Author: EIOA

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

Board Members present:  Jane Ertl Root, Tony Reyerson,  Andrew Phelps, Tim Ahlers Absent:  Chip Flory (Death in Family) and Josh Geistkemper (on phone)  Also present:  Helen Schwietert and Laurie Helling

Members present: Tom Nagel, Don Niosi, Ken Root, Doc Rolfes, Shauna Barton, Gail Scherr, Dale Hoffman,Tim Hoffman, Cindy Lynch, Kari Winders, Wayne Jensen

Minutes:   Jane asked Board if there were any questions regarding the 10-17-20 minutes. None raised. Jane asked for motion to Approve. Tony made motion to waive reading & approval of minutes. Tim E.  2^nd and all in favor. Motion passed.

Treasurers Report:

• Monthly Balance Sheet & Income Statement distributed to Board Members.
• Discussion held on the (2) 20 month CDS.
•  Road Reseal project being completed this year
  • $100K CD matured in Maarch, Cashed and placed in Checking for Road Reseal project.
  • Once Road Reseal project is complete, new discussion will be held to open new CD.
  • $25K June maturity date (TBD at May meeting)
  • Discussion on depreciation of fixed assets.
    • Jane and members expressed interest in seeing the depreciation schedule.
    • Dave Wagner will provide new depreciation schedule once taxes are completed.
    • Taxes are being completed within the May extension date.

Jane asked for motion to approve Treasurer Report. Nikki Lynch made motion to approve Treasurers Report, Andrew 2nd, Motion approved. Motion passed.

Bills Presented:

• Alliant Energy (even pay) $78.00
• Bi-County Jan-March
• Friedlein Snow Removal (2020) Sept-Jan. Jan-Feb (Invoice to come)
• Newt Marine (deposit & Cert. of Insurance) Return deposit
  • Need to speak with Newt Marine about some damage to the North Ramp floating docklate last fall. 2 poles (placeholders) were bent and will be repaired. The rod to the gangway walk to the dock was broken off.
• Thank you to Board Member Tim Ahlers for gathering mail/handling bills etc. over the winter months.

Jane asked for motion to approve Treasurer Report. Nikki Lynch made motion to approve Treasurers Report, Andrew 2nd, Motion approved. Motion passed.

Building Permits:

No immediate permits were submitted. Several projects in process of gathering necessary permits from state and county.

• Terry Sindelar: permit application to DNR to replace existing garage.
• Discussion on new septic (Schaefer) Road Deposit?
• Notice of two dumpsters placed at Youngblood and C & C Miller lots.

** PERMIT REMINDERS:  Please contact Board Member or Building Committee Member PRIOR to starting BUILDING projects!  Review setbacks (structures need to include roof overhangs into setbacks)

Property Ownership Changes:

• Shepard to Youngblood
• Johnson to Dreesman
• Drexler to Drexler
• Gilkes to Pattison

Committee Reports:

Boat Storage-Don Niosi said to contact him if anyone needs to get boats, jet skis, etc. from storage.

Dock/Ramp Committee:  North Boat Ramp discussed above (Bills). *Landscape Committee discussed  cutting down some of the dead trees in the boat parking area at north ramp.  

Pond Committee Update: 

• Kari Winders confirmed Pond Aerator is being ordered. Especially needed after a winter fish kill.
• Donation Board for the Pavilion will be finished and added this year. (Pond Committee will have a sheet at Annual Meeting)
• Kari mentioned she will bring stickers next meeting that can be placed on Golf carts. Placards can hang in vehicles.
• Great big Thank You to Scott Kainz & Terry Denner who were able to use Newt Marine equipment to clean and dig out several areas of pond to deepen areas that had filled in with sand, silt, and dirt.
• Great big Thank You to Doc & Cheryl Rolfes for their ongoing efforts to clean up debris around pond, and cart trail to the beach.
• 1^st Pond and Common grounds clean up day May 1, 8:00.  More community clean up days possibly TBA this spring.
• NOTE:  DO NOT DUMP fire ring (hot) ashes or debris along cart trail. Fire Hazard!  Especially with this dry of a spring.
• The tables stored in the Assoc building will be brought out
• Tom & LaDonna Nagel brought up desire to purchase and donate new picnic tables for the North Ramp area. Old ones there are really falling apart.
• HUGE Thank You to Jeff & Stacy Zearley for their ongoing efforts in the Can Recycling! $991 was deposited into the Rec Fund for Oct-Dec cans redemption.
  • PLEASE try to only bag up Nickle deposit cans.  No glass. No plastic.
  • The Zearley’s haul the cans home where they sort, rinse and rebag the cans for redemption so thanks again.

LANDSCAPE Committee:

• Still accepting perennial plants (lilies, irises, hostas, etc.) Place by entrance of cart trail, or along back road and they will get replanted.
• Consider donating old potting soil sitting around in bags, in your garage/sheds, from here or home. Dump in garden area north of pond.
• Would like to utilize garden area for more compost efforts as well.
• Instead of burning all your leaves, rake and dump in the garden area for composting!
• Pick up sticks branches etc from common grounds if you see them so Dale Hoffman (Lawn Service) doesn’t have to stop mowing to pick up debris all the time.
• Would like to see people help with trimming up dead branches, trees limbs etc, and make a common area for firewood/kindling that any member could use.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Newt Marine appears to still be using area to park. Someone will be in touch with them to see what further plans they have for the summer and to have them park in common area.
•  Check with Terry Denner on completion of work before returning Deposit Check.
• Road Reseal Update
  • *Will likely take place in June  (dates not set yet) *Confer with Terry Denner
  • We are 1^st on the list for Road Reseal Company
  • More Updates as temps get warmer for ideal reseal conditions.
• Farm Acreage Lease:  Tony will talk to the farmers regarding lease for this coming year.
• Update on Nuisance letters sent to properties in need of clean up, weeds, long grass etc.  
• 3 Properties will be sent a 2^nd letter for compliance by end of May for compliance in cleaning up lot subject to non –compliance is a bill for Assoc having to complete it and a lien against property.
• Andrew Phelps presented ideas on possible re-design of north end turnaround. Jane will take a look at ideas.  No action at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Annual Meeting in June
  • Need to get agenda in place
  • Will there be a need for any special voting on ballot?
  • OPEN BOARD POSITIONS:
    • Chip Flory seat is Open. He is not running again.
    • Tony R. undecided at this time.
      • Discussion on clarifying the terms and lengths of term.
      • PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING A TURN ON YOUR BOARD! Contact a current board member for details on submitting candidacy.
• Both Laurie Helling (Secretary) and (Treasurer) Helen Schweitert, have expressed their desire to resign from the board this year.  No formal resignations have been submitted to date.
• Job descriptions will be updated and will be posted accordingly.
• Tony R. brought up for discussion to raising the dues. They have not been raised in a few years, and we really need to think about the future of the island and possible scenarios that could us the Association in the years to come.
  • Raising the dues (reasonably) would help in creating a good cushion to responds to these possibilities.
  • The County taxes were raised again on the Association building and common grounds. Will consider arguing that at the County level.
  • Ken Root brought up several good points related to the future.
• Nikki Lynch made a motion to ask for legal opinion on the best recommended path for raising dues and preparing for future of the island association.  Tim Ehlers 2^nd. All in favor. Motion passed.
• Dale Hoffman asked permission from the Board to use the pavilion for his daughter’s wedding in June of 2022.
  • Discussion held on having a Pavilion Deposit ($200) and a Usage fee ($25-50?) for a member –private event.
  • Discussion as well as far as insurance and liability.
• Memorial Tree-Board would like to purchase a Memorial Tree in memory of Board Member Chip Flory’s Mom. Tony made the motion to purchase locally. Tim 2^nd. Motion passed.

Adjournment:  Jane asked for  motion to adjourn. Tony made motion to adjourn, Tim E.2^nd  and meeting was adjourned at 9:22.

Next Meeting May 15^th, 2021 8:00 am

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

Board Members present:  Jane Ertl Root, Tony Reyerson, Chip Flory, Josh Geistkemper, Andrew Phelps, Tim Ehlers Absent: Nikki Lynch (on phone)  Also present:  Helen Schwietert and Laurie Helling

Members present: Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Linda Lampe, Shauna & Nick Barton, Amy Phelps, Wayne Jensen

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

Treasurers Report:

• Monthly Balance Sheet & Income Statement distributed to Board Members.
• Discussion held on the (2) 20 month CD’s and either rolling the CDs or breaking one for the Road Reseal project being completed next year.
  • $100K March 6th /maturity date. Will be closed out and deposited into checking account.
  • $25K June date
  • Also discussed there if too much money in checking we may need to move some of that into the money market.
  • Discussion on depreciation of fixed assets.
• Friedlein will continue to plow $78 *$3.00 increase

2021 Budget *discussed under New Business.

Tim made motion to approve Treasurers Report, Tony 2^nd, Motion approved

Jane asked for a motion to pre-approve the Bills over the winter months. Tim E Made motion, Josh 2^nd, and so approved.

Bills Presented:

• Alliant Energy (even pay) $78.00
• Matrix Productions (Pond Sign) $267.50
• Hoffman Lawn Service

Chip made motion to approve the bills, Andrew 2^nd Motion approved

Building Permits:

• Permit presented for Privacy Fence 496 Riverview
  • Discussion on setbacks
  • Are privacy fences allowed, do they need to allow water flow
  • Research—Approval pending research by laws

Property Ownership Changes:

• Several in process but none presented at this time.

Committee Reports:

Boat Storage-Don Niosi presented his list for boat storage, Jeff Heising would not need the storage space, Nick Barton inquired re bass boat. All spots spoken for in the building.

Dock/Ramp Committee: Dock by north ramp will come out soon. Will coordinate with a few members.

Pond Committee Update: 

• Members donated rocks and 4 x 4 treated lumber, also flagstone, and cement benches
• 4 Memorial Trees purchased and planted along right hand side of Pond road.
• Discussion on the Pond Fund. We will add the treasurer to the Account for oversight considerations.
• Spring clean up and related activities will be discussed in 2021 meetings.

OLD BUSINESS:

• The dredging continues and should be completed by October 30^th.
• Continue to stay in touch with Jesse regarding the pond dredging
• Update on Nuisance letters sent to properties in need of clean up, weeds, long grass etc. Will check again in spring for compliance.
• Farm Acreage Lease:
  • Discussion on future CRP (Josh led discussion)
    • 2 options December
      • Either get signatures and try to qualify again for CRP/Wildflower
      • Lease the farm land again w/ Kann. Tony will continue to work with Kann.
      • Tabled until spring meeting
• Year End- Tax information delivered to Dave Wagner by end of November
• Feb or March-will likely have spring road embargo and will need to contact Bi-County Garbage.
  • Andrew Phelps will watch the roads and gates if needed to be closed due to high water in spring.
• North Boat Ramp—Jesse from Newt will still have a boat there through their completion.
• Discussion on giving Dale Hoffman a gift/bonus of appreciation for his great work on the common grounds.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Discussion on 2021 Budget—no major changes. Will still donate $500 to Guttenberg Fire Department.
• Jane asked if there were any other donations to be considered before approving budget. Again, everyone went through the proposed budget, CD’s. No additional concerns or questions voiced.
• Jane asked for motion to approve the 2021 budget proposal, Tony R 2^nd and the motion approved.

Adjournment:Chip made a motion to adjourn, Josh 2^nd and meeting was adjourned at 9:06

Tentative Spring Meeting:  April 17, 2021 **AMENDED to April 24^th 2021

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling

Secretary

Meeting called to order at 8:03am by Tony Reyerson.

Board members present:  Tony Reyerson, Jane Root, Tim Ahlers, Andrew Phelps, Josh Geistkemper, Chip Flory. Not present in person(on phone): Nikki Lynch. Also present: Helen Schwietert (Treasurer), Laurie Helling (Secretary)

*Many Members also present for the meeting. It was held outdoors for social distancing reasons.

First Order of Business: Tony Reyerson addressed the board and members present and expressed his wish to resign as acting President. He stated it was nothing personal at all, rather he was just not comfortable in the position. He asked the Board to consider Jane Root as taking over the President position and if acceptable he’d like to remain part of the Board.

The Board considered the proposal and accepted his proposal. Tony yielded the floor to Jane Root and proceeded to meeting agenda.

Minutes: Jane asked for motion to waive reading and approve August minutes. Chip Flory made the motion, Josh Geistkemper 2^nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Treasurer Helen Schwietert informed Board all 2020 assessments were paid.
• CD will be coming due.
• Motion made by Chip Flory to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd by Tony Reyerson. All approved. Motion passed.

Bills Presented:         

• Alliant Energy $78 AutoPay
• Clayton County Taxes $2132
• Mike Steines Attorney $420
• Treasurer Payment $345.60       
• Motion made by Chip Flory to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd by Tony Reyerson. All approved. Motion passed.

Building Permits:   

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

• Mark Tarpy—2 lots. Removal of current residence and replace with new modular structure.
  • Waiting on home delivery.
  • Permits in order, will review by Building Committee when home is delivered.
• Review and send back approved permits/road deposits.
• Burco building project to start.
• 494 Riverview Road-to be discussed separately in Old Business.

Property Changes:

• 404 Riverview Road- Dillavou to Brummel
• 321 Riverview Road- Wulfekule to Radloff

Road Report:  

• Reseal Update-Terry Denner reported we are going to start the reseal project again in the spring after the frost is gone.
• We will be at the top of Blacktop Services list and our rock is already at Bard.
• Will give notice to members again in the first Board meeting of 2021.

Boat Storage: Don Niosi reported 6 trailers were still in the shed, and 2 removed. Will start storing boats for members on the list by next weekend.

Corps of Engineers Update: Kim from the Corps reached out and said the project with Newt was going well but they’ve decided to remove more sand from McMillan. Originally it was 900 cubic yards. They will probably be there for 2 or 3 extra weeks bringing them to almost end of October. Recommended to stay on Jesse since we still want to have them complete the dredging they promised for pond.

POND COMMITTEE:  

• Member Tom Nagel asked if there was any more action taken on installation of a gate on the pond road.
• Nothing more had been discussed and it was decided to table until spring.
• More discussion regarding small vinyl stickers that can be placed on the windshield of golf carts (in addition or in place of the hanging tag)  Will table until spring.
• Aerator not ordered since we the pond dredging was delayed. Will be installed in spring.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Farm acreage/Rent discussion held.
• Esmann was not accepted into the Wildflower set aside program. Not enough “points” based on our acreage size and other variables.
• Will reapply since there is still interest and Association could double the amount from crop rental currently. 
• Josh-Tony will check on it and even invite the current farm renter to next meeting.
• Bob Sims asked for a reminder to all member not to discard fish guts/cleanings in the back slough by residences. Attracts varmints, especially skunks.

• Need skid loader or tractor to pull the island dock out for season. Wayne Jensen and several others volunteered equipment or knew who had some to borrow.

• Cindy Miller asked all LEAVES (not burned) can be dumped in the common grounds garden area north of the pond for mulch/compost.
• Cindy wanted to remind members any veggies in garden are for anyone’s use.
• Cindy would like to do some additional landscaping with rock and plants around Pond sign.

OLD BUSINESS:

• New Pond sign has been installed.
• ID Tags—Reminder to please use the tags on your vehicles. Cindy Lynch will try to get more and as she will be headed south for winter months, will give the leftover tags to Secretary Laurie Helling for the next few months.
• Cindy Lynch inquired about progress on flagpoles. Since the total cost will only be around $1800 she will not pursue a grant.
• Reminder:  Do not use common grounds for long term parking of boats, trailers, ramps, pontoons etc.
• Also only temporary parking of boats/pontoons/jetskis at North Boat Ramp beach frontage.
• 494 Riverview Road—Revisited discussion on Phelps request regarding easement on road in front of property.
• Since the Board had not had a chance to meet and discuss privately prior to meeting, the Board wished to take a short amount of time to go to office to discuss the matter before the formal vote.
• Some members voiced concern over transparency but was assured this was an action the board  can take, and would definitely let members attending what the decision would be before adjourning.
• After board discussion, reconvened outside.  Jane asked for a motion to leave the road as it is presently. Chip F. made the motion. 2^nd by Josh G., 6 in favor and Andrew abstained. Motion passes.
• Andrew Phelps requested an official letter of record which will be done.

Jane asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tony Reyerson made motion with a 2^nd by Josh Geistkemper.  All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:13 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Esmann Secretary

Well, Mother Nature has won this round for 2020. With the Derecho storm putting Blacktop Services behind in schedule, and then the 7+ inches of rain over the week after Labor Day, it has again negatively impacted Blacktop Services schedule. It has been decided to postpone the Road Seal project until Spring 2021.

The bid and cost of the project will remain in place and it will put us at the top of the list for early next June when weather & temps should be favorable and hopefully past spring flood threats.

We thank those involved with the project for helping coordinate the road reseal and commitment to making this project happen, albeit a bit later that we expected.

Meeting called to order at 8:02am by Tony Reyerson.

Board members present:  Tony Reyerson, Jane Root, Tim Ahlers, Andrew Phelps, Josh Geistkemper  Absent: Chip Flory, Nikki Lynch. Also present: Helen Schwietert (Treasurer), Laurie Helling (Secretary)

Many Members also present for the meeting. It was held outdoors for social distancing reasons.

*Before the First Order of Business, there was a short update by the Corps of Engineers (Kimberly Warshaw) and Project Managers (Chris Settles) and Mark Cawthorne, for Newt Marine & Dredging of McMillan Island. They also wanted to address any concerns.

• Kimberly Warshaw brought with her enlarged GIS comparative aerial photos/maps of our section of the river. The maps represent the river as it looked over several years. Inc. 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s and so on.
• The Corps is still determining new sites for the dredge material placement.
• Question from member:  Have you checked depths currently, and how they have changed even in the last 10 years?  Answer: They have not done a full geological study at this time.
• Maps are ours to keep in the Association Office.
• Chris Settles said a Test Pump was conducted Wednesday morning and Thursday, August 13^th, they started production pumping.
• Mark Cawthorne from Newt Marine said they hope to be done by the end of September. It’s a slow process to get set up and started. Once in fully running, production can be 5,000 yards up to 10,000 yards on a very good day.  Potentially 25K up to 100K potential yards.
• The Dredged Material Manager is Paul Machajewski 651-290-5866 Office.
• Board thanked them for coming to the meeting to give updates and answer any questions.

Proceeded to meeting agenda, Pres. Tony Reyerson yielded the floor to V.P. Jane Ertl to chair the meeting.

Minutes:

• Jane asked for motion to waive reading and approve July meeting minutes. Tim Ahlers made the motion, Josh Geistkemper 2^nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
• Secretary, Laurie Helling, apologized for the late posting of July minutes online. She could not attend the July meeting and was on vacation after.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Treasurer Helen Schwietert made note to the Board members, that the columns on the Revenues & Expenses have been changed to reflect Month to Month and YTD.
• Our CD’s are in good shape.
• Fidelity contacted Helen to let us know if we wish to access online account, we would need to set up new email address on file. Board agreed not to opt for that option at this time.
• All Annual Assessments with the exception of one has been collected and deposited. Helen has made contact with the member who is supposed to be sending it in.  If not received, the late penalty will be applied.
• Motion made by Tony Reyerson to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd by Tim Ahlers.. All approved. Motion passed.

Bills Presented:

• Alliant Energy $78 AutoPay
• Bi-County Disposal-Quarterly $3900
• Hoffmann Lawn Mowing for Common Grounds $749
• Friedman Insurance (Association) $3324            
• Motion made by Tony Reyerson to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd by Tim Ahlers . All approved. Motion passed.

Building Permits:   

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

• Permit submitted by Bill Allyn 299 Riverview Rd. Plans submitted for covered canopy over patio. Building   Chris Miller, Tony Reyerson and Josh Geistkemper went to look/measure the plan. Setbacks are met and no road deposit needed.  Pre-build permit approved.

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.

• 360 Second Avenue sold –K. Pittman to William (Bill) & Megan Demmer
• 410 White Oak sold —Takedown Ranch LLC to William & Christine Miller
• 411 White Oak sold— D. Weigel to Angela McGinnis     
• 404 River View Rd —  Koppenhaver to Randel & Tammy Dillavou

Road Report:  *See Old Business for Road Reseal Updates.

Boat Storage Committee:  Nothing to report at this time.

Landscape/Beautification: Nothing to report at this time.

Pond Committee:  See New Business

OLD BUSINESS:  

NEW ROAD Update—-RESEAL PROJECT START DELAYED UNTIL SEPT 8^TH– 9^TH 10^TH The devastating storm (derecho) that hit Eastern Iowa has backed up Blacktop Services schedule.

• They will be on Esmann, Tuesday Sept 8^th to start road prep and actual Re-seal will take place on Wednesday & Thursday Sept. 9^th Friday Sept. 10^th.  *In case of rain on those days, the project will stop or not happen until dry.
• If you have a sealed or cement driveway please clear/clean away any grass/weeds at the end of your driveways.
• STOP watering the road. The tar will not adhere to wet surfaces.
• Terry Denner, Josh Geistkemper, and Ken Schwietert are volunteering to “screen” off the end of your concrete driveways in order to prevent tar from getting on your driveways. More volunteers for screening are very welcome!  There are 102 driveways. Please contact Terry Denner if interested in helping on one or both days!  
• If you have Visible Pins in/on the road or edge, please cover with something (i.e. piece of tin) or it will be covered by the tar/rock.
• Blacktop Services will broom & tar but no broom after in order to keep rock on the road. The more the roads are driven on after the reseal process complete the better it becomes packed down and compressed.
• The Board will double check to make sure we have applied for Non-Profit tax exempt status for the total bill.
• Bi-County Garbage can still pick up on Tuesday Sept. 8^th.  *Someone from Board will call them and just let them know the schedule.
• Contract was signed and returned. @1.72 yd. *$74K-$78K when all is said and done. Blacktop Services will track total tonnage at end of project.
• To pay for this project, the Board will need to break a CD (which was to come due in March).

NEW BUSINESS:

• Secretary Laurie Helling will send a Welcome Kit to the new Esmann Lot Owners.
• Revisit Andrew Phelps request. Discussion held on Andrew Phelps pin placement/situation.
  • Wayne Jensen said the pins were placed where they were in the road back in 1992, isn’t really sure why the placement was put there. There was easement discussion back when the island was sold to the members.
  • Kate Hoffmann, Jim Cunningham and Shawna Barton, voiced concerns over emergency vehicles being able to access and turn around and most large vehicles still have to do a 3 pt turnaround with the road as is presently. Also how would it affect garbage pick up.
  • Andrew Phelps has had a survey done but has not received it back yet. When he does he will forward to the board for review and legal opinion.
  • His goal is to regain some of the ground he feels has been lost over the years to the encroachment of  the road from snowplowing and sealing onto the property.
  • The Board reminded people to keep emotions in check, as this is under review and no action can take place without studying new survey, which has been received yet.
  • The Phelps would like everything in writing because one of the co-owners of the property is legally deaf.
  • It is a non-conforming lot and does not currently have a septic system. Andrew has been in touch with County about alternative septic systems that could be potentially used.
  • Board will need to consider the effects any changes would have on emergency vehicles, mail deliveries, and garbage pickup.
  • Further Discussion can be held in by the board in closed session but no voting will take place in a closed session.
  • Tim Ahlers made motion to table Phelps discussion until Survey is received and reviewed. Josh Geistkemper 2^nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.

POND COMMITTEE: Kari Winders asked the Board to post reminder to members and guests NOT to climb on or stand on the pond beach sun shades. Which someone unfortunately did recently causing them to come down. Again, please if you see something, say something.

• The new ID tags are still being handed out to each lot owner, but should be close to being finished. Display them in your vehicles, golf carts, side by sides.
• No gas motors on the pond.
• Dennis Winders Jr. presented a financial statement for the Pond Recreation Fund which of course has had donations, money raised from fundraisers, and can redemptions.   
  • Total Deposits since 2017 $18,139.86
  • Total expenses- $12,606.01 (paid with funds)
  • Current account balance- $5,533.85
• Working on a memorial board, please Dennis or Kari Winders know if we’ve missed anything prior to printing a banner to display this information on the pavilion wall this fall.

Memorial/Cash donations:

• Gifts  Level   Amt
• 4 Platinum  $1000 + 
• 3 Gold  $500-$999 
• 7 Silver  $200-$499 
• 6 Bronze  $100-$199
• Picnic table donations: 8 of 10  *Still can “sponsor/buy” one or two of the tables.
• Other donations include concrete work, rafters, electrical work, port-a-potty, Popsicle sales, “I love my island” stickers, can recovery/processing and much donated work time/effort. 

Discussion held on creating very small vinyl stickers that can be placed on the windshield of golf carts (in addition or in place of the hanging tag). Some carts it is difficult to hang the tag. Kari and Teri Denner will get some pricing to send to the board for review.

Discussion held on restricting the road to the pond with a gate on one side that can be pinned, but opened for firetrucks or larger vehicles transporting kayaks, canoes for pond. Terry Denner would help measure and fabricate the gate.

• Mr. Moser asked if he could still drive his pick up to pond with kayaks on back. Yes. He can open the gate to drive in and close it again.
• The goal is to limit some of the full size vehicles (Cars/trucks) from driving on the cart path back to the beach.
• New Pond Sign should be ready to be installed next weekend.

Cindy Lynch asked if we are still considering a flag pole at the entrance of the island at the Esmann Island Rock. There had been discussion about having an Esmann Island Flag contest. Yes, the Board is in favor of the flag pole and Cindy will check into possible grant(s) from the Daughters of the Revolution organization. Tabled until next meeting.

Jane asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tony Reyerson made motion with a 2^nd by Andrew Phelps. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 am.

Next monthly meeting will be held September 19^th 8:00am

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Esmann Secretary

ROAD UPDATE—–RESEAL PROJECT START DELAYED UNTIL SEPT 8TH- 9TH 10TH

• The devastating storm (Derecho) that hit Eastern Iowa has backed up Blacktop Services schedule.

• They will be on Esmann Island, Tuesday Sept 8th to start road prep. Actual Re-seal will take place on Wednesday & Thursday Sept. 9th Friday Sept. 10th. *In case of rain on those days, the project will stop or not happen until dry.

• If you have a sealed or cement driveway please clear/clean away any grass/weeds at the end of your driveways. If you are not able to do this before the reseal starts, please reach out to a Board member to see if someone can assist.

• STOP watering the road. The tar will not adhere to wet surfaces. Thanks!

• Terry Denner, Josh Geistkemper, and Ken Schwietert are volunteering to “screen” off the end of your concrete driveways in order to prevent tar from getting on your driveways. More volunteers for screening are very welcome! There are 102 driveways. Please contact Terry Denner if interested in helping on one or both days!

• If you have Visible Pins in/on the road or edge, please cover with something (i.e. piece of tin/metal) the size of the pin that you can remove later, or it will be covered by the tar/rock.

• Bi-County Garbage will still pick up on Tuesday Sept. 8th.

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Road Seal Project will take place the week of August 17th. Please clean grass from end of your driveways. Please stop watering the roadway and limit traffic during those few days.

We could use a couple more volunteers to help with driveway screening so tar doesn’t get on the driveways. If interested in helping with that, please contact Teri Denner. Thank you!

Newt Marine Service                                                                                                          Public Meeting  1

McMillan Island Dredge Site Unloading                                                                                    07/18/2020

New Marine Service has been contracted to hydraulically remove 125,000 cubic yards of sand from McMillan Island to Buck Creek disposal site.

Expected Work Dates:  July 2 –Oct 25

Anticipated Work Hours:  M-F   6am to 7pm

Length of Pipe:   ~11,500’

Diameter: 24 inch

Location of Booster Barge: North End of Esmann Island

Newt Marine Staff will stage and access workboats on Esmann Island north of the public ramp.

McMillan Island will be closed to boat traffic/beach access for the duration of construction.

Buck Creek Sand Pit will be closed for the duration of construction.

The pipeline route is dictated by US Fish and Wildlife. No pipeline will cross Esmann Island.

Due to shallow water on the north end of Esmann Island, we are unable to sink the pipe deep enough for a boat crossing in the main north route, leaving Esmann Island for the channel.  All boat traffic will be redirected to go around north end of island that is Northeast of Esmann Island’s northern boat dock.

The underwater crossing will be east of the small island and will be parallel to the Main channel downstream of river mile 619. The underwater crossing and pipeline will be well lit and marked.

Do not attempt crossing the pipeline at any other place than at the underwater crossing.

Point of Contact:

Jesse Speer

Project Superintendent

(563) 557-1855

Artie Ahr

Project Manager

(563) 557-1855

Thank you for making this a successful project.

Newt Marine

Esmann Island Board & Member Questions and Discussion

Q: Bob Gilkes asked how long project will take?

A: End of Aug, possibly Sept per Newt.

Q: Jane Root asked: will there be any sand on the island?

A: No per Newt

Q: When will pond dredging begin?

A: We are still in negotiations regarding the pond dredge. For now, the plan is to dredge the southeastern side. Possibly the north side. No solid plan on paper as of yet.

Q: Cindy Lynch asked: are there any other options for parking down by ramp? Reason being,  workers taking up a lot of space. Offered up sand pit option.

A: Per Jesse @ Newt they need to be able to load and unload and do their best to clear out at end of day and on weekends. Once actual dredging process begins, there will be less congestion.

Paul @ Corp of Engineers states that McMillian Island is not large enough for all of the sediment. They are looking to create a long term planning effort regarding this. Any ideas are welcome for storing sand.

Q: Jane asked: what is the probability of channel changing?

A: Per Paul, no plan, channel stays as is.

Q: Dennis Winders asked: can they add any more recreation areas, sandbars?

A: Per Paul, open to it but more than likely they will enhance what is already there as they are working to save wildlife.

Q: Cindy Lynch asked: there was talk of adding an access road to North End of Island.

A: Probably not an option due to wetland issues but may raise existing road to avoid flooding. Per Paul

Q: Jane asked: how to go about making no wake zone in front of island.

A:  Per Paul at Corp, County Sheriff and County Boat control.

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