August 15, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

August 15, 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, Greg Apel, Bill Allyn, Tony Reyerson  Absent: Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schweidert (Treasurer)

Members Present:

Donna Gilkes, Steve Lampe, Don & Jeanne Niosi, Ken Schmerbach, Cindy Miller, Ken Brandel, Wayne Jensen, Mary Sheppard, Steve Sheppard, Scott & Christine Kainz, Kathy Davis, Dennis & Kari Winders, Andy Blaylock.

Minutes:

  • Correct the date on the minutes from July minutes.
  • Motion by Bill Allyn to approve board minutes from 7-18-2015. 2nd by Tony Reyerson. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report by Bill Allyn, 2nd by Chad Williams. Motion carried.
  • 6 Outstanding Annual Assessments to be notified and addressed.

Bills:

  • Bills submitted–Bi-County Disposal $1,288
    • Appears to be substantial savings thus far using Bi-County Disposal.
  • Motion to approve payment of bills by Bill Allyn, 2nd by Greg Apel. Motion carried.

Building Permits:

  • Steve Shephard:  421 Timberlane – Put shed/garage on existing pad.
  • Scott Kainz:  405 White Oak
  • Motion to approve permits by Tom Reimer, 2nd by Chris Miller

Property Ownership Changes:

  • 353 – 3rd Street from R&K Davis to J & M Geistkemper.

 Road Report:  

  • Bill Allyn reported there are no changes, just a few areas to be monitored. (i.e. island entrance)

 Old Business:

  • Pond Committee:
    • Kari Winders has prepared a Survey Monkey to be sent to island email group on gathering ideas and suggestions for the pond.
    • Discussed whether the Guttenberg Fire Dept has been to the island lately to check on condition since it is used a water source for north end of island in case of fire. Bill Allyn will check with Fire Dept.
    • Still more research needed on pond status as private vs. public access.
    • Chris Miller made a motion to post survey, Chad Williams 2nd the motion. Motion passed.
  • Rock/Sign Committee: Gail Sheer, Terry Denner, Susie Apel
    • Discussion on posting signage at boat ramps clearly indicating “For Esmann Members Only” usage
  • Land Committee:
    • Further discussion encouraged by Don Niosi to work closely with Janet Ott (Clayton County) regarding any future land usage which need to be carefully investigated with the county departments etc.
    • Recheck the by-laws in so far as so everyone understands what is considered/defined as a business. This is very important as it could potentially affect the island “non-profit” tax status.
  • Brennan Dredging:  Waiting on response. Doug Hintzman will follow up on contract status.
  • Dock Repair—2nd Street.  Recheck on whether Freidlein had a contract in fall 2014 to repair and if it was ever completed.
  • Tony Reyerson to call farmer regarding land/field contract renewal.

New Business:

  • Insurance Renewal—Tabled until the policies will renew in Spring. Chris Miller and Doug Hintzman will check with the Insurance Agent on policies prior to renewal.
  • REMINDER: PLEASE, PLEASE, SLOW DOWN!! There have been several concerns of speeding on the island, especially on the back road and past the sandpit area. It has been noticed that the speeders were cars/trucks/vehicles driving well above the 15 mph! Some appear to be island members and others are unknown vehicles.
    • ALSO please make sure your Guests/Visitors are aware of the 15 mph limit. There are little children walking, riding bikes, and people enjoying a nice walk.
      • SLOW DOWN—BE SAFE!
  • Discussion held on trimming back the trees along back road.
    • There are some trees/brush hanging very low and along sides. Discussion held on whether to have island volunteers or hiring someone to do it for us. Chris Miller will talk to Moser, Briggs, and Waterberry from Abel about pricing etc.
    • Also discussion to REMIND members to trim back low hanging branches and shrubs etc. that encroach in the roadway. They cause sight line hazards, scratch vehicles, and cause drivers to swerve in order to avoid them.
  • Reminder of Golf Cart Parade-Sunday of Labor Day Weekend!

Next Board Meeting will be held September 19, 2015.

Motion made by Doug Hintzman to adjourn at 8:49 am.  2nd by Chris Miller. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling

Secretary

Board Minutes July 18, 2015

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

June 18, 2015

 

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order by Doug Hintzman at 8:03 am.

Board members present: Chris Miller, Doug Hintzman, Tom Reimer, Chad Williams, Greg Apel, Bill Allyn, Tony Reyerson, Laurie Helling (Secretary), Donna Gilkes(Treasurer)

 

Members Present: Ken Schmerbach, Larry Brown, Bob Sims, Kathy Davis, Rick Davis, Susy Apel, Ken Brandel, Cristy Huber, Kathy Reily, Andy Blaylock, Brian Hamling, Cindy Miller, Dennis Winders, Kari Winders, John & Jean French.

 

Minutes:

  • Motion by Chris Miller to approve board minutes 5/13/2015. 2nd by Chad Williams. Motion carried.

 

 

Treasurer’s Report:

  • Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report by Tony Reyerson, 2nd by Tom Reimer. Motion carried.

 

Bills:

  • Bills submitted-Utilities, Lawn Care, Misc.
  • Motion to approve payment of bills by Bill Allyn, 2nd by Tony Reyerson. Motion carried.

 

**MEMBERS REMINDER: If you have not paid your annual DUES, please do so, as they will become delinquent after August 1st.

 

Building Permits:

  • None reported at this time.
  • Andy Blaylock will be joining the Island Building Committee.

 

Property Ownership Changes:

  • Lot #294-295 Walford to Shepherd
  • Lot #391 Beyers to Hendricks

 

Road Report:

  • Bill Allyn: Double check on a few low spots that may need to be filled (patched) on the road near island entrance.

 

Old Business:

 

  • Brennan Dredging Co.—
    • At this time it appears Brennan will be moving sand from McMillan Island (mid-late) Sept through November. They are contracted to have work completed by last week of November.
    • There was some concern by duck/goose hunters about ramp accessibility, however, North Boat Ramp will remain open as usual. Brennan just needs to use it as a way to get over to McMillan Island and back.
    • Once the sand has been moved from McMillan to Buck Creek area, the breakdown of pipe will be completed in approximately a three day window. This would involve physically breaking/cutting pipe around pit area.
    • Brennan will park roughly 6 vehicles for employees (may vary) at the time they are working at McMillan through removal of pipe. They will park in any area we designate for them.
    • $5000 road deposit will be secured (in case of potential damage from any truck traffic), proof of insurance, a general contract will be drafted before they commence any work on island.
    • Discussion about a “trade off” of services in lieu of having them use our sand pit area for pipe removal.
      • Doug Hintzman will continue discussion with Brennan.

 

    • North Ramp & S. Boat Ramp
      • Continued discussion on cleaning out the silt, rocks that have filled in on and around ramp.
      • Reopened discussion on making the walkway Handicap accessible on the north ramp.
        • Would like to ask island members for assisting, providing materials or donating a wider walkway than presently in use. If interested in assisting please contact a board member.
  • Bi-County Disposal Update:
    • Chris Miller and Greg Apel have been watching the “average” of pickups in the first few weeks with Bi-County Disposal. It is possible the island may save some additional money if the average stays lower than what was originally estimated.
    • *NOTE: Bi-County will NOT automatically pick up appliances, large furniture, mattresses, etc.
      • **REMINDER TO MEMBERS: Please secure your garbage as much as possible! Hang garbage bags up higher or use cans with tight lids to discourage animals getting into the bags and making a huge mess. Thanks!!
    • PLEASE CALL AHEAD directly to Bi-County Disposal if you have large items and/or appliances to be picked up. Homeowner will be billed per their arrangements.

 

  • Web Site Security—
    • Need to confer with Mike Shaffer on setting up security/payment of island website.
    • Island member Andrew Phelps has indicated he would help with securing website for us.
    • Chris Miller will contact Andrew Phelps.
    • Laurie Helling volunteered to administrate the website.

 

New Business:

 

  • Discussion on forming a 2 person Auditing Committee simply as another check/balance to have in place for island finances.

 

    • Motion by Greg Apel to have one board member/one non board member. 2nd by Tony Reyerson. Motion passed.
    • Non-Board Member will be Kathy Davis & Tony Reyerson Board Member
  • Pond:
    • Concerns were brought before the board by island owner Kari Winders about the pond, and actions to address it’s condition and future improvement. Pond is steadily filling in with sand and fishing is very poor compared to past years.
    • Discussion held on possible improvements/suggestions for the pond and pond area.
  • A suggestion was made to send a Survey online to gauge interest from island members on their ideas about the pond.
    • Kari Winders has done research on grant money available for private ponds and will be compiling additional information.
  • Motion by Doug Hintzman to form 3 member driven committees, 2nd by Greg Apel. Motion Carried.

 

      • Sign/Landscape Committee
        • Will work on adding/maintaining landscaping by Esmann Sign (rock), common areas, (if needed), and any signage needed on island.
      • Pond Committee
        • Will address current condition of pond, future suggestions and improvements.
      • Land Committee
        • Will address farm land leasing and long term ideas for future usage.           Committee chairs/members and further discussion tabled until August meeting.  **Boat Storage Committee–Motion was made by Chris Miller to continue having someone in charge of (Winter) Boat Storage, and (Summer) Trailer storage in the Island Building. 2nd by Tom Reimer.
    • Don Niosi & Ken Brandel will continue as they have done in past with boat storage in the Island Building.
    • Please contact Don Niosi if you are interested in off season storage and wish to be added to the list. **Please Note: There is often a waiting list.

 

 

NOTE: A huge THANK YOU to all the folks who helped with tree clean up after recent storms. It is much appreciated and needed in a “neighbor helping neighbor” community!

 

Next Board Meeting will be held August 15, 8 am.

 

Motion made by Bill Allyn to adjourn at 9:05 am 2nd by Tony Reyerson. Motion approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Laurie Helling

Secretary

Esmann Island Annual Meeting Agenda

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Annual Meeting Agenda

June 13, 2015

 

Call to Order was called to order at 10:08 am by President Dave Wagner.

Dave made note that the Annual Meeting notice was mailed on 5-28-15.

 

Board Roll Call was presented by Secretary, Laurie Helling :

Doug Hintzman, Chris Miller, Dave Wagner, Ken Brandel, Don Niosi, Mike Shaffer, and Jim McGuire.

Donna Gilkes (Treasurer) also present.

Annual Meeting Minutes of 6-21-14 were announced but motion not to read aloud. No questions by members present. Dave Wagner made Motion to approve the 2014 minutes, 2nd made by Terry Lubbers. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet presented by Dave Wagner.

  1. Member Joe Ertl raised a question about staying a non-profit status with banked funds.
  2. Dave Wagner responded to Mr. Ertl’s questions and gave assurances the tax laws are being followed correctly and there shouldn’t be any concern to holding funds for future expenditures. (i.e. road resurfacing etc.)
  3. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report by Ken Schmerbach, 2nd was made by Terry Lubbers and motion carried.

Reports of Officers: 

          Road Report –(Ken Brandel)

    1. Road remains generally in good shape at this time
    2. 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.
    3. A big thank you to Ken Brandel and Wayne Jensen for doing the legwork to get the railroad crossing replaced at the entrance to the island at the end of last summer. Huge improvement and greatly appreciated!
    4. There are a few small holes that should be filled in in a few areas (marked) with stakes. Board members will address and get them repaired.

 

         Web site Info (Mike Shaffer)

    1. Nothing new to report at this time
    2. Discussion by members to make the Esmann Island secure and password protected in the future, given the island minutes/by-laws etc and other information should not be for public view.
    3. Board members will follow up and if any changes made to website, it will be communicated to members.

Report of Committees:

  • Dock Committee
    1. Tom Nagel was brought to the Board’s attention that the North Ramp dock condition is deteriorating. Board members will check into dock condition, and what possible repairs may be needed.
    2. It was also mentioned by an island member to check into adding a wider ramp to the dock that would allow wheelchair (accessibility).
    3. North Side of Ramp has a lot of rocks building up and causing sand to silt in, Board should consider possible options to clean that out, as it is affecting slant and drop off of the ramp.

Acceptance of Resignation of Board Members:

  • Motion made to accept board resignations effective June 13, 2015 of Don Niosi, Mike Shaffer and Jim McGuire.
  • Dave Wagner and Ken Brandel fulfilled their term obligations and were not seeking re-election.
    • It is duly noted member Joe Ertl-voiced concerns for resignations, transparency, our continuing need for all island members to work together and in partnership with Corps of Engineers, and raising of dues.
    • Acknowledgment and round of applause to the outgoing board for their years of service.

Election of new Board Members:

  • Ballots included nominations to the board for the following:
    • Bill Allyn, Greg Apel, Tom Reimer, Tony Reyerson, and LaDonna Nagel.
  • LaDonna Nagel was unable to accept the nomination at this time, so write in nominations were accepted for Chad Williams and Dennis Winders, Jr.

ADDENDUM: Ballots were counted and following are the new members of the Island Association Board:

  • Tony Reyerson
  • Greg Apel
  • Bill Allyn
  • Tom Reimer
  • Chad Williams

 

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. Dave Wagner read through the Recreational Vehicle Guidelines which were jointly agreed upon between Esmann and Abel Island for identification of carts, cart safety for drivers and riders.
    1. It is strongly recommended to have members check insurance policies to cover golf carts and recreational vehicles.
    2. With more golf carts and other recreational vehicles on the island roads than in years past, it is of the utmost importance to all island members to adopt a “safety-first” attitude.
  2. Motion made to approve Guidelines, 2nd made, Approved by Members at meeting.
  3. JF Brennan Dredging Discussion:
    1. Summary of Brennan proposal-Company contracted by Corp of Engineers to utilize North Boat Ramp area for boat docking and parking.
    2. Sand dredged from McMillan Island will not be brought on or through Esmann Island. However, JF Brennan company presented at May Board Meeting to request using sand pit area to remove pipe once dredging is complete late fall.
    3. Discussion on this proposal:
      1. Agreed upon to check into company’s proof of insurance, gain a road deposit (IF they end up using island property to remove pipe), and if pipe removal is negotiated to draft a legal contract with Brennan.
      2. Negotiate with Brennan (rent/dollar compensation) in using island roads & the sand pit to remove pipe-Board will contact company.
      3. Island members would like board to check with Brennan about ramp usage & parking.
        1. Will the North Ramp remain open for members?
        2. Is it possible to ask the JF Brennan employees to park by the sand pit rather than in the limited North ramp parking area?
      4. Dave Wagner asked for a Motion to defer the continued Brennan Discussion to newly elected Board. Motion by Ken Schmerbach, 2nd by Terry Lubbers. Motion approved.
  4. Garbage Service proposals:
    1. At May 2015 Board meeting Hawkeye Sanitation made a presentation for renegotiating Cost of Services. At that time it was decided to check into other options. These options were presented to members at Annual Meeting.
    2. Doug Hintzman summarized Hawkeye Sanitation proposal .
    3. Chris Miller summarized Bi-County proposal.
    4. Discussion held on having a Recycling Option with both companies.
      1. After discussion, Dave Wagner asked for a motion on accepting or declining Recycling Option. Motion was made and 2nd. Vote was to decline the recycling option by majority of members.
      2. Motion made to defer final decision to Board members on choosing the sanitation company. Motion was 2nd by a member and motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • Esmann Island Event Calendar
    1. Cindy Miller spoke briefly about the Esmann Island Calendar which highlights some wonderful events being hosted by members (and open to all island members) throughout the summer months.
      1. If a member wishes to include an event on the calendar that will be open to all Esmann Island members , they need to provide information/details to Cindy Miller.
      2. LaDonna Nagel would be interested in coordinating an island “Garage Sale” if there is enough interest. Please contact LaDonna if members are interested.
      3. The social event calendar will not be posted on the Esmann Island Website until it is secured for privacy issues.
      4. Updated calendar events can be emailed to members and/or posted on island Bulletin Board. Laurie Helling will be compiling an email address group for those interested in receiving updates digitally.

 

    1. Reminder: Guttenberg Fireworks are July 3rd
    2. Reminder: Abel Island Fly In Aug 29th
    3. Treasurer Position will be Open in July. If any member is interested, please get a resume and letter of interest to a current Board Member in the next few weeks. This is a paid position.
    4. 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.
    5. Secretary, Laurie Helling, reminded members there is an Esmann Island Facebook page and asked for input on making this a closed group.
    6. Discussion held, and it will be kept open at this site for now.  Instead board will work on securing and password protecting Esmann Island Website for disseminating island communication.
    7. Laurie Helling donated two framed photographs for a drawing.
      1. Winners were: Mark Moser and Roger Bailey.

 

  1. Dave Wagner asked for a Motion to Adjourn. Motion made by Ken Schmerbach, 2nd by Terry Lubbers. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at approx. 11:25 am.

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

Have a ENJOYABLE & SAFE Summer!

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

 

 

Esmann Island June Board Minutes

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting    

June 13, 2015

 

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order at 11:58 am. Newly elected Board members present:

Chris Miller, Doug Hintzman, Tom Reimer, Chad Williams, Greg Apel. Laurie Helling(Secretary), Donna Gilkes(Treasurer) Not present: Tony Reyerson and Bill Allyn.

  • First order of business to elect new President.Motion made by Chris Miller to elect Doug Hintzman as new Board President, 2nd by Chad Williams. Motion carried.
  • Motion by Doug Hintzman to elect Chris Miller as Vice President, 2nd by Tom Reimer. Motion carried.

Members Present: Bob Gilkes, Ken Brandel

Minutes:

Motion by Chris Miller to approve board minutes 5/2/2015. 2nd by Tom Reimer. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report by Chris Miller, 2nd by Tom Reimer. Motion carried.

  • Discussion on possibly changing from cash to accrual system in the future just for tracking dues. (Using QuickBook system already in place)
  • Doug Hintzman and Donna Gilkes will need to gather paperwork at bank this week to authorize change in new Board member names on accounts so bills can continue to be paid without interruption.

Bills:

Bills for Utilities and Misc. bill Ken Brandel submitted. Motion to approve payment of bills by Chad Williams, 2nd by Chris Miller. Motion carried.

Building Permits:

  • No new permits at this time, however it was noted there appeared to be some building taking place on island. Building Committee will check to make sure any permits needed are applied for.
  • With Chad Williams joining board, he will no longer be eligible to serve on Building committee. Currently still have 2 building committee members, would be beneficial to have 1 (possibly two) more members.
    • Steve Lampe and Wayne Jensen current members
    • Laurie Helling will make sure new building committee contact info communicated to island members.

Property Ownership Changes:

  • Lot 107 Proctor going to Huber/Reily

Road Report:

  • Road Committee—motion made by Chris Miller to nominate Bill Allyn. 2nd by Tom Reimer. Motion carried.
  • Discussion on an easement question—presented to board by Ken Brandel on behalf of island member/property owner. Doug Hintzman will discuss with property owner asap since they are only on the island for the next week.
  • Patch needed on a few holes on road near entrance to island.

Old Business:

  • North Ramp Dock: Doug Hintzman and Chris will look at dock with Tom Nagel and see what repairs may be needed.
  • North Ramp needs to be checked out to see what needs to be done to even out rocks and silt and the bad drop off.
  • Brennan dredging- Tabling discussion until new board members talk to Brennan company about questions raised at Annual Meeting. List of questions including:
      • Proof of insurance? Road deposit? Need for legal contract with Brennan?
      • Check with Brennan about ramp usage & parking.
        • Will the North Ramp remain open for members?
        • Is it possible to ask the JF Brennan employees to park by the sand pit rather than in the limited North ramp parking area?
  • Sanitation Company Discussion:
    • Hawkeye vs. Bi-County
    • Area Recycle Drops—Since the recycling option was voted down at the annual Meeting, Laurie is working on getting information for area recycle locations and will post online and bulletin board.
    • Clarify with Bi-County:
      • Time of pick up?
      • Holiday schedule?
      • Amount of bags/cans allowed?
    • Bi-County will be a year contract and can be paid monthly/quarterly.
  • Motion made by Chris Miller to choose Bi-County for Garbage Disposal. Greg Apel 2nd the motion. Motion carried.

New Business:

Board Terms-

3 years: Tony Reyerson, Greg Apel, Chad Williams

2 years: Doug Hintzman, Chris Miller

1 year: Tom Reimer, Bill Allyn

  • Laurie Helling will continue as Secretary through next Annual Meeting.
  • Donna Gilkes will remain Treasurer until July Board Meeting.

Next Board Meeting will be held July 18th 8 am.

Motion made by Chris Miller to adjourn at 1:03 pm. 2nd by Greg Apel. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling

Secretary

 

 

ESMANN ISLAND MEMBER NOTICE

NOTICE:

This is to inform members of the Esmann Island Association that there will be 3 additional board seats up for election, along with the scheduled 2 seats.  Mike Shaffer, Don Niosi and Jim McGuire have submitted their resignations effective June 13th.  Ken Brandel and Dave Wagner’s terms will expire on June 13th.  They are not seeking reelection.  Donna Gilkes has also submitted her resignation as Treasurer.

It has become increasingly clear that certain members of our Association are contemptuous of most of the existing board members.  They attend board meetings and disrupt our proceedings.  The authority of the board is being constantly challenged to the point where productivity has come to a grinding halt.  Hopefully our replacements will experience a better relationship with the individuals in question.

 

May Board Meeting Minutes

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

May 2, 2015

 Board Members Present:

Dave Wagner called meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Ken Brandel Chris Miller, Mike Shaffer, Don Niosi, Jim McGuire, Laurie Helling (Secretary) Donna Gilkes, (Treasurer) in attendance.

Members Present:  Bob Gilkes, Tom Reimer, Dottie Reimer, Kathy Davis, Rick Davis, John Moreland, Dick Downs, Ken & Cathy Schmitt, Linda Lampe, Ken Schmerbach, Dick Stab, Carol Buhman, Mert Duffy, Bob Sims, Tony Reyerson, Becky Shaffer, Steve Lampe, Larry Brown, Jan Copeland, Mary Sheppard, Cindy Miller, Mark Moser.

Minutes:

Board minutes of 9-20-14 were read. Motion made to approve by Mike Shaffer and 2nd by Ken Brandel. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer’s Report was handed out to board members for review. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report by Jim McGuire. 2nd by Don Niosi. Motion carried.

Bills:

  • Current bills were presented and reviewed.
  • Mike Shaffer made motion to approve bills submitted. 2nd by Don Niosi. Motion carried.

Building Permits:

  • Ken Brandel submitted permit to construct a sea wall. All paperwork was in order. Don Niosi made a motion to approve. Mike Shaffer 2nd. Motion carried.
  • Donna Gilkes brought to the board’s attention a portable shed on a property that wasn’t within setbacks.
    • Discussion to contact property owner to move the portable shed within setbacks.

 Property Ownership Changes:

Lot # 284       Trunnel to Zearley

Lot # 302-213 McDowell to Jeff Brown

Lot #292         Greg Schneider to Steve & Mary Sheppard

 Road Report:

  • Roads are fine at this time.

NEW Business:

  • 2 board positions will be open for voting at June Annual Meeting.
    • President (Dave Wagner) and board member (Ken Brandel)
    • Nominee forms and voting forms will be mailed by May 28th.
  • 2015 Annual Meeting will be held June 13th.
  • Motion to suspend Board Meeting first weekend of June in lieu of holding immediately after the annual meeting on June 13th. Mike Shaffer made motion to approve, and 2nd by Chris Miller. Motion carried.
  • Donna Gilkes will be resigning her Treasurer position in July, so any interested parties can be contact any current Board Member to be considered for the position.

New Dredging activity:

The Corps of Engineers has contracted a private company (Brennan) to remove sand from McMillan Island. The company gave a presentation to show and explain the sand pumping process. The company has gone around the island and placed a pipe through the slough for sand to be transported to the Buck Creek road site holding area.

They will not physically be on the island for the actual pumping process; however did submit a request when the process is complete, to possibly drag sections of the pipe back into the island sand pit to be cut up and use the back road to truck it away. The pumping process would not begin until later in September and last approx. 30 days.

After the company representatives left the meeting, discussion was held regarding their request to use “rent” our sand pit area and back road just for the pipe removal process. .

  • Tabled for further discussion at June meeting.

 Hawkeye Sanitation Presentation:

           Discussion was held for our current sanitation/trash pick up service. Island contract with Hawkeye Sanitation will be up in July and a company representative asked to present a new plan to the board. 

  • Hawkeye Sanitation submitted a tentative proposal to raise rates. Basically the rates (per household) have remained the same since 2008. Rates would increase from $10.48 to $12.00 with 3% increments in the next 5 year period.
  •  Discussion held on possible recycling service (options) for island.
  • Members voiced some concerns about only having one provider (Hawkeye) present a proposal.
  • Tabled for further input and discussion at June Annual Meeting.

Old Business:

    • Last fall, Don Niosi brought to the board attention a washout on the 2nd street boat ramp. Don took photos of the tubes that come out of the ramp. Some action should be taken to repair it before it collapses. Board member will contact Freidlein to look at it and propose a fix.
    • Also some discussion on possibly getting a price from Freidlein to move rocks and level off the drop off at the North Boat Ramp.
    • Reminder for Tom Nagel to submit his invoices for paint, etc. maintenance for the North Ramp. Thank you for your assistance Tom!
  • Per the October 2014 Board Meeting, REMINDER that dues were increased for 2015!
  • Residential lot are now $200
    • Non-residential lot are now $100. 

 

Mike Shaffer made motion to adjourn at 9:25 am. Ken Brandel 2nd. Motion approved.

Next Meeting will be June 13, 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie A. Helling, Secretary

 

Only Trash In Dumpsters no cardboard, appliances…

Hawkeye Sanitation will not take …

Corrugated cardboard and

  • Tires
  • Any appliances (TVs, dehumidifiers, microwave ovens, refridgerators, stoves, etc)
  • Yard waste and lawn trimmings
  • Batteries
  • Paint
  • Oil
  • Freon containers
  • Any toxic or poisonous materials
  • Computers
  • Wire, fence posts, bricks, iron or cement chunks or blocks that would damage the trucks
  • Animal carcasses or animal waste
  • Fertilizer

Please do not place these items in the dumpsters.

On Monday Hawkeye put all the cardboard out on ground next to dumpsters and there is already a lot of cardboard in them again.  If anyone has a pickup truck and is able to pick up the cardboard and take to a recycling site we would be happy to cover your gas.

Thanks,

Esmann Island Board

 

Roads Are getting soft

It’s that time of year again.  Due to frost going out we are closing roads to heavy equipment, large trucks, etc. to protect the roads.  We will post when it is OK to allow these once soil stabilizes.

Garbage dumpster will be in the same location at the Island’s south end as in prior years.  There will be no garbage pick up at individual residences.

Thanks for your help in maintaining our roads.

Let’s  hope for a nice spring.

 

Guttenberg Creativity Center Needs Your Help!!!!

Attention Guttenberg/Esmann Island residents!!!   This includes all island residents, year round or summer!  Or even visitors!!

I volunteer at the Guttenberg Creativity Center, located just across the street from the school on River Park Drive.  This center is open year round and has been providing an after school arts program for Clayton Ridge schools for the past six years.  It also houses the Shepherd Gallery, which is an art gallery featuring retail sales of paintings, photographs, jewelry, pottery, fused glass and many other interesting items.   Most of the art available in the gallery is created by local artisans.
Upstairs is an open studio space where the after school program is held.  It is also where ANYONE can come to create their own piece of art.  It’s an ideal place to bring grandchildren on a rainy day!  They can paint ceramics, do mosaics, learn how to fuse glass or even create their own pottery on one of our new pottery wheels.   It’s a non-profit organization so any contributions you make or pieces you purchase are tax deductible.   The center also depends on grants from corporations or foundations to maintain operations.
Currently we are in competition for a grant from the Isle of Capri Casinos.  This $15,000 grant comes with no strings attached.  We hope to use the funds to get our outdoor courtyard area ready for summer and to put the final touches on our cafe.
This is where YOU come in!  There is no financial cost to you, we just need your vote.  First, you must be signed in to Facebook in order to vote.  The easiest way is to go to the http://www.guttenbergcreativitycenter.com website and read all about the center.  The home page gives you instructions on how to vote.
 
Voting goes until March 20th and you get one vote per day.  PLEASE  consider sending this on to your FB friends so that we can get as many votes as possible.  In 2010 we were able to win a similar grant award through the Pepsi Foundation.  Help us do it again!!
At the very least I hope you will stop by the website to check out all the center has to offer.  And, better yet, stop by sometime to see the wonderful art work created by others and perhaps you’ll be inspired to do something yourself!
Cindy Lynch