Author: EIOA

Hi everyone, if you are planning on attending the Annual Meeting this Saturday, June 13th, please bring your Ballot to the meeting along with your own pen/pencil. We will have some available, but due to Covid we’d like to limit them being passed around. There will be discussion & details regarding Road Sealing and updated Building Guidelines prior to voting, and a super quick biography of each candidate running for the Board.
If you are not attending, you may still mail completed ballots in with your annual dues. As always, any questions, contact a Board member, or Secretary, Laurie Helling. lahelling24@gmail.com

Thank you!

FYI: Newt Marine Services will be using our sand pit area as staging area for their equipment while moving the sand for a local dredging project. The pipe will NOT be running across our island at any point…. they are going around us. They will also be parking a boat near our North dock. In exchange for this they are giving us a hefty road deposit and dredging several areas of our pond. Any questions call 641.330.3487.

Board Members Present: **Due to Covid-19 this meeting was held outside the Assoc building. Meeting called to order at 8:02 by Terry Denner. Board members present: Terry Denner, Chip Flory, Tony Reyerson, Jane Root, Bob Buhrow, Josh Geistkemper. Absent: Andrew Phelps.   Also present: Laurie Helling (Secretary) Absent: Helen Schwietert (Treasurer)  

Members present:  Nikki Lynch, Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Chris Miller, Steve Lampe, Bob Sims, Kari Winders

Minutes:
Terry Denner asked for approval of April 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 reading & approve minutes.  Jane Root 2^nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.

Bills Presented:

• Alliant Energy—
  • Jane Root contacted Alliant and both accounts have been combined into one account, one statement and is on even pay now.
• Bi-County quarterly bill submitted and paid. $3900 Apr/May/June 
• Have not received Hoffman bill for mowing to date.
• Laurie Helling submitted two bills for Web Site Security renewal and Domain Name Renewal. (Reimbursement)
• Motion made by Tony Reyerson to approve Bills 2nd by Josh Geistkemper. All approved. Motion passed.   

Building Permits:   

• Reisner 356 Third Ave- Submitted permit for back deck. Found front two pins, unable to find back two pins, may have been removed by power company. Needs to be measured. Status is still Pending Approval.
• Halderson 425 Lot Timber Lane –Submitted permit for 34 x 40 garage with overhangs included. Lot has been surveyed and permits submitted. 2 building committee members have looked at in person.
• Gansen 376 Riverview -Removing old 8 x 16 shed and replacing with 8 x 16 shed. Permit submitted.
• R. & C. Reisner 424 Hickory removing south landing and stairs. Being replaced by Chris Miller. No permit needed.
• Burkle 210 2^nd Ave- Will be submitting new building permit with specific dimensions and clarifications.
  Zearley 427 White Oak–Deck being built or moved? 2 Board member (Josh G. & Tony R) or 2 committee members will contact.
• 
  Lengthy discussion held by board members on building definitions and changes that will be presented to the members at the Annual Meeting. Please Note: The details will be included in the annual Meeting.
• Terry Denner – called and researched the local city (Guttenberg) and county (Clayton) on definitions and classifications of house, garage, shed, and “shouse” (combo house and shed)
• Based on these various findings from city and county, it was then discussed how these findings apply to Esmann Island Association definitions of garage currently and how it should be properly reflected for our situation.
• Permits submitted need to be extremely clear and defined by lot owner/member as to dimensions and what the building’s intention. *Copy of Blueprint would be ideal on new Building construction.
• Discussion on “redefining” or clarification as to garage specifications for building.  
• The EIHOA would have to adopt these clarifications and definitions & incorporate size, height, sq. feet by presenting to members prior to, during annual meeting if needed.
• Needs to pass by 60% of members present. Yes/No Vote on the ballot
• Will also need to update the Building Guidelines.
• Also discussed were automatically requiring a land survey for new residences and/or a building addition

• 2 Building Committee Members must make sure to view/measure and sign off on permits before submitting to board.
• Member/owners must be present at Board Meeting when permit is submitted for approval.
• List Land Surveyors and contact info will be added to Esmann web site and in building documents.
• Terry Denner asked for motion on next steps for Building Changes. Jane Root made motion to move forward with redefining structure definitions, revising building guidelines, and placing on Annual Meeting ballot (if needed) Tony Reyerson 2^nd. All in favor. Motion passed.

Reminder-Building Committee members are: Chris Miller, Steve Lampe, Andy Blaylock, and Wayne Jensen

• Permits & building plans need to be checked by 2 Building Committee members 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.
• None Reported at this time

Road Report:  

• Received a bid for the Road Seal Coat. (**See Annual Meeting notes under New Business)
• Board will get an updated figure to present at Annual Meeting

Boat Storage Committee:

• Don Niosi updated Board members on current Boat Storage.
• Remaining boats in Association building must be removed before Annual Meeting!
  • 2 Jet Skis were able to be placed in an Open spot last October.
  • 4 names remain on Waiting List for Winter storage.
  • Trailer Storage for Summer will be available after Annual Meeting. $30.00
  • Contact Don Niosi if you are interested on being placed on waiting list or have questions about winter storage and fees.

Landscape/Beautification: No members of committee present

Pond Committee:  *See Discussion for Annual Meeting under New Business

OLD BUSINESS:   

ELECTIONS:  WE NEED CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD ASAP!

• We have at least 3 Open board positions that will be open this year.
  • Ideally, we need candidate names included on the May mailing for Annual Meeting
  • *25 signatures for candidates may be waived due to Covid-19 restrictions 
    • Write in or Candidates could also be nominated during Annual Meeting if needed
• 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 ASAP! THANK YOU!!
• Dock Committee: Try and get dock in north ramp by Memorial Day Weekend.
  • Bob Buhrow will be painting fresh guide lines on concrete at new ramp.
• Playground: Basketball Backboard coming, and would love some help painting lines on the concrete.
• REMINDER ALL MEMBERS: 
  • Please pick up your own trash around pond playground, beach area, sandpit, and pavilion!
  • Due to Covid conditions- no Port-a-Potty by pond this summer
  • If you use the community picnic tables please clean & wash up after use.
  • PLEASE due to very shallow areas in pond, use ONLY Trolling motors
  • FISHING, please be considerate and do not over fish the pond!  Abide by DNR rules for fish limit and inform your guests of Pond rules.
  • Do not clean fish by pond and leave the guts/carcasses
• ROAD GUIDELINES
  • As always, with summer almost here, and many more people and vehicles on the island roads, we need to be extra careful to avoid injury and accidents!
  • NO SPEEDING of vehicles, Golf carts, go karts, Mo-peds, ATVS, Side by Sides.   15 mph
• Make sure company, guests, grandkids, etc. are aware of the rules.
  • Will repost our Road Guidelines on the Esmann website.
    • Small children have been seen driving golf carts alone or with other small children which can be concerning, especially on busy weekends.
    • Small, young children should be supervised with adult or older teens.
  • Accidents are the cart owner’s responsibility. Please let’s keep everyone safe!
  • WE ASK OWNERS REVIEW THEIR PERSONAL INSURANCE POLICIES REGARDING THEIR LIABILITY RESPONSIBILITIES.  EIOA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS ON OUR COMMON GROUNDS, THIS INCLUDES OUR ROADS.

NEW BUSINESS:

• IMPORTANT!  ANNUAL MEETING  *JUNE 13 (Pending Covid-19 Conditions/Regulations at this time)
• Weather permitting, meeting will be held outside of shed, provide more social distancing among members.
• Meeting Letter & Statements will be mailed at least 2 weeks prior to Annual Meeting, will include Date/Time, Agenda, Treasurers Report, Dues Assessment, Ballots for new member candidates and Ballot for Building Guideline Changes.
• In order to lessen face to face interaction in close proximity, it would be wonderful if after receiving your Dues Assessment, you could mail a check to the Association address, or there will also be a drop box located at Helen Schwietert’s cabin.  This would greatly reduce the crowd at a check in table as well as waiting in a line.
• Plan on having a speaker system
• Discussion of Agenda Items:
  • Revision Building guidelines
  • Seal Coat Bid which requires a Member Vote.  
  • Pond Aerator:  Bids from KLM and Living Water
  • Can Return and Pond Fund are very healthy!
  • Election & Voting Results.
    • Jane Root is running for Board again
    • Nikki Lynch candidate

Next monthly meeting will be held June 13^th immediately following Annual Meeting’s conclusion.  

Terry Denner asked for motion to adjourn. Chip Flory made motion to adjourn 2nd by Tony Reyerson.  Approved.  Adjourned at 9:56

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

Hello everyone! Andrew Phelps had planned on scheduling an onsite Boating Safety class for island members this spring, but due to COVID, all traditional in-person classes have been postponed or cancelled. Alternatively, there are several online class options which are have listed below.

Please feel free to share these links!
http://www.boatus.org/iowa/
https://www.boat-ed.com/iowa/
https://www.boaterexam.com/usa/iowa/overview.aspx

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 2^nd 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. 2^nd 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. 2^nd 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 4^th 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 16^th 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  2^nd by Andrew Phelps.  Motion approved.  Adjourned at 8:53

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

PLEASE NOTE: APRIL BOARD MEETING (4-18-20) Due to the current Shelter In Place conditions, this April board meeting will be a virtual meeting between board members! If there is anything that an island resident wants/needs to have discussed to please forward (if you haven’t already) it to a board member. *Email addresses under Board info top of website.

FYI Islanders! In keeping with the Governor’s directives, we’d are placing the the pavilion and children’s playground area by the pond off-limits for the time being. We appreciate your cooperation!

BACK ROAD GATES ARE OPEN! The water has receded and the back road debris cleared and open.

The Road Embargo is off. Everything is dry and looking good, so regular garbage pick up is back on schedule and no weight limits on road at this time.

ESMANN ISLAND ROCKS–One of our young people, Paige Coon, started her own Esmann Island Rocks FB page. She has been busy painting super cool rocks and placing them all over the island. Paige would like to invite you to look for the rocks on your trips to Esmann. If you find a rock, if possible, take a picture and post picture on the Esmann FaceBook page. Then place the rock in a new spot for the next person to find! What a fun and creative activity! Rock on Paige!

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Hi all. It was brought to our attention there was some minor “vandalism” that took place by the pond area in the last week. Fireworks had been done, papers, wrappers, pop bottles,cans and assorted trash all over. Some of the decorative signage was removed from trees and from the island garden patch and thrown in the pond. Not exactly sure when this happened or by whom. Since there aren’t a lot of people around yet, we just wanted to remind everyone to be mindful, and if you see something, say something. Thank you! Stay well.

The Road Embargo has been lifted. Everything is dry and looking good, so effective immediately regular garbage pick up is back on schedule and no weight limits on road.

Now the river just needs to keep behaving! Oh, and we sure wouldn’t mind some more sun and warmer temps.

Please Stay safe, healthy & kind everyone!

Hello Islanders!

It’s that time of year again.  Due to ground frost going out– we are closing roads effective MARCH 10th, until further notice for heavy equipment, large trucks, trailers, etc. to protect the roads. We will post when it is OK to allow them 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. 
NOTE: The Back Road will be gated and locked during this period.

It has been decided that there will be a small dumpster put by our island Community Building for daily garbage for resident members.
This small dumpster is NOT, repeat NOT to be used for spring cleaning! We really want to avoid the chaos of last spring. More info coming on island spring clean up day(s) after road conditions are stable.

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

Board Members Present:

Meeting called to order at 8:01 by Terry Denner. Board members present: Terry Denner, Chip Flory, Andrew Phelps, Tony Reyerson, Jane Ertl Root  *Absent: Josh Geistkemper Also present: Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schwietert (Treasurer)  

Members present: Don Niosi, Bob and Donna Gilkes, Chris Miller, Tom Nagel, Doug Hintzman

Minutes:

• Terry Denner asked for approval of September Minutes. Chip Flory made a motion to approve minutes.  Tony Reyerson 2^nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:

• $25K was moved to CD this week. 2.11% for 20 months, 2.55% for $100K matures in March 2020
• Motion made by Tony Reyerson to approve Treasurers Report. 2^nd by Bob Buhrow. All approved. Motion passed.

Bills Presented:   

• Alliant Energy— discussion to move to all to auto-pay and even pay.
  • $20.06 & $55.00
• Postage- Spring Flooding notice mailing $115.25
• Hoffman Lawn Care $560
• Bi-County Disposal $2250
• Secretary Compensation 2019 $526.50

*Note: Association sent invoice to LT Tree Service $400 for tree cleanup. (*dumping their tree debris on island instead of removal.)

Bob Buhrow made motion to approve bills, Tony Reyerson 2^nd.  All in favor. Motion carried.

.

Building Permits:   

• Koppenhaver- 370 River View Rd *Approved
• Hintzman- Deck replacement permit *Approved
• Discussion held on 423/425 White Oak. Pump house needs to be relocated within property line. Not intentional, contractor error on location. Board will contact above moving it and making it compliant.

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:

• Huber purchased parents lot 408 River View Rd
• Possible purchase in progress for 341 River View Rd

Road Report:  

•  No new damage or issues to report
• Tim Harbaugh has completed  2^nd Ave patch

Boat Storage Committee:  

• Don Niosi reported Alderson doesn’t need storage space and has been removed from list. Ehlers will be placing 2 jet skis in storage. Space is currently full in building. Need to repair side door before winter.

Landscape/Beautification: Nothing at this time

Pond Committee:   Nothing at this time

OLD BUSINESS:

• Last month there had been discussion about allowing access to non-Esmann members.  We cannot “sell” access or access points to any part of the common grounds etc. (kids park)
• Field:  Current lease holder (Kann) was offered first chance/contract to renew for longer period. They declined at this time.
• Exploration of placing field in CRP or wildflower program still ongoing.
• We have had someone wishing to pull some of the larger logs out of the debris woodpile by sandpit. They are fine to take those if desired.
• Secretary made contact with County Emergency Services to pick up remaining flood clean up buckets from office.

NEW BUSINESS:  

•  No Dumping—anywhere on island.

First meeting of 2020 will be April 18,2020

Jane Ertl Root made motion to adjourn  2^nd by Bob Buhrow.  Motion approved.  Adjourned at 8:45

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary