Author: Laurie Helling

ALLIANT Update Meeting Saturday, April 30th at 8:00AM at Assoc. Office Brandon Klaas​​ Senior Power Distribution Technician with Mi‑Tech Services, Inc. will be in attendance to provide an update on the ALLIANT project progress & timeline. Dustin Mohs, the Alliant Energy Operation Manager, will also be in attendance. If you are interested in hearing an update, please feel free to attend.

Progress is moving along and we have some really nice Flag Designs submitted. See below. We invite member feedback on which entry you like the best for our “official” island Flag. Feel free to go our FB or Island Bulletin Board FB page as well to comment.

ATTENTION MEMBERS: It was discovered today that several garages and sheds have been broken into. Please, everyone be aware of people (strangers/suspicious vehicles) on the island that may not be property owners! Let’s all be neighbors and watch out for one another! The Sheriffs department has been contacted and will be investigating.

UPDATE:
If you have a video surveillance system, please review Wednesday, March 2nd from about 3:30AM to sunrise (about 7AM) and look for a crossover/SUV. If you see anything suspicious, notify Dennis/Kari Winders. They will send you contact info for the Clayton County and state law enforcement, and links where you can upload images. Thank you very much for checking your footage!!

Hello Islanders! Hope you’ve been enjoying the March warm-up! However, with rising temps, and due to ground frost going out– we are closing roads effective MARCH 4th, until further notice for heavy equipment, large trucks, heavy loads, trailers, etc. to protect the roads. Road Embargo Signage has been placed at the entrance to the island. Garbage pick up will be same as last year during embargo.

We will post when it is OK to allow heavier trucks, loads, trailers etc. to resume once the soil stabilizes.  *Note– if an island member (or any of their contracted work) damages the road, they are assessed any repair cost. 

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

Call to Order: Jane Root called meeting to order at 8:00 am.

Board Members present:  Josh Geistkemper, Kevin Thie, Tim Ahlers , Andrew Phelps Absent:  Nikki Lynch, Gail Scherr Also present: Laurie Helling, Helen Schwietert.

Members present: Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Ken Root, Tom Nagel, Linda Lampe, Cindy Lynch, Bob Sims, Shawna Barton

Minutes:   Josh G made motion to waive the reading of minutes.  Tim Ahlers 2^nd and all in favor.

Treasurers Report:   

• Helen S ran end of year report. Need to forecast/set 2022 budget
  • Assessments
  • Boat Storage
  • Building Permits
  • Farmland
  • Flag Project (on hold until spring)
  • Interest
  • Rec Fund
  • Common Grounds  
  • Snow Removal Contract
  • Bi-County Garbage
  • Misc.

Discussion on moving $ into CD. Tim Ahlers asked if there was anything in the By-Laws about investing funds since there really isn’t much return in CDs anymore. Jane recommended doing some research about CD or annuity, or if being a non-profit organization, can it even be considered.

Member Cindy Lynch asked about dues and if anyone had done any research on what kind of funds should be in reserve for an association such as ours? Do we need to get a legal opinion?  This was brought up at the Annual Meeting as far as dues, assessments and should we have more funds in reserve for the future and unexpected situations. Discussion to be continued.

Kevin Thie made motion to move $100K to a safe investment spot, such as CD. Tim Ahlers 2^nd. All in Favor. Motion passed.

Josh made motion to approve Treasurers Report, Gail S 2^nd, Motion approved

BILLS Presented:

• Monthly bills (Alliant)
• Hoffmann Lawn Mowing Services
• Laurie H-Secretary Compensation Sheet
• Helen-Treasurer Compensation Sheet

Josh made motion to pay bills through the winter. Tim A. 2^nd. All in favor, motion passed. Will need 5 signed checkd before board leaves for winter. Tim Ahlers will be contact point during winter months.

Josh made motion to approve the bills, Kevin 2^nd  2^nd Motion approved

Building Permits:

• Lampe building permit signed off/completed.
• Shawna Barton asked for extension on permit for privacy fence.
  • Discussion on fence installations examples in By-Laws
• Question on installation of 12 x 12 concrete pad, 352 3^rd St.  Owners-Curt & Sue Mitchell possible gazebo. Would need permit for building structure. Secretary will contact.
• Reminder to all Members:  Permit/Road deposit needed for Concrete or Septic work $500 deposit.

Property Ownership Changes:

•  None reported at this time
• Suggestion given to mail or contact new owner/members on building rules/regs on website!

Committee Reports:

Pond Committee:

•  Nothing reported at this time.

Boat Storage:  

• Don Niosi reports storage shed is all full. Maybe room for a wet bike in a ½ space.
• New lime was spread in the building. Thank you to Terry Denner!

Can Redemption:

• Discussion on using the building to sort cans if the Zearley family wishes to have assistance with the cans. 
• Tabled until spring.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Esmann Flag Pole project tabled until spring
  • Donations still accepted. Thank you for your generosity so far.
  • Contact Chip Flory for Donations, Gail Scherr
• ALLIANT Underground Project:  No new information at this time
  • Will continue to use the Esmann website, Facebook, or special mailings (if needed) to forward any new information in the future.
  • Please call the 800 number Alliant provided in your letter, if you have questions or need more information

NEW BUSINESS:

• 2022 Board Meeting Schedule: It was brought up at the Annual meeting about the number of Board meetings need to be held throughout the spring/summer months.
  • Jane proposed the following:   May 14, 2022, June 23, 2022 (annual meeting), August 20, 2022 & October 1, 2022
  • *Special Meetings can be held with 3-day notice.
  • The most important thing is being diligent about full transparency and communication between board and members throughout the year.

Josh G Made a motion to accept the new meeting dates, and Tim Ahlers 2^nd Motion passed.

• Group Photo for Board Members to be posted to Esmann Website.  Will be taken and posted in Spring.

Member Tom Nagel asked to have the floor. He asked we consider a proposal to “redo” the North Boat Ramp public dock. Place recessed spots for poles (receivers) and move the ramp south. The dock would be easier to access, especially those with any disabilities. Could then place a wider walkway,

• one that could accommodate wheelchairs. Could bore through the concrete on the old boat ramp not used anymore.
• Discussion held. Board members agreed we need to make sure the new ramp is fixed and the holes at the end of ramp are addressed! Contact Jeff Friedlein to fill in the hole and whatever else needs to be done so no more damage is done to axles or trailers.  Jane said she would contact Friedlein again.
• Discussion on farmland and getting a new contract in place for either short or long term.
• Are there any other possibilities for use of farm land? 
• Pond Pavilion Rental?  $100 Rent $200 Deposit   Do we need to have a generic contract for anyone wishing to rent pavilion for private event(s)?  Secretary will provide a couple of examples to Board over the winter months. Discuss in spring.

Next formal meeting of Board is May 14^th, 2022*

*IF special meeting needs to occur prior, it will be posted on Website/FB, Bulletin Board (or Office door)

Adjournment:

Jane asked for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Josh G to adjourn. Andrew P 2^nd. All in favor. Jane adjourned at 9:20 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

ADDENDUM: Helen Schwietert has tendered her resignation as Esmann Treasurer, effective November 30, 2021. We thank Helen for her many years of service to the Association!

Position will be posted on the FB Esmann page, as well as, the FB Community Bulletin Board page. If interested, please contact Jane Root (via email), or Laurie Helling (Secretary)

Call to Order: Jane Root called the meeting to order at 8:00am. 

Board members present: Jane Root, Kevin Thie, Josh Geistkemper, Andrew Phelps and Tim Ahlers. Absent: Nikki Lynch and Gail Scherr. Also absent were Secretary, Laurie Helling & Treasurer, Helen Schwietert. To see members in attendance (a large group) ask to review the sign-in sheet for this meeting.

Building permits:

• Hambling shed on skids, ___ 1^st Ave. Approved by Steve Lampe & Doc Rolfes.
• Septic road deposit received from Gruber, 443 RVR.
• Buck & Linda Lampe’s project is complete. Road deposit to be returned.

Property Changes: No known property changes today.

Committee Reports:

Boat Storage: No update as Don Niosi was absent. The recommendation of building clean-up and spreading of lime will take place before winter boat storage commences. Possibly the weekend of October 2^nd.

Pond Committee: No update as no Rec Committee members were in attendance.

• No discussion on the speed bump. Never installed in 2021.
• A date has not been established for the annual flushing of pond fire hydrant.

OLD BUSINESS:

Flagpole Update: No update as Gail S and Chip Flory were not in attendance. The installation is delayed due to delay in raw materials. The committee is seeking resident donations. All donations will be recognized.

Farm Lease: Jane will contact Rich Kann regarding second payment and written lease.

Nuisance Trees: All recognized trees at the pond and along our roads have been removed. Neyland resident is the only resident who did not participate in the project.

NEW BUSINESS

Guest Speakers: Brandon Klass (Mi-Tech) and Dustin Mohs (Alliant Energy) took the floor to discuss the underground utility project. Highlights of the discussion include:

• The project is in the design/mapping stage. Construction would be in 2022, working around any road embargos. Work will take place on Fridays.
• Underground utilities will lessen power outages & tree trimming.
• Over 100 island residents have contacted Alliant regarding this project.
• Wooden poles will remain only in residents do not wish to upgrade to underground utilities.
• Alliant will be re-surveying the entire island.
• Resident’s concerns included flooding, location of septic tanks and costs for potential electrical upgrades & state inspection.
• Resident’s expenses are: trenching from property line to house; electrician’s costs at house, including any upgrades to electrical service; and state electrical inspection.
• Electrician Tim Bergman was in attendance. He lives at 440 River View Road. Tim would be happy to consult with residents. Contact him at his address. He will be here full-time until October 8, 2021 and again in spring.
• PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH ALLIANT ENERGY! This may be done on-line at www.alliantenergy.com or call to 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268). Have your billing information handy. Consider adding Alliant to your phone contact list.
• More Q&A can be found on the island Bulletin Board, located at 1^st Avenue & Timber Lane.

Northend Road: A buried survey pin, covered up by the recent road resurfacing project, has been uncovered. Shawna Barton, neighboring resident to this pin, brought forth this concern to the Board. Shawna requests that any future damage created by this breach in the road will not be the financial responsibility of the Barton or Steiner families. Andrew Phelps admits to revealing the pin and will add silicon to the area. The Board will monitor the situation in future drive arounds and comments from residents.

Can Donation Update: This very successful project, created by Stacy & Jeff Zearley, has become overwhelming to manage. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers to assist sorting cans on-site. Suggestions include storing cans in our storage building & meeting frequently to sort out any debris or non-refundable cans. We are looking for a redemption source that may pick up cans, instead of us delivering. For more information, contact Jeff or Stacy Zearley or Terry Denner.

Water Quality Project: Ken Root presented a video concept regarding sand point wells and septic tanks systems. His goal is to increase awareness of the dangerous link between our water wells and out-of-date septic systems, which may be leaking raw sewage into our aquafer.  This informational video will be screened by the Board & interested residents, hopefully at our October meeting. If approved, the video will be available on our website.

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Kevin T and seconded by Tim A. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 AM.

Our final 2021 meeting will be Saturday, October 16th at 8:00AM.

Call to Order: Josh Geistkemper called meeting to order at 8:00 am.

Board Members present:  Josh Geistkemper, Tim Ehlers, Kevin Thie, Gail Scherr, Tim Ehlers Absent: JaneRoot, Andrew Phelps, Nikki Lynch  Also present: Laurie Helling Absent: Helen Schwietert

Members present: Don Niosi, Terry Denner, Doug Hintzman, Shauna Barton 

Minutes:   Josh G made motion to waive the reading of minutes. Gail S 2^nd and all in favor.

Treasurers Report:  Since Treasurer, Helen S was not present, we did not go through a detailed report.

• Helen did report we have a balance of over $100K, $25K inactive CD, and $1K in Money Market.
• 2 Assessments are still to be paid. All the rest are submitted.
• Josh made motion to approve Treasurers Report, Gail S 2^nd, Motion approved

 BILLS Presented:

• Monthly bills
• Road Invoice
• Invoices for Road Seal Driveways
• Laurie (Secretary has bills to submit but will wait until next month)
• Tree Removal at Boat Ramp: John Keppler won bid
• Tree Removal proposal for Allyn, Neylan and island easement properties, proposal to split cost 3 ways
• Letters sent to all parties.

Josh made motion to approve the bills, Kevin 2nd  2^nd Motion approved

Building Permits:

• No new permits at this time

Property Ownership Changes:

•  None reported at this time

Committee Reports:

 Pond Committee:

•  Aerator is installed and functional

OLD BUSINESS:

•  Alliant has made the initial contact to island residents about future move of electric service underground.
• Letters sent to residents of future plans in early August
• This letter is VERY preliminary.
• Discussion on some of the challenges to be discussed more at future meetings:
  • Who/how many electricians would be needed on island?
  • Negotiate a deal?
  • Where would shut-off need to be located? Any county codes?
  • Doug Hintzman:  The mapping is in very early stages (wooden stakes). This will move the process along but most likely will not take place for quite some time.
  • Cable/Internet providers would also need to be contacted
  • Would there be enough interest for fiber?
  • Strongly suggested to place this as Ballot items for 2022 Annual Meeting.
  • Discussion tabled

• REMINDER: Donations to the Esmann Flag Project can still be given to Chip Flory! I’ve seen some of the designs and they look great!  Even a few dollars would be wonderful. Thank you to all that have donated so far!
• REMINDER: Golf Cart Parade will proceed on Labor Day Sunday morning! Pot Luck lunch following at Pond Pavilion.

NEW BUSINESS:  

•  Don Niosi brought forth a member concern of the dusty roads since reseal.
  • Is the company sweeping the road now or in the future?
  • Don had an invoice from several years ago of sweeping included in bid.
• Terry Denner was present and said he didn’t think the company would be sweeping. The dust, unfortunately is most likely a by product of no rain this summer, and also not enough traffic (heavier vehicles) more than golf carts driving on the roads to press the loose gravel into the seal mixture.
• Discussion held on at least contacting the road seal company, and also what options are there to get dust in check.
• Topic was raised on speeding vehicles, both cars/trucks but also golf carts. This has been an ongoing concern, and again, temporary speed bumps were discussed.
  • Nikki Lynch, had researched the temporary speed bumps a year or so ago and we’d like to revisit that information.
  • Discussion held on where the speed bumps could make the most impact
    • Gates coming onto island from back road.
    • Entrance to Pond area
    • Others?
• NORTH BOAT RAMP Concern
  • With river levels so low this summer, there is now a 2 foot hole on the south side of the new ramp.
    • A few boat trailers have incurred damage.
    • Talk to Friedlein about dumping some bigger rock in that hole for maintenance purposes
    • Josh made motion to fill in the hole. Tim E 2^nd  all in favor. Motion passed
• DOG ORDINANCE:
  • It was brought to the board’s attention that there were 2 incidents within 10 days of aggressive dogs on island.  Growling, off leash, running loose.
  • Esmann Island follows the county laws and the first time a dog becomes a nuisance or a safety issue, there is a written warning.
  • 2^nd warning the dog must be removed from the island.
  • Any biting incident, the dog must immediately leave the island.

Next meeting is September 18, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

Adjournment: Josh made a motion to adjourn for island tour, Tim E 2^nd and meeting was adjourned at 8:39am.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

Hi Island Members! I wanted to bring your attention a separate private FB group called, Island Community Bulletin Board and it’s just for Esmann residents and families. It’s intent is for posting relevant Island information and questions. Use it to buy or sell items locally. Use it to better utilize neighborhood services like tree trimming and sewer clean out, items for sale or trade etc. The regular Esmann Island Facebook page will still be posting updates, photos, and island information as well, and will remain a public page.

If you wish to join the private Facebook group you will need to search: Island Community Bulletin Board and then ask permission to join and be approved. Thanks!!

Board Members Present: Jane Root called the meeting to order at 8:00am.  Members present were: Jane Root, Nikki Lynch, Gail Scherr & Kevin Thie. Absent were: Josh Geistkemper, Andrew Phelps and Tim Ahlers. Also Absent: Laurie Helling, Sect.

Minutes:The annual meeting minutes required one correction; Julie Thie was listed as Joyce Thie. Motion to approve with correction was given by Nikki Lynch & second by Kevin Thie.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Treasurer report and balance sheet were reviewed. 
• Waiting for the bill for the road sealcoat project at approximately $100,000.00, per Terry Denner.
• Next, a Certificate of Deposit (CD) will be purchased at Fidelity Bank & Trust.  Josh Geistkemper is now the VP and he already banks at Fidelity and so the bank paperwork for him will be easy.  
• Per Helen Schwietert, Treasurer, still waiting to receive approximately $5500.00 in member dues.  Once all payments are received, will move forward with the CD. Motion to purchase a CD was made by Gail Scherr, seconded by Nikki Lynch.

Bills Presented:  Just monthly bills presented and approved for payment.

Building Permits:   

• No new permits submitted.  Chris Miller or Mike Burke will talk to Gary Youngblood regarding a road deposit for his seawall project. 
• Jane will contact Jeff Freidlein to discuss road deposit whenever he is hired to work on Esmann Island.

Reminder-Building Committee members are: Chris Miller, Steve Lampe, Kent “Doc” Rolfe, Mike Burke  *Permits & building plans need to be checked by 2 Building Committee members prior to being presented to Board and signed off by building committee members after completion for final board approval.

Property Ownership Changes: NOTE: If property is sold or changes hands between family members, it is very much appreciated if the Board is notified so we can keep current information for our records and correct mailing of annual dues.

• No new property changes at this time.

Road Report:   

• Terry Denner: Road bill should arrive this week, approximately $100,000.  He will discuss with 2 homeowners (VonHandorf & Gaul) their portion of the bill.  The Abel Island ‘shared entrance’ may be on the Esmann bill. If so, we will collect their share.

Boat Storage Committee:  All trailers are in, and the building is full through September. Gail Scheer recommended a building clean-up when the trailers are removed. We will follow-up with this end of September.  

Landscape/Beautification:  

• Flagpole Update: Mike and Gail Scherr to donate one of the flagpoles that are 25 ft and that does take down the donation amount.  Total is roughly $8626.00 less the donated pole brings to $6126.00.  So, donations are being accepted.  Today a check for 50% of the cost was written to Lange Sign Company. Delivery and installation will take approximately will take place before Labor Day.  The poles will need to be 8-10 Ft apart so they will be staggered around the rock. 
• Teri Denner has also created a banner that will be hung once the board reviews.  The electrical is still in question

OLD BUSINESS:  

• Farm Lease.  Check for 50% of the lease has been received but no contract has been received. Follow up to come.  Discussion was had regarding what to do with the cropland and in the end the options are complicated and so for now, we will stay with the farmland as it brings in $3700.00 a year.
• Secretary position:  Laurie to step down.  She is willing to finish out rest of the year.  Nikki Lynch has volunteered to take over temporarily. Per our bylaws, there is not a conflict between the positions of board member and secretary or treasurer.
• AED Update from Annual Meeting:  Looking for ideas for where to place the units.  Mary Eulberg did volunteer to have one on her home.  Possibly Denner’s lower area (by north boat ramp) and possibly Bob Preston’s building (by south boat ramp).  Now the decision will be if we are to purchase 2 or 3 AED units. No action taken.
• Weddings and events for the Pavillion/Pond area.  Thinking a new committee may be necessary to pull together some guidelines. Alicia Hoffman wedding is scheduled at pavilion for June 12, 2021.
• 97 members completed the contact informational sheet, included with the ballot this year.  Thank you to all who filled this out as it really does help with communication!

NEW BUSINESS:

• Friedmann Insurance representative, Scott DeSousa, will be on-site Tuesday, July 20^th. Jane will give Scott an updated tour of Esmann Island. Anyone available is welcome to attend.
• The island speed bump will be placed in front of the REC sign by the pond entrance      
• Kari Winders is working with the fire department to get the fire hydrant flushed out once the aerator is installed.  Terry Denner will mark the Aerator.  May need to dredge the pond again.
• Tree removal was bid by Brinks Tree service.  Discussion held. At the North Boat ramp there are 3 trees that need to be removed.  There is also a tree by 299 & 301 RVR that is half island responsibility and half owner responsibility.  This will be removed but the trunk may stay to maintain the integrity of the road.  Motion was made by Nikki Lynch and second by Gail Scherr to approve the tree removal at $3000.00 maximum, including clean up. One or two additional bids will be solicited before the job will be given.
• Doug Hintzmann presented a letter from Alliant Energy. The letter is posted on our office door. Alliant is in the Design Phase of mapping the island for underground utilities. Contact Alliant at 1-800-ALLIANT to quote underground connections from their poles to your home.

REMINDER: There was a concern with people keeping boats down at the North boat ramp for extended time.  Winders, Denner and Zearley all have DNR permits for their private docks. The remaining shoreline is first come, first serve for short term loading/unloading. Maximum shoreline boat storage is 24-hours, not squatters rights for the season.

Our next meeting will be Saturday, August 18^th at 8:00AM. Jane is not available. She suggests the meeting be an island drive-around to view our common grounds, roads, trees, potential nuisance situations. The treasurer is excused from this meeting. The secretary will take notes and follow-up with any necessary action. All members are invited to join this meeting.

Next monthly meeting will be held August 18, 2020. 8 am

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Nikki at 8:50 and second made by Kevin. Motion passed.

Respectively submitted,

Nikki Lynch (on behalf of Laurie Helling)

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order at 12:30 pm. Board members present:   Jane Root, Josh Geistkemper, Nikki Lynch, Gail Scherr, Tim Ahlers   Absent: Andrew Phelps, Kevin Thie, Also present: Laurie Helling (Secretary) Helen Schwietert (Treasurer)

First Order of Business:

• Election of new Board officers: President & Vice President
• Niki Lynch made a motion to nominate Jane Root to continue as President. 2^nd was made. All in favor. Motion passed.  
• Jane asked for motion to nominate Josh Geistkemper Vice Pres. Motion made by Tim Ahlers. 2^nd was made   All in favor. Motion passed.
• Secretary will get new committee members contact information and update the Esmann website.

Minutes:

• May Minutes were waived and not read, since Old/New Business was addressed at annual meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:

• No action on Treasurer’s report since we approved at Annual Meeting.
• Treasurer Helen Schwietert will contact bank to change over the new Board Vice President name/contact information.

Bills Presented:

• Misc. monthly bills submitted
• Josh G. made motion to approve bills. Tim Ahlers 2^nd. All approved. Motion passed

Building Permits:  

• Steve Lampe presented Building Permit – Terry Sindelar. (*Steve asked for additional copies for each of the other Building Committee members)
• Setbacks are conforming

Reminder-Building Committee members are: Chris Miller, Steve Lampe, Kent “Doc” Rolfe, Mike Burke.

Reminder: Permits & building plans need to be checked by 2 Building Committee members prior to being presented to Board and signed off by building committee members after completion for final board approval.

Road Report:  Discussed at Annual Meeting

Boat Storage Committee:  Discussed at Annual Meeting

Landscape/Beautification: Discussed at Annual Meeting

Pond Committee:  Discussed at Annual Meeting

OLD BUSINESS:  See Annual Meeting

• Island Dock at North Ramp was installed on Sat. June 26^th.
• Thank you to Dale Hoffmann, Tim Hoffmann (sons) and Sam Helling for helping to get the dock in and secured.

NEW BUSINESS:   See Annual Meeting

• Quick recap of the number of Board Meeting necessary throughout the year, all agreed to NO changes in 2021 calendar year meetings.

Next monthly meeting will be held July 17, 2020 at 8:00 am.

Jane Root asked for motion to adjourn.  2^nd by Josh Geistkemper.  All in favor. Approved.  Adjourned at 1:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary