Call to Order: The Annual Meeting was called to order at 9:03
a.m. by President. Josh Geistkemper. Josh made note that the Annual Meeting
notice was mailed two weeks prior to meeting.
Board Roll Call: Present were President Josh Geistkemper, Vice
President Tim Ahlers. Board Members: Linda Lampe, Gail Scherr, Brett Flickinger,
Kate Hoffmann Absent: Kevin Thie Also
present- Treasurer: Cindy Lynch and Secretary Laurie Helling.
Annual Meeting Minutes: Josh asked to forgo the reading of last year’s minutes. There were no requests or questions regarding minutes by members present, so therefore a motion was made by member Terry Lubbers to waive reading of minutes aloud. Kate Hoffmann. 2nd, all approved, so moved.
Treasurer’s Annual
Report:
- Cash
Flow and Balance Sheet presented by Josh Geistkemper. Copy was included on Annual Meeting Notice
Mailing.
- Josh
brought up our biggest annual expense continues to be waste disposal and
Insurance.
- Josh has been shopping around at Insurance
providers and it’s been difficult to find companies willing to handle the
liability riders. Will continue to check for better quotes.
- No
questions from the floor regarding financial report. Motion made by Josh to
approve Treasurer’s Report. 2nd by Tim Ahlers. All approved. So
moved.
Committee Reports:
Road Report: Josh Geistkemper reports that the sweeping of
the roads last summer was not a good thing to do for the life of the road. Had the weather conditions not been so dry
and more ideal, the excess gravel would’ve been pressed down into the tar and
we would not have had the excessive dust. But it is what it is at this time.
- With the future in mind, Josh has been checking around with 2 other contractors and estimating how much we may need to have set aside in the future for road resealing. Contractors so far have roughly predicted a 30% or higher cost. So we should expect to be close or possibly around $100K next time it needs to be done.
- The roads have also taken more roughing up with the ongoing Alliant work and possible Mediacom project in the future.
- Alliant has continued to patch, but there are some areas that definitely need cold patching as well.(Hole on back road) Josh and a couple of members will address. The excess pea gravel is still plentiful at north side of pond.
Pond Committee: Kari & Dennis Winders recognized and thanked
all the members who volunteered their time, talents and materials at the pond
this past year. They also had a breakdown of the financials from donations, can
collecting/recycling.
- Plans for 2024- continue improving the sports area, pond maintenance, and general upkeep of area.
- Any and all ideas/suggestions for improvements welcome!
- Kari met with Bjordnsen Consulting on best practices for pond, including organic compounds to break down algae and sludge. Blue-dye once a month for alga control. Aerators, continue to monitor, possibly add another in future.
- Teri Denner reminded all members to PROVIDE your own PICKLE BALL equipment! We had a set in the pavilion to use but it wasn’t put away after use and the rain make the paddles unusable.
- Teri also said once the weather settles, the completion of fencing etc. will be completed.
- Kari reminded everyone the Pavilion can be rented for member personal events. One private is booked, other than that, it is open & available.
- Helen Schwietert was recognized to speak from the floor. She and her late husband Ken had donated the wooden playground by the pond. She would like to request members or board help to erect a sun shade or canopy to the wooden structure. She would like to contribute for that to happen in Kenny’s memory.
- THANK YOU to the Can Sorting/Redemption events. Cindy Lynch, Linda Lampe, for spreading the word and organizing sort days! It always seems to be the same folks helping out.
- We could use a couple more volunteers to haul cans to the redemption center! Contact Cindy Lynch or Linda Lampe.
- Thanks to the Zearleys & Geistkempers and others who have helped.
- Please take your turn! Plan to participate
this summer & Bring a friend. A lot
of funds are generated for the Pond Rec Fund which benefits ALL Esmann members!
- *Reminders: Can Collection Area
- Do Not Crush Cans—they don’t get accepted at redemption center
- No Plastic – No Glass – No Garbage – Nickel cans only
- Use twist ties on bags, KNOTS are a no-no!
- PLEASE USE your Esmann Island Member hanging PLACARD or small Vinyl decals for your cart windshield, ATV, UTV, or any vehicle parked by pond area, beach area, pavilion. Make sure your guests know and use it as well. **If you are a new island member, contact Cindy Lynch or Kari Winders
- GENERAL REMINDERS about respecting spaces around the pond area, pavilion, playground.
- 5 mph on the pond road
- No carts IN the pavilion
- The cart path to the pond beach is not an off-road racetrack for mini bikes, motorcycles, carts, or side by sides.
- If members, guest, or kids are not aware of, or following rules, please make note of the lot numbers that should be on golf carts and go talk to member or parents. Safety first. Always.
- REMINDER— Please
remember to pick up behind you at beach/pond Remind your
guests as well.
- Garbage
receptacle will be placed by pavilion
- Follow DNR rules for catch limits in pond. Better yet, catch and release small fish.
ESMANN LANDSCAPE &
COMMON GROUNDS COMMITTEE:
- New Flags are up and flying high. One of the shrubs at the Esmann Rock has died and will be dug out.
- If anyone would like to donate a new shrub or flowering tree please contact Gail Scheer or Teri Denner.
- Thank you to all those who volunteered to help clean up weeds around the pond and boat ramp area a couple weeks ago!
- Teri Denner asks IF you have leaves this fall/spring, or even dry grass clippings, please place in the areas along the cart path by beach. Dump on top of the weeds & ivy in the open areas along the path to help keep them down and smothered.
BUILDING
COMMITTEE: Current members: Ken “Doc” Rolfes, Phil “Buc” Lampe
- Recent resignations of Chris Miller and Mike Burke from the committee have raised the need for new volunteers on the committee.
- Dave Wagner volunteered at the meeting to join the building committee. We certainly would welcome one more member. If interested, please contact any board member.
- Keep in mind, you must have county and DNR permits before presenting building proposal form to the committee and board for approval.
If you have questions or aren’t sure about any regulations, always ASK first BEFORE starting any building project.
BOAT STORAGE: Boat Storage is now being managed by Tom Lynch. Winter Storage is full at
this time, and summer storage has a wait list. As always first come, first
serve. If you are interested in being placed on a wait list, Please contact
Member Tom Lynch 319-560-1189
MEMBERSHIP VOTE on making
amendment to By Laws and Changing Annual Meeting Start time from 10am to 9am
- Kate Hoffmann made motion to amend the start time of Annual Meeting
- Linda Lampe 2nd the motion. Vote was held by membership voicing AYE. None opposed. (except for one…clearly a non-early morning fan. (haha) All In Favor. Motion Passed.
ELECTION of Board
Members:
2 Open Board positions, 2. 3-year positions. Gail
Scherr is on ballot and will run again for her position. We also have 1 open
board position. Write in only had 4 names. Josh asked for nomination and
volunteers from the floor.
Nominees for the two 3
yr positions
- Gail Scherr
- Ballots collected and Gail re-elected.
- Josh asked for volunteer nomination from floor.
Member Nikki Lynch said she would take the position if no one else
volunteered. Terry Denner was interested
and said he would fill the position. All in favor. Terry Denner is elected as a Board Member.
OLD BUSINESS:
ALLIANT PROJECT—Still ongoing
- Latest projection for completion Spring 25
- Last spring flooding and delays had put them
behind.
- A few of the cement pillars will have to have
the tops replaced as they are not level.
- We do charge and collect a rental fee for the
storage container placed near the sandpit used by Alliant.
MEDIACOM PLANS?
- MediaCom has decided to do their own project
rather than dovetail with Alliant.
- A group contracted by Mediacom has completed
trenching of fiber optic from highway, under RR tracks and to the end of the
dike road.
- Calls and inquiries to Mediacom have been dead
ends to getting more information to date.
- Laurie Helling offered to contact a personal
friend who is a regional manager for Mediacom to request more information and a
contact person. More info to come.
ROAD RULES & SAFETY
POINTS
- Esmann and Abel Islands jointly compiled and
posted Island Safety Rules a few years ago. These are highly recommended rules
for the safety of all on our island roads.
- Discussion held on possible ways to slow down
vehicles, such as temporary speed bumps which are not bolted into roadway. Pros/Cons for only temporary slow-downs and
some speeding up to fly over bumps.
- Josh will speak to Tim Harbaugh about rubber
speed strips.
- Mike Scherr mentioned fines for excessive
people on a golf cart, excessive speeding, passing each other, following too
closely. Discussion held. Idea worthy but too much policing. If you get the
numbers on carts, go discuss with the owners your concerns for everyone’s
safety.
- Dennis Winders Jr. mentioned the idea of
digital speed monitor set up. Discussion held with Gary Gansen, Josh G. brought
up pros/cons. Some feel this encourages speeding to see how fast some drivers
can get the vehicles to go. However, it
may deter some commercial vehicles like Amazon or Fedex, UPS. Tabled for
further board discussion.
- Discussion of installation of Pond road
gate which will be closed during busy holiday weekends at night. *SEE NEW
BUSINESS
- ALL
VEHICAL DRIVERS: PLEASE abide by the 15 MPH Speed Limit & 5 mph Pond Area This is for ALL VEHICLES,
golf carts, 4 X 4’s, ATV’s, mopeds, motor bikes, mini-bikes! If you have guests, please inform them of the
island road rules.
- As an Island Association we have rules &
the responsibility to ensure the safety of our members, our neighbors, and our
guests.
- Golf Carts– 12 is the “recommended age”. Golf
carts and other recreational vehicles mentioned above are member’s
responsibility in case of accident. Make sure your insurance has the right
coverage for safety on the roads with golf carts and other recreational
vehicles.
- If you wouldn’t let your children/grandchildren
drive a car, please use good judgement with other motorized vehicles on the
roads with cars.
- Please place your 911 Address on your cart
(sticker-decal) so it is visible.
- If you see something, say something or take it
directly to members, parents, cart etc owners.
- AED’s can greatly benefit someone in cardiac
distress and will be up and functional
in 2 weeks.
- Once
they are placed, we will post the locations of each AED placement.
- They are simple to use, clear directions. The
State of Iowa is a Good Samaritan State, meaning you can give assistance in an
emergency situation with implied consent and doing the best to your ability and
in good faith, not liable if unselfishly helping others.
- With
this said, IF you are interested in CPR training and use of AED, please contact
Cindy Lynch!
- Tim Ahlers said we can accommodate up to 8
people in a training session.
- It’s always encouraged for people (if you are
physically able) to be certified in CPR. Hopefully never, but you don’t know
when you may need to rely on that training.
FIREWORKS:
- Huge thank you for Josh Geistkemper and Terry Denner families for spearheading fireworks donations, purchasing, and helping put on a great show for Esmann Members!
- Did you know? For our annual stunning display it can cost upwards of $3800-$5000!
- This is not a board funded event. We need all your support to keep this tradition going!
- Some discussion held on possibly adding a fireworks fee on the annual assessment. Gary Gansen said it should not be mandatory, but rather still a voluntary donation, maybe as a reminder on annual assessment to contribute. Dennis Winders Jr also stated that could open more concerns for exposure and liability. Mike Scherr mentioned maybe 30% donate but 70-80% come and watch the show.
- SO PLEASE: If you come every year to watch, and you enjoy it, then please CONTRIBUTE to keep this tradition going! You can absolutely donate anytime (Contact Laurie Helling, Cindy Lynch, Teri or Terry Denner, Josh Geistkemper (Josh’s Venmo link) and it will be put toward 2024-2025 show. THANK YOU.
July 5th Fireworks (for Esmann members and invited
guests of Esmann members) will be held at Sand Pit Saturday, Dusk
(approx. 9:45)
- REMINDER: Members, please
remind families & guests that personal fireworks are your responsibility
and to please pick up all the paper,
leftovers, trash the next day.
- Be
mindful & respectful of your neighbors (and dogs) and be finished with shooting them off by 11:00 pm
NEW BUSINESS:
- Introduction of New Members to the Island—
- Michele & Wayne Ahern 382 River View Road Welcome to Esmann! We are glad you are here!
BOAT DOCK– North boat ramp is not in the water due to the high river levels and fast current. If the river level drops we can hopefully get that in place soon. With that said, the old dock is not in great shape and we’d love to have a more accessible, safer option. Ideas & suggestions are welcome.
Association Office-Plumbing Repair &
Maintenance completed for functioning bathroom and turning off furnace. Portable
heaters available for early spring and fall board meetings.
POND ROAD GATE to be installed very soon. Will only be closed and locked at night during busy holiday weekends. Kate Hoffman has been in charge of getting metal gate fabricated. Will need auger to sink posts on each side. Placing of a few large decorative stones on each side to deter drive arounds. Again, plans are for use on busy holiday weekends at night.
Member discussion on full size vehicles at the pond rec area. Ideally, we do not want any large cars, pickups etc parked in pond area. Absolutely not on the cart path to beach. Member Mark Moser inquired about dropping off canoes etc. If you are pulling in to unload, load kayaks, canoes, drop people off, pick them up, that is fine. Parking spots along the common grounds right outside the pond road, next to sand pit preferable.
DEAD TREES:
- Josh wanted to bring to the attention of the membership we have a real concern with the amount of dead trees around the island. Many are casualties of the Emerald Ash Borer and some have been dead or rotten for some time.
- These trees have the potential to cause big issues on your properties should they fall. Especially with several power lines which have not been moved underground yet.
- Last week’s severe storm was an example of major problems, even though that was a live tree that fell, there was a fire, the ground was electrified, the road was closed, and it took all night to replace the pole, a transformer, and the boxes attached to nearby houses. It was 230-3 am when power was restored on island. We are lucky not to have lost a house to fire, or someone getting electrocuted by just trying to help.
- The Board really wants to make sure that members take these dead or dying trees seriously and to formalize a plan for their removal in the near future.
- Discussion was held to possibly add dead tree removal fees to a member’s annual dues if there is no plan/timeline in place to take it down and the Board takes action.
- Gather and make available the names of tree removal companies, contractors, to take the dead trees down and remove the debris from island. Wayne Jensen said he can provide some names.
- Board will be taking a drive around the island and making a note of lot numbers with dead trees of concern.
- Letters will be sent at the end of July to those lot owners to reply to board their plan on removing the trees.
- Further action will be determined early this fall.
The Board wishes to thank all members who have volunteered their ideas, personal funds, suggestions, time & materials! With member volunteer cooperation, we again have been able to keep our association dues in-line, and able to continue improving and enjoying our thriving community!
- Josh G
asked for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Kate Hoffman 2nd by Gail
Scherr. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 10:07
Thank you very much for your participation and input in our Annual Meeting! Have an ENJOYABLE & SAFE Summer!
Respectfully
submitted,
Laurie
Helling, Secretary/Social Media
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