE TRIMMING WORK/CLEAN UP DAY!

Meet by the Island Building.   TIME: TBD **Will post when confirmed

    Call Chris Miller (319) 533-2281 if you are interested in helping out!!

To Esmann Island Members:

This summer, residents have recently reported an increase in skunk/ raccoon families being near/around homes.  The board has sent out memos and reminders about garbage being placed in cans with secure lids or hung up high, in hopes of curtailing some of the nighttime activities by these animals. The Board reached out to the DNR for any input/assistance in managing this issue.

Please see reply below from Michael Griffin, DNR office.

———————————————————————————————————————-

On Esmann Island you are surrounded by a National Wildlife Refuge.  It is one of the greatest places to live in the United States.  I know you know this as well.  There are sometimes conflicts with being in that area between wildlife and residents.

I think your memo will go a long way to helping with the problem.  Skunks and raccoons will “den” in garden sheds and under old foundations.  Raccoons will forage for any easy meal.

• Curtailing outside feeding of cats and dogs will also help.
• Containers for garbage to making it harder for these wildlife groups to access garbage will also help.

Skunks eat a lot of grubs in yards. The June bugs you have become accustomed to in the summer hatch from a grub in your yard.  Skunks are very adept at digging these out and eating them.

• Treating a yard for grubs will discourage skunks from digging in a yard because you are eliminating the food source.
• Cleaning up around out buildings and plugging holes will discourage them from “denning” in those areas.

I have attached a list of Nuisance Wildlife professionals who can be contacted to trap and remove nuisance Wildlife.

I have also included the local Conservation Officers on this email.  They are Burt Walters and Jerry Farmer.

I would encourage the Cabin owners Association to contact local trappers during the upcoming season to allow access to the Island and harvest raccoons and skunks during the trapping season which begins November 7.

If an animal is causing concern for health or safety to a home owner he or she may dispatch that animal and dispose of the carcass but may not keep it.  The home owner should contact the Local Conservation Officer to let them know.  Burt Walters’s phone is 563 880 0108, Jerry Farmer’s phone is 563 880 0422.

Mike Griffin

MICHAEL K GRIFFIN  Mississippi River Wildlife Biologist

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

P 563 872 5700 |C 563 357 1736 | Michael.Griffin@dnr.iowa.gov

206 Rose St. | Bellevue IA 52031