Author: EIOA

Call to Order:  The Annual Meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m. by President Jane Root. Jane made note that the Annual Meeting notice was mailed two weeks prior to meeting.  

Board Roll Call:  Present were President Jane Ertl Root. Board Members:  Josh Geistkemper, Tim Ahlers. Kevin Thie, Gail Scherr,  Absent: Nikki Lynch (Illness), *Andrew Phelps. *Andrew has fulfilled his term on the board and the Association thanks him for his participation on the Board and contributions to the flood gates and winter signage.   Also present- Treasurer: Cindy Lynch and Secretary Laurie Helling    

Annual Meeting Minutes: Jane 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 Josh Geistkemper to forgo reading of 2021 minutes and Tim 2^nd the motion. Motion approved, so moved.

Treasurer’s Annual Report:

• Cash Flow and Balance Sheet presented by Jane Ertl.
  • The Association is in a good position for cash on hand.
  • All assessments have been mailed
  • No questions or concerns from members present.

Motion made by Jane to approve Treasurer’s Report. 2^nd by Josh Geistkemper.. All approved. So moved.

Committee Reports:

• Boat Storage: Don Niosi –The shed is now open (after conclusion of annual meeting) for summer trailer storage until September. Flat fee $30 for summer months. As always first come, first serve.  
• For Winter Storage there is usually a waiting list so please contact Don with any questions or to be placed on list. No openings at this time.
• Landscaping/Beautification Committee:  Gail Scherr asked to speak to everyone about considering “ADOPTING A GARDEN”  Just like groups and families “adopt a highway” to keep it clean and looking beautiful, we are now asking for Members to “adopt” a small stretch of the back road flowers/plantings. Basically, keeping the weeds down, tending the plants, and planting/maintaining new plant donations.
• We can also use “adopters” for the pie shaped area in the North Boat ramp area, as well as, plants along the shore.
• Another “adopt” area is the flower bed in the commons area adjacent to the sand pit.
• If you are interested, please contact Gail Scherr! She will have a sign up sheet!  Thank you in advance!

• Road Report: 
  •  Jane asked Terry Denner to speak regarding the Road Reseal and current conditions.
    • Comments were heard from some attending members.
      • Ken & Cathy Schmitt voiced concerns over excess pea gravel/rocks in their yard and around corner of White Oak and Timberlane.  Most they’ve ever seen since roads have been resealed.
      • Concern about consistency of rock applications, some road areas are fine, others hardly any rock, others too much.
      • Also concern for excess dust.
      • Road Seal companies strongly do NOT recommend brooming the rock.
        • Kluesner Construction did not think anything is wrong with road.
        • Delays caused by weather last spring may have had effects, as well as not as much traffic driving heavily on the roads. (missed holiday weekend when traffic is typically much heavier.)  
        • Correct tar amount was applied
        • Ken Rolfe mentioned maybe the gravel should’ve been washed before application, note for next time.
        • Options are to check into renting a sweeper and broom to the middle those areas of excess gravel.
        • Tom Lynch asked if the excess gravel would be removed to a common area? Again, there is concern on removing too much rock affecting overall road seal integrity.
        •  Josh Geistkemper made motion to investigate rental sweeper or do it ourselves.
        • We appreciate hearing the concerns and suggestions and discussion was tabled until Josh G’s findings are presented to board.

Pond Committee: 

• Kari Winders said she has applied a “blue dye” into the pond twice in order to breakdown and kill off the overgrowth of algae.  The blue dye application is chemical free, safe to pets and children. One more application must be completed yet.
  • There is 1 more aerator to be installed for a total of 3 in the pond.
  • REMINDER: The Pavilion is available for private family events, weddings, etc. Please contact Jane Root or Kari Winders.
  • ALSO if you are new and have NOT received your Esmann vehicle tag or golf cart sticker please contact Cindy Lynch, Treasurer as we need to register them when handed out. Please display tags in the boat ramp and pond areas!
  • It was also mentioned if a member discovers non-members, non-guests using the pond or boat ramps, to use a small violation tag you can place on a vehicle as a reminder this is a private island.

REFRESHERS for NEW MEMBERS/OWNERS

• Keep in mind anyone can make a donation to the Pond/Rec Fund at any time!
  • Please remember to pick up behind you at beach/pond   Remind your guests as well.
  • Don’t overfish pond.  Follow DNR rules for limits.  Better yet, catch and release small fish this year to grow and spawn.
  • No boats with motors in pond. Canoes, kayaks, small oar boats allowed.  

*Reminder: Can Collection Area has moved to East Side of Association Shed.

• Do Not Crush Cans—they don’t get accepted at redemption center
  • No Plastic –  No Glass  –   No Garbage
  • Nickel cans
  • Use ONLY Clear plastic bags provided—NO BLACK GARBAGE BAGS or GROCERY BAGS
  • Huge Thank you again to Jeff & Stacey Zearley for their time and effort in starting this effort.
  • Terry Denner asked for volunteers to help sort and clean the cans prior to taking to redemption center!  We all benefit from the resources that these funds help pay for! PLEASE take a turn to help!  Contact Stacy Zearley

FLAG POLE PROJECT:  

• The board wants to recognize a lot of time and effort from Chip Flory, Gail Scherr, and Tom Nagel for helping drive the Flagpole and Flags now installed at the Esmann Island entrance.  They are beautiful.
• The Board also extends great appreciation & thank everyone for their generous donations!  
• Jane indicated all the great Esmann Flag ideas submitted and will announce winner after ballot count.

EVENTS CALENDAR: 

Please read through the Events calendar when you receive them as there may be changes! If you are NEW and haven’t given your email to Cindy Lynch or Laurie Helling, please do so and we will get you on the calendar email list!

• July Fireworks (for Esmann members and invited guests of Esmann members will be held at North Sand Pit Saturday, July 2, Dusk (approx. 9:45)
• Please watch small children and DRIVE VERY SLOWLY, as many people walk, and there are many small children present in a condensed area.
• Donations are always welcome for this year and getting a head start on next year.
• Terry Denner and Josh Geistkemper are accepting donations for fireworks fund!
• THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT SHOW YOU PROVIDE!

ELECTION of Board Members:

• 2 Open Board positions, 2 both 3-year positions.
• Josh Geistkemper’s term has expired but is seeking re-election.
• Terry Denner has served the Board previously, took a break and is willing to volunteer again.\
• Linda Lampe is now a full time Esmann resident (previously weekender for many years) who wishes to get more involved with the Board for the betterment of the island.
• Ballot is filled and ballots collected.
• Vote counters: Cindy Lynch, Wayne Jensen, Dave Wagner

OLD BUSINESS:

ALLIANT UPDATE:  The project will not begin in earnest until after Labor Day.  If you want to take your electrical line underground please contact ALLIANT, then your electrician.

• There were a few questions from the floor: Dennis Winders Sr asked if there is a list of electricians, or could there be one or two electricians who would be willing to work with all interested members?  Jane answered that Alliant would have that information, and also that member Scott Kainz has expressed interest in being available.
• Should not be any payment required in advance.
• Also, if I am not at the property, will I be without service if they come bury the line?  No, Alliant would trench the line/wire to the box location. Nothing will be switched or disconnected until your contracted electrician comes to do the termination and connect new line
• Gary Gansen brought up the concern for overhanging tree branches in the roadways, and grown out bushes/Shrubs. MEMBERS this is your responsibility to make sure the roadways are clear and good visibility lines.

North Boat Ramp:  Discussion held on the deep hole that was created at the end of the new ramp. Freidlein was contracted to fill in the hole with rock and fan it out.  This  may be an ongoing issue in the future and to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get so bad before addressing again.

• Discussion also held on where the end of the ramp is located.
• The bottom is 30 ft rom the seam, and the bottom section of cement ramp was pushed into the river bottom.
• The hole that developed was at least 18 inches deep.
• The 30 ft from seam is at the end of the big blocks ) for visual cues.  PLEASE BE ALERT
• Agreement the new ramp could/should’ve been a steeper slope, but problems can be avoided by judgement.
• There is still room to launch jet skis or small fishing boats on the old ramp, but be warned, that cement is in bad shape.
• As Tom Nagel stated well, “Everyone needs to give a little to get a lot!”
• July 4^th weekend, the public dock  (needs to be repaired) will be repositioned slightly closer to old ramp, and a new handicap accessible walkway will be installed by Tom Nagel, Buc Lampe, Dale & Tim Hoffman.
• A huge thank you for your hard work on making this ramp more accessible to all members and their guests.
• Josh Geistkemper will head a committee to continue improving the north boat ramp/dock for the benefit of all.

NEW BUSINESS:

• ELECTION RESULTS! CONGRATS TO ALL!
  • Josh Geistkemper was re-elected
  • Linda Lampe was elected as a new board member
  • FLAG #6 was chosen as the future Esmann flag!! Big favorite! Christina Miller!!

Public Service Announcement by Ken Root-Safe Septic Systems.

• While waiting for ballots, Ken spoke for a minute about having up to code and safe septic systems! With our water sources so close to septic systems, we need to be extra diligent.

Restrictive Covenants:  Legal documents regarding  the personal use of your own property which have to be updated every so many years.  Terry Denner thought they have been already updated, but Jane will contact Clayton County first and if they need to be brought up into compliance, she would seek our legal team for assistance in updating them.\

Jane asked for a motion to verify the documents and if so needed, approval to pay for legal assistance.

Tim Ahlers made the motion and Gail 2^nd. All in favor. Motion passes.

Future Island Clean Up Days! If there are future island clean up days, we encourage lots of participation.  Great opportunities for kids to help preserve and improve this great place!  Many hands make light work!

GENERAL Reminder:  

• If you were planning on doing your own fireworks, you are encouraged to set them up and fire them off in the sand pit as well. REMINDER: Members, please remind your families & guests that personal fireworks are your responsibility and to please pick up all the paper, leftovers, etc. the next day. 
• Be mindful & respectful of your neighbors (and dogs) and be finished shooting them off by 11:00 pm at night.
• The Board wishes to thank all members who have volunteered their ideas, suggestions, time & materials! With member volunteer cooperation, we again have been able to keep our association dues in line, and are able to continue improving and enjoying our thriving community!

• Motion made to adjourn the meeting by Jane Ertl. Josh made motion, 2^nd from Tim Ahlers. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 11:15

The Board will be meeting at the office July 8^th at 8:00 am for an Island Drive around.

Board will be assessing road conditions, ramp, dock, signage replacement, any nuisance properties.

Not a formal meeting, but if you have any building permits to submit, please be there at 8:00.

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

Have an ENJOYABLE & SAFE Summer!

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

June 24, 2022

Re: Esmann Island underground project update

The DNR has approved our design for Esmann Island with the requirement that we meet our minimum heights for our transformers.

We’ve applied for the necessary permits and expect to have those approved in the next 60 days. After speaking with Jane Root on June 23, we decided it would be best to start the project after Labor Day.

Crews will concentrate on installing the mainline around the Island this fall. We will install services to houses/cabins for those that choose to convert in the spring. This schedule will help accommodate any delays in the permitting process or shortages in materials. 

For those of you choosing to convert to underground, please contact your electrician first and then contact Alliant Energy at 319-786-7171 or Decorah_Elkader_Construction_Hotline@alliantenergy.com for more information and pricing.

You can also direct any other questions about the project to this voice mailbox or email address. 

Sincerely,

Dustin Mohs Manager of Customer Operations

Hey Esmann Members! The Esmann Association has two open seats on our 7-member Board of Directors. The 2 Open Terms are for 3-years each, beginning immediately after our June Annual Meeting.Two candidates (Josh Geistkemper & Linda Lampe) are on the ballot. If other members wish to run and have your name added to the official ballot, please complete our Nomination Petition (downloadable from this website) fill out, and return to Cindy Lynch by noon, Saturday May 28. (Sunday May 29th latest) It’s a great way to get acquainted with island members and be an active part of our unique community! Thanks!

Jane Ertl Root called the meeting to order at 8:00am.  Board members present were Gail Scher, Nikki Lynch, Tim Ehlers, Kevin Thie. Absent were Josh Geistkemper and Andrew Phelps.  Also present were  Treasurer, Cindy Lynch. To see members in attendance (a large group) ask to review the sign-in sheet for this meeting.

Minutes: Reading of the minutes from last meeting of October 16, 2021 was waived in a motion by Tim and seconded by Kevin and unanimous vote of the Board. Motion so passed.

REPORTS

Treasurer:  Treasurer Helen Schwietert has resigned effective November 30, 2021 The Board thanks Helen again for her years of service to our Association, In her place, Cindy Lynch has been hired to take over the treasurer position as well as doing secretarial duties.

• Laurie Helling will continue the very important duties of social media. We thank Laurie for all of her work as well and look forward to working with her in making our information transparent &  available to our membership.
• Because Cindy has just started this position no formal report was presented but Jane confirme balances as of 4/29/22 at Fidelity Bank as follows: $125K CD and $ 10K regular checking balance
• Dave Wagner will provide a 2021 financial report for review at the annual meeting. Dave continues to provide services as our tax accountant as well as advising us on capital expenditures
  that should be depreciated.

Bills:No Bills presented at this time.

Building permits:

•  Phillip Hildebrand, 431 Timberlane, APPROVED
• NOTE: We have no information or building permit on concrete pad located on 2nd Ave. We will reach out to the owner of record.
• Tim Leiss at 348 RVR asked about process for demo. He will provide $500 road deposit fee, which will be returned if no road damage occurs.
• Building committee members request copies of completed projects for their final review and records. The committee will verify completion before checks are returned to owners.

Property Changes:

• Pittman to Hildebrand, 431 Timberlane
• Phelps to Lumetta, 363 River View Road
• Bart Flickinger to Bret & Cora Flickinger 354 3rd Ave
• Horn to Reyerson, 423 Timberlane
• Baumgartner to Plagge, 421 White Oak
• Cletus Davis to Scott Davis, 418 Hickory
• Buhrow to Sorenson, 415 River View Road
• Brown to Buhrow, 346 River View Road

There was some discussion as to how the board is informed of ownership changes. It was noted that the Clayton County Assessor would be aware of these transactions. Cindy volunteered to see if some more formal action can be initiated to make sure our membership information is updated in a more timely & efficient manner.

Boat Storage:  Don Niosi has done a great job of keeping up with the boat storage and collecting fees amounting to $3423 for 2021. All boats should be removed by mid-June. Don will begin storing trailers after annual meeting.   Lime was spread on the floor last Fall. Ken Root will organize volunteers to help pressure wash the inside of the building, tentative scheduled for June 23. Please contact Ken if you are interested in helping.

Pond & Rec Committee:  Cindy Miller has asked to be removed from the Rec Board. We thank Cindy for all her work and regretfully accept her resignation. Kari Winders and Mrs. Teri Denner remain on the committee and will be looking for one or more residents willing to join them.

Kari said most of the big projects are complete and only maintenance remains, which she reminded the board, does require funding.

Discussion was held on the Can Donation project, presently managed by Stacy and Jeff Zearley. Various redemption alternatives were discussed. All members and board present acknowledge the benefit to our community from this project. We want it to continue but there has been “disgusting abuse” of the area as a dumping ground for garbage. As the Zearley’s were not present, more information may be shared at our annual meeting

Island Beautification/Landscaping Committee: (See Old Business)

OLD BUSINESS:

Flag Poles: Gail Scherr reported on the flag pole project. The flag poles are in place and we have an American flag and an Iowa flag ready to go. The lighting is not in place and Gail has run into some road blocks.

Pat?  has volunteered to help expedite this and Scott Kainz (electrician on the island) has also offered his services. It was mentioned that a solar light may be the answer. Further discussion will be held if the electrical hook up doesn’t work.

We have an Esmann Island flag ideas submitted on the website. We plan to add this item to the ballot for voting at the annual meeting.

• Alliant/Mi-Tech project: Representatives were here on Saturday, April 30 to answer questions at this well attended meeting. They have prepared Question/Answer document that will be added to the website.
• Esmann metal detector: Don Niosi successfully located our lost metal detector. This is available for Exman residents, as needed. Please contact a Board member.
• Move boat dock to the old ramp Tom Nagel and Dale Hoffman will relocate our boat dock on the old ramp. The goal is to make it more easily accessible and open up additional beach area. Tony Reyerson will contact Jeff Freidlein about adding additional rock to the bottom of the new boat ramp. Tom Nagel will get cost information to the board.

ROAD: Kevin asked about the road and recalled that the company was to come back this spring to sweep and take care of the extra rock on the road. He noted that it has been more dusty than usual even with the significant rain we’ve had.Jane will reach out to Terry Denner and to speak on behalf of the road committee at the Annual Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Member Becky Schaeffer addressed the Board representing the Umbrella Arts of Guttenberg. This is a group promoting the arts in Guttenberg. They provide the Friday Night Music in the Park each summer, the fish sculpture and other things. Becky was requesting a donation to a project the group is involved with. The project is an outdoor instrument ensemble to be located along River Park Drive across from Joe’s Pizza.  Beyond emergency services, the Board has not donated to Guttenberg projects. Jane used the swimming pool as an example. Yet, the Board will give Becky the opportunity to present the project information at the annual meeting. Google—- freenotesharmonypark.com for a listen!

Owner Concerns & Comments

NOTE: Alicia Hoffman (daughter of Dale) is planning our first island wedding on June 11, 2022. They will have the pavilion and also a tent set up. Some guests may also be camping in the field area. The wedding is at 5 pm and there will be DJ, music and fireworks. Alicia will get required permits and some proof of insurance. Jane will be working with her to draw up a formal contract. Islanders are invited after 8 pm.

Doc Rolfes brought up the subject of speed bumps. Nikki will continue her research on thisproject. It was motioned by Nikki and seconded by Gail and all agreed that these are needed, but placement would be determined after further discussion and cost determination.

*** Kevin suggested we update our faded island signage. Some miscellaneous signs were storedin our closet. Kevin will research what we need and quantities of each. Through Doug Hinzman’s connections at Iowa Prison Industries we should be able to get new signage in a timely manner. We also discussed selling old signs via silent auction at the annual meeting.

***Dale Hoffman brought up that there have been several fishing boats in the pond with the high water they are coming in from the north end off the channel. He would like to erect a barrier of some sort. He noted that bass were highly fished from the pond this spring. All agreed that he proceed using materials at hand.

Annual Meeting Preparation

The target date to complete annual resident mailing is June 1, 2022 (Minimum 2 weeks before meeting) Beyond voting for New Board Members and Island flag option we have no addition al ballot items at this time.

• Jane will create a nominating committee of 3 people who will be responsible for counting ballots and making sure all are in order.
• We have two open seats, (3 Yr terms) Josh Geistkemper is seeking re-election for a second term. Andrew Phelps is stepping down.  Linda Lampe has returned her Nomination Form and will run for one 3 yr term. NOTE: If any other residents wish to run, please request a Nomination Form and return (email) or hand in to Board Member by Friday, May 27 at 5PM (or by end of Sunday night)

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Jane Ertl Root seconded by Tim. All in favor. The meeting adjourned.

Our next regular Board meeting will be Saturday, June 25 immediately following the  Annual Meeting.

Respectively submitted,

Cindy Lynch

UG = Underground OH = Overhead Company = IPL, Alliant Energy Customer = Property landowner

Question: When company is performing a rebuild in an area, what is the customer charged if they choose to convert their OH service to UG?

Answer: The customer will be charged for the installation method and cable, the standard set-up fee to wreck-out the overhead and bury the customer’s service line is waived since the company will already have the equipment in place. NOTE: This does NOT apply if the customer comes back and requests their service line to be buried AFTER the rebuild is complete.

Question: When would the customer need to pay for the new UG service installation?

Answer: Once customer meets with company representative, an application for service must be filled out by the customer or customer electrician for company to provide an estimate and invoice. Invoice needs to be paid per the estimate provided prior to contractor doing any service work.

Question: What are the different installation methods?

Answer: The piece of equipment used to install customer UG service. Trencher, Plow or Drill Rig. This will depend on the layout of the land and the cost for each method is billed at a different rate. This cost will be included in the estimate. Restoration on the customer property is the responsibility of the customer.

Question: Why is the restoration the responsibility of the customer?Answer: Company will take care of all the restoration for the project and installing the main line. If the customer chooses to have their service line on their property changed from the existing OH to the new UG, the customer will be responsible for the restoration of the new service line from the property line to the meter.

Question: When converting from an OH Service to an UG Service during the company rebuild project, does the customer receive any free footage?Answer: Not for an established customer. The Company will only provide a one-time credit for the cost of the original service.

Question: Can the Company provide UG service in exchange for an easement?

Answer: No, we can not exchange an easement in place of the customer new UG service cost; the customer pays for the service and their electrician. If an easement is needed that will be negotiated directly with the customer.

Question: Can the company hire an electrician for the customer?

Answer: No, if the customer is requesting a new UG service, the customer is required to hire an electrician to work on the customer side of the company meter.

Question: Customer meters can no longer be on company poles. When the customer’s meter is on an existing company-owned distribution pole what needs to happen with the customer’s meter?

Answer:

• If the pole is on the customer property, and in good shape, the meter may remain on the pole. Company will give the pole to the customer at no cost. The customer will be required to sign a pole sale agreement document and take ownership of the pole.

• If the pole is on the customer property, and is at the end of the pole life, we can not give the pole to the customer. Company will work with customer to provide a meter pole close to the same pole location and not bill for the meter pole or pole installation. In this scenario the company would hire the electrician to move the meter to the new meter pole.

• If the pole is not on customer property, company will work with customer to provide a meter pole close to the same pole location and not bill for the meter pole or pole installation. In this scenario the Company would hire the electrician to move the meter to the new meter pole.

Question: What would be some additional cost to the customer?

Answer: Customer is responsible to work with their Electrician to provide a company approved meter socket and apply for State of Iowa electrical permit.

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)