Board Members Present: **Due to Covid-19 this meeting was held virtually via ZOOM. Meeting called to order at 8:02 by Terry Denner. Board members present: Terry Denner, Chip Flory, Andrew Phelps, Tony Reyerson, Jane Ertl Root, Bob Buhrow, Micah Geistkemper. Also present: Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schwietert (Treasurer)
Minutes:
Terry Denner asked for approval of October Minutes which had been emailed to Board members by Laurie Helling. Terry Denner asked for a motion to waive reading minutes aloud. Chip Flory made a motion to waive & approve minutes. Bob Buhrow 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report:
- The Island Farm acreage lease has been renewed.
- The CD auto rolled at the end of February.
- Over $3000 was reimbursed to the Association from the Pond Fund via Can Redemption
- Note: Add Agenda Item for Annual Meeting: Estimated pricing for Pond Aerator purchase & installation
- Motion made by Jane Ertl Root to approve Treasurers Report. 2nd by Tony Reyerson. All approved. Motion passed.
Bills Presented:
- Alliant Energy—
- Jane Ertl Root will work on streamlining billing
- Garbage dumpster that was in place during road embargo has been picked up. Much better result over last year. It was only filled with trash and as far as we could tell, just from our island. Was only needed for 3 weeks.
- Motion made by Jane Ertl Root to approve Treasurers Report. 2nd by Tony Reyerson. All approved. Motion passed.
Building Permits:
- Burkle: All permits in place for a single story 3 stall garage. Setbacks checked by Building Committee member Steve Lampe. Permit approved.
- Brief discussion on number of garages/storage buildings being built on lots
- Greif submitted Esmann building permit fee for raising garage.
Reminder-Building Committee members are: Chris Miller, Steve Lampe, Andy Blaylock, Wayne Jensen
- Permits & building plans need to be checked by a Building committee member prior to being presented to Board and signed off by a building committee member 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.
- Sheppard to Pittman 415 Timberlane Rd
- Buhman to Vonhandorf 302 River View Rd
Road Report:
- No seal coat quote to date but will pursue this year by Andy Phelps
- Board will get an updated figure to present at Annual Meeting
- Thank you to Andrew Phelps for keeping an eye on road conditions this spring, closing gates during high water on back road!
Boat Storage Committee:
- Don Niosi will update at May meeting
Landscape/Beautification: No members of committee present
Pond Committee: No members of committee present. Discussion of future Pond area Clean Up Day tabled until May meeting
OLD BUSINESS:
- Farm Field: Current lease holder (Kann) was offered first chance/contract to renew and have done so.
- Exploration of placing field in CRP or wildflower program still ongoing.
- Wildflower program would double the income on the property and would be a 10 yr plan
- FSA had some questions about a “private entity” being given a contract but we have not fully worked through process at this time.
- Secretary Laurie Helling has drafted letter to be mailed to area Tree Service companies about removing cut trees, branches and debris OFF the island after job is completed. It is not to be dumped on island.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Association gave a $500 Donation to the Guttenberg Fire Department
- Discussion held on the vandalism incident this spring and ideas for watching for this type of activity throughout the year.
- ELECTIONS: WE NEED CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD ASAP!
- We have at least 3 Open board positions that will be open this year.
- Ideally, would love candidate names for the May mailing for Annual Meeting
- *25 signatures for candidates may be waived due to Covid-19 restrictions (more info to come)
- Write in or Candidates could also be nominated during Annual Meeting
- PLEASE CONSIDER taking a turn on your Esmann Association Board!
- If you want to be placed on the Ballot, or have any questions, please reach out to current Board member! THANK YOU!!
- Dock Committee: Needs to regroup and discuss getting the island dock out and secured at the North Boat Ramp.
- Hoping we can have it in and secured late May, early June at latest if river levels cooperate.
- Pavilion—July 4th Celebration– *Ideally, we’d love to form a committee of a few members to handle our July 4 celebration. Pond Fund would purchase the main meat for meal, Potluck for rest. Committee would handle getting any other entertainment, i.e. DJ, band, picnic Potluck, kids activities etc. LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED!
- Labor Day Parade & Potluck—Again, looking for a few volunteers to take over the organization of the day’s events! If interested, let Board know! Thanks!
- IMPORTANT! ANNUAL MEETING *JUNE 13 (Pending Covid-19 Conditions/Regulations at this time) Notice would be given as soon as we could if this would change. Meeting Letter & Statements will be mailed at least 2 weeks prior to Annual Meeting.
- Discussion held on having a Plan A and Plan B if Annual Meeting cannot be held in person, and other options for Ballot voting considered as backup.
- Terry Denner has been in touch with Corp Engineers and they are planning on moving the huge sand pile on the channel side of river further to the North, closer to McGregor. FYI:
- Plans are for some kind of recreational area near McGregor
- Dredging the South end of the sand pile island
- Rocking the West/North
- Preserving main channel, possibly widen south end and dredge.
- Supposed to be complete by June.
- Association has given the Corp employees permission to park in North Ramp area for time being.
- If they at some point are in the way, we can ask them to park in overflow area by sandpit.
Next monthly meeting will be held May 16th 8:00 am. **Note: If Covid-19 conditions warrant not holding meeting in Island building then decision will be communicated to members prior to meeting.
*IF that is the case it would likely be another virtual meeting.
Terry Denner asked for motion to adjourn. Tony Reyerson made motion to adjourn 2nd by Andrew Phelps. Motion approved. Adjourned at 8:53
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Helling, Secretary
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