Esmann Island Owner’s Association
Board Meeting
September 19, 2015
Board Members Present:
Meeting called to order by Doug Hintzman at 8:00 am.
Board members present: Chris Miller, Doug Hintzman, Tom Reimer, Chad Williams, Greg Apel, Bill Allyn, Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schweidert (Treasurer) Absent: Tony Reyerson
Members Present: Steve Lampe, Bob Sims, Ken Schmerbach, Kathy Davis, Cindy Miller, Linda Lampe, Ken Brandel, Susy Apel, John French, Bob Gilkes, Donna Gilkes, Steve Sheppard, Charlene Manson, Ian Schultz, Terry Denner.
Minutes:
Motion by Bill Allyn to approve board minutes from 7-18-2015. 2nd by Tom Reiman. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
- 2015 Assessments are all collected.
- Rental of farm land renewed. Checks already deposited.
- Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report by Bill Allyn, 2nd by Greg Apel. Motion carried.
Bills:
- Bills submitted—Utilities, Bi-County Disposal.
- Motion to approve payment of bills by Bill Allyn, 2nd by Greg Apel. Motion carried.
Building Permits:
- Greg Apel requested a variance for a carport, in line with existing garage, but encroaching on the five foot setback. Neighbor is okay with proposal, but board questioned as to whether variances could be approved.
- Discussion held on definitions of structures and other options available.
- Chris Miller made a motion to get a legal opinion on issues regarding setbacks, variances and any allowances based on By-laws. 2nd by Chad Williams. Motion passed.
- Further action on permit tabled until more research is done and building committee gathers actual measurements.
Property Ownership Changes:
- None at this time
Road Report:
- Bill Allyn reported there are no changes at this time.
- Jim Schlueter (Bus Transit)—Jim has brought it to the board’s attention the schoolbus has had to compensate/move on back road due to overhanging branches when meeting oncoming traffic.
- Board is aware of trees/branches that need to be addressed. Bill Allyn will talk to the Bus Coordinator.
- Address the street lights (island entrance). The board will check to make sure the island entrance light is working properly.
Old Business:
- Pond Committee: No updates to report at this time. *Committee will compile results from online pond survey.
- Rock/Sign Committee: No updates to report at this time.
- Land Committee: No updates to report at this time
Brennan Dredging: Last report they will not likely use the sand pit for pipe removal, but would like to keep that as an option.
- They will need place to park vehicles for the workers
- They will have one/two boats for transport of workers.
- Possibly start end of September.
- Payment of $500 for vehicle space
- Road deposit would be negotiated (if in case they use our property for pipe removal)
- Doug made a motion to approve Brennan contract (proposal), 2nd by Bill Allyn. All approved.
Second Street Boat Ramp: Chris Miller contacted Jeff Friedlein about possible repair for the ramp. The cost seemed high, so Chris will be discussing further about what is exactly needed.
Tree Trimming:
- Chris contacted Gary Moser– $150 hr. to trim, chip etc. and Alliant Energy about the interior road trees.
- Will confirm at next meeting who will be doing trimming and when that will occur.
- MEMBER REMINDER: It is your responsibility to trim back low hanging branches and shrubs etc. that encroach in the roadway. They cause sight line hazards, scratch vehicles, and cause drivers to swerve in order to avoid them!
Boat/Trailer Storage:
MEMBER REMINDER:
- If you have a boat PLEASE REMOVE BOAT TRAILERS FROM THE SHED by end of September so boats can start going in for winter storage.
- If questions, contact Don Niosi or Ken Brandel.
New Business:
Grass Mowing/Snow Removal Bids:
- Need to get bids over next month for grass mowing and snow removal.
- Contact Friedlein about pricing for snow removal.
- Doug made motion to contact Friedlein about snow removal (contingent on price), 2nd by Tom Reimer. Motion passed.
North Boat Ramp:
- Member Terry Denner presented research on possible proposal to reposition or create new North Boat Ramp
- Short term fix vs. long term options.
- Presented ideas/options and potential costs/considerations associated with this proposal. A few included:
- 309-794-5009 Endangered Species needs to be considered
- Permits
- Dredging
- Tabled for further future discussion. Thanks to Terry Denner for his early research efforts.
Landscaping around Esmann Island Rock:
- Presented by Susie Apel, to plant 3 trees around the Esmann Island Sign.
- Potential Cost less than $300
- Motion by Greg Apel to move forward with landscaping. 2nd by Bill Allyn. Motion passed.
Skunks/Nuisance Animals:
- Concerns about growing numbers of nuisance animals such (primarily) skunks.
- **DNR sent recommended guidelines. Response from DNR posted on Esmann website.
Mailbox:
- Member Kathy Davis requested another consideration to move mailbox from current location on her lot because of snow pileup, water.
- Discussion to review previous survey done on its accurate location and possible resolutions. Tabled.
REMINDER: PLEASE, PLEASE, SLOW DOWN!! Even though we are through the busy part of summer there are still many folks enjoying the island. There have been several concerns of speeding on the island this summer, especially on the back road and past the sandpit area. It has been noticed that the speeders were cars/trucks/vehicles driving well above the 15 mph! Some appear to be island members and others are unknown vehicles.
- ALSO please make sure your Guests/Visitors are aware of the 15 mph limit. There are little children walking, riding bikes, and people enjoying a nice walk.
SLOW DOWN—BE SAFE!
Next Board Meeting will be held October 10th, 2015
Motion made by Doug Hintzman to adjourn at 10:06. 2nd by Chris Miller. Motion approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Helling
Secretary