Author: EIOA

Roads Are getting soft

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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!!!!

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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

OCTOBER BOARD MEETING MINUTES

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Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting    October 18, 2014

Board Members Present:

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

Members Present: Bob Gilkes, Steve Lampe, Bob Sims, Becky Shaffer, Mert Duffy, Carol Buhman, Chad Williams, Cindy Miller, Dottie Reimer, Tony Reyerson, Ken Schmerbach, Chris Brandel

Minutes:

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

Treasurer’s Report:

Motion to approve by Doug Hintzman, 2nd by Jim McGuire. Motion carried.

Bills:

  • Current bills were presented and reviewed.
  • Doug made motion to approve bills submitted, 2nd by Ken Brandel. Motion carried.
  • Dave would like a motion to look into borrowing from the CD or cash out. Doug Hintzman motion. Chris 2nd. Motion approved.

Building Permits:

  • Reisner building permit turned in. Motion to approve by Mike Shaffer, 2nd by Ken Brandel. Motion carried.
  • Morris-Sq. footage/setback is not an issue. Mistake made on permit to county. Will be corrected. New construction will meet setbacks.
  • Chris Miller presented the final building permit package for lot owners. This updated Esmann Island Building Packet will be scanned and posted on the Esmann Island Website.

Property Ownership Changes:

None at this time

Road Report:

  • Roads are fine at this time.
  • Freidlein was contacted for Snow Removal and agreed to a one-year contract.
  • Cold patches can be applied as needed.

Old Business:

  • Common area grass cutting-Previous service by Steve Miller was contacted and agreed to one year contract.
  • Don Niosi-Boat Storage in building will be full.
  • Recreational Vehicles Guidelines Update:
    • Chris Miller made a motion to add Recreational Vehicle Guidelines to Annual Meeting Agenda. Doug Hintzman 2nd. Motion Approved.
  • Discussion held on donation of a tree to be planted by Esmann Sign.

New Business:

  • 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 to be taken and repair it before it collapses. Board member will contact Freidlein to look at it and propose a fix.
  • 2015 Budget:
    • Expenditures: Item analysis and discussion
    • Discussion held on building a reserve fund for future expenditures. (i.e. Road)
    • Discussion held on increasing boat storage revenue for winter. Proposed change:
      • $1 ft. for total length of boat trailers from front of trailer to back of motor.
      • $1.50 for total length of Pontoon trailers from front of trailer to back of motor.
      • Storage space for trailers in summer. Flat fee $30.
      • Motion made by Don Niosi to charge storage fee by trailer length rather than strictly boat length. Doug Hinzman 2nd. Motion approved.
  • Motion to approve 2015 budget Don Niosi. Jim McGuire 2nd. Motion passed.

Dues will increase: residential lot from $180 to $200, non-residential lot from $90 to $100.

Doug Hinzman motion to adjourn at 9:12. Ken Brandel 2nd. Motion approved.

Next Meeting will be in May 2nd 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie A. Helling, Secretary

SEPTEMBER BOARD MEETING MINUTES

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Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

9-20-14

Board Members Present:

Dave Wagner called meeting to order at 8:00 with Ken Brandel, Doug Hintzman, Don Niosi, Mike Shaffer, Chris Miller, Jim McGuire, Laurie Helling, Donna Gilkes, in attendance.

Members Present:

Bob Gilkes, Linda Lampe, Ken Schmerbach, Larry Brown, Becky Shaffer, Tony Reyerson, Don Sims, Chad Williams, Greg Apel, Susy Apel, Cindy Miller, Bruce Copeland.

Minutes:

Motion by Dave Wagner to approve board minutes of 8-16-14. 2nd by Mike Shaffer . Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

No Delinquent Dues.

Clarification needed common grounds expenses.

Motion to approve by Dave Wagner, 2nd by Mike Shaffer. Motion carried.

Bills:

Current monthly bills were presented and reviewed.

Review of Island Property Taxes for Clayton County.

Review of bill for common ground work done at North Boat Ramp.

Dave Wagner made motion to approve bills submitted, 2nd by Don Niosi. Motion carried.

Building Permits:

Discussion of Lot #211- Chris and Bonnie Morris. Demolition of current structure and new construction. Lot owners waiting on county/DNR permits for new construction. Permit Committee member, Chad Williams, will check with lot owners on their temporary placement of carport & shed and building plans to report back to board at October meeting.

New building permits:

  • None at this time

Property Ownership Changes:

  • Lots #9 & #67 Going from Trunnel to Ron & Arlene Wulfekuhle.
  • Lot #95 Going from Heller to Max Smith.

Road Report:

  • Ken Brandel thanked Mary Eulberg for cutting down weeds and trimming along the back road.
  • Doug Hintzman thanked Jeff & Robin Heising for adding landscape lights and other individuals for planting flowers at the Esmann Island sign area.
  • Discussion held to get bids for Snow Removal for upcoming winter months. Members present have been pleased with snow removal efforts in the past by Friedlein.

Motion made by Ken Brandel to secure a 3 yr contract with Jeff Friedlein.

2nd by Mike Shaffer. Motion passed.

  • Grass Cutting Service. Board will reach out to Steve Miller to renew contract, possibly to secure a 3 year contract as well.

 Old Business:

  • Update: Farmer confirmed renting farm acreage for another year at same rate.
  • Dave Wagner will be contacting current garbage disposal contractor to possibly schedule an extra pick up for large items.
    • Approximate date proposed: October 13. Need to confirm billing process with garbage company. Is direct billing to lot owner a possibility or will island be billed for all extra pick-ups?
  • Chris Miller gave an update on new lot owner packet. Currently at 8 or 9 pages. Ongoing discussion for which permits should be included. It was thought to be a good idea by board members to board obtain copies of all county/DNR etc. permits (provided to us by lot owners) so as to have a record of building process going forward.
  • Question was raised if non-lot owners (interested in buying a lot(s) or in the process of buying can obtain a “conditional” permit from board as long as interested party contacts a permit committee member and provides their intentions, plans, and necessary measurements. Dave Wagner stated the Board has extended “conditional” permits in the past. Board would want non-lot owner to provide copies of all county and DNR permits as well indicating their proposed plans for property once they become owners.

 New Business:

  • Esmann and Abel Island Recreational Vehicle Guidelines Document/
    • Dave Wagner, in conjunction with Abel Island, discussed communicating guidelines for Golf Carts, ATVs, other recreational vehicles with consistent messaging for safety and responsibility.
    • Discussion held on points covered and wording in the Vehicle Guidelines
    •            (rough draft)
  • Mike Shaffer made motion to approve revision of guideline wording regarding sand area (common grounds).
  • Dave will communicate our proposed change back to Abel Island before final approval at October meeting. Don Niosi 2nd. Motion approved.
  • Boat Storage:
    • Starting next week, boat owners with trailers still in maintenance shed will be asked to start removing them.
    • Board Member Don Niosi is in charge of reviewing requests for current and any new boat storage. If you had boat in shed last year, you are grandfathered in for this current year. If you have not stored in the shed to date, you give name to Don Niosi to be placed on waiting list. If there is a cancellation people on list will be notified in order received.
    • October boats can start to be stored in shed. May & June historically boats come out.
    • $1 ft. for boats and $1.50 ft. pontoons per month. 6 months minimum.

 

  • Discussion held on adding items (new business/concerns) to Monthly Board Meeting Agendas. Members wishing to add items/topics to a monthly board meeting agenda should be presented to a board member, ideally, at least a week ahead of scheduled meeting. *Exceptions may be considered depending on importance of topic concerned.

 

  • REMINDER—Removal of sand from the pit is for Esmann Island members only! If you see unknown vehicles or individuals removing sand, please try and find out who these individuals are, or get their license plate number.

 

  • October 18th next scheduled Board Meeting and last one for the year.

Doug Hintzman made motion to adjourn meeting. Don Niosi 2nd. Approved.

Adjourned at 8:47 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie A. Helling, Secretary

*NOTICE* Esmann Island Clean-Up Day 10-13-14

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**NOTICE**

ESMANN ISLAND CLEAN -UP DAY

MONDAY OCTOBER 13, 2014

Please have all items at curbside by 7:00 A.M.

WE WILL NOT PICK UP:

batteries      tires      corrugated cardboard

lawn trimmings or yard waste      fertilizers

wet paint      oil      toxic materials      poisons         

TV’s or appliances

bricks      cement chunks      or blocks.

Demolition, construction, and reconstruction will be handled at the discretion of

HAWKEYE SANITATION, INC.

800-858-1138

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REMINDER— 

The River Park Cruisers are sponsoring their annual car cruise in Guttenberg this weekend.  By early afternoon the downtown area will be filled with cars of all makes and models. 

Also, the Shepherd Gallery and Creativity Center will have music in the courtyard and a car artist who will do portraits of cars. 

Finally, Saturday will be the last day to sign up for the $40 gift certificate available for island residents.  Stop in and see the gallery and creativity center.  It is a great place to spend time on a cool or rainy weekend (or weekday).   

Just tell them your are an island resident and you can sign up with your phone number.  The drawing will be on Monday, Sept 15 and the winner will be notified by phone. 

Read all about the center on the website… www.guttenbergcreativitycenter.com

Thanks To Tom and Cindy Lynch for the reminder

 

 

AUGUST BOARD MINUTES

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Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

8-16-14

 

Board Members Present:

Dave Wagner called meeting to order at 8:00 with Ken Brandel, Doug Hinzman,

Don Niosi, Chris Miller, Jim Maguire, Laurie Helling, Donna Gilkes, in attendance.

Members Present:

Bob Gilkes, Linda Lampe, Ken Schmerbach, Tom Nagel, Bob Sims, Larry Brown, Linda Friday, Carol Buhman, Yvonne Roberts, Becky Shaffer, Cathy Schmitt, Ken Schmitt, Cristy Huvser, Kathy Davis, Linus Amling, Beth Greene, Paul Greene, Dan Vester, Dottie Reimer, Jeff & Robin Heising, Chad Williams, Steve Lampe, Cindy Miller, Rick Davis, Brian Hamling, Dennis Winders, Jr., Richard Staab.

Minutes:

Motion by Dave Wagner to approve board minutes of 7-19-14.  2nd by Jim Maguire.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

Motion to approve by Dave Wagner, 2nd by Don Niosi. Motion carried.

Bills:

Current bills were presented and reviewed.  Doug Hinzman made motion to approve bills submitted, 2nd by Ken Brandel.  Motion carried.

Building Permits:

  • Chris Miller has been in contact with Laura Daniel at Iowa DNR, has begun gathering forms and information for the updated building permit packets.
  • Discussion by board and island members present on permits needed both at the island and county level. Further research and discussion at September Board meeting.
  • Any further motions to change permits will be tabled until more information is gathered and presented at September meeting.

New building permits:

  • Presented by Chad Williams, Steve Lampe, Tony Ryerson, Wayne Jensen
  • Motion by Chris Miller to approve.  Jim 2nd motion. Approved.
  • Lot 243 Tom Nagel
  • Lot 111 Dick Staab

Property Ownership Changes:  None at this time.

Road Report:  Nothing to report at this time.

Old Business:

  • New Esmann sign at Island entrance is finished. Discussion to remove old sign.
  • Further discussion was held on golf cart identifications and requirements to apply lot numbers to carts.
  • Board member will reach out to Abel Island regarding numbering carts for identification.

New Business:

  • Discussion held on pros/cons regarding sand requests from members to be removed from sand pit for backfill for retaining (sea) walls.
  • Don Niosi made a motion to allow Esmann Island members to only remove sand from the Esmann pit until Buck Creek sand pit is refilled.
    • Any sand removed by heavy equipment must be leveled off.
    • Lot owners will be held responsible for any road damage caused by heavy equipment (i.e. dump trucks) and/or machinery.
    • Chris Miller 2nd motion.  Motion passed 3 to 2.
  • Farm lease needs to be renewed by 9-1-14.
  • Motion to renew contract Jim Maguire, 2nd by Ken Brandel. Motion carried.

*REMINDER– Esmann Island Annual Golf Cart Parade

Sunday of Labor Day Weekend

Carts line up beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Maintenance Shed

Parade starts at 10:00!

Dave Wagner made motion to adjourn.  2nd by Jim Maguire. Motion carried.

Next board meeting 9-13-14 at 8:00 am.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie A. Helling, Secretary