Board Minutes

6-21-14

Board members present: The annual meeting was opened for business at 10:06.

Board roll called: Dave Wagner, Mike Shaffer, Ken Brandel, Jim McGuire, Doug Hintzman, Terry Lubbers. Absent: Don Niosi. Donna Gilkes, treasurer and Helen Schwìetert, substitute secretary for the day.

Minutes: The minutes for the 2013 meeting were presented to the membership in the mailing. Motion was made and seconded. Motion carried and approved.

Treasurer’s report: There were several questions regarding balances, property assessments and money from the corp. Discussion was held and motion made to approve the report. Motion was seconded and approved by membership.

Reports of committees:

Road: Ken Brandel reported that the road had received a new seal coat, that 54 approaches to driveways were also sealed for fees, the south and north boat ramps were sealed and dry fire-well by the pond. The road is in good shape. It was reminded that if equipment coming to your property tears up the road, it is the owner’s responsibility to get some pea gravel from the pile and fix the portion of the road.

The railroad crossing is on the list of places to be fixed. Two places in town are slated this month with hopefully our approach following close behind. The road to the island will be closed for a period of 6 hours while the area is repaired. When the association is notified, the membership will be notified on the web site.

It was discussed that there are several residences that need to cut bushes that are hanging over into the road. The back road çould use some help and volunteers were solicited to do this. Please contact a board member if interested.  Thank you to Mary Eulberg for running her bush hog to çlear the back road and making it look nice.

Again, the mention of speeding was brought up. It is up to us to patrol and talk to the offenders. This is where the number on the golf cart would be helpful for enforcement. It was also talked about the vandalism of late night golf cart riding and possible curfew for this. We have to be the enforcer of this.

The rock is in place and ready for engraving of the Esmann Island lettering and logo/eagle. Three fonts are sampled for the membership to look at. The board will decide and proceed on getting this done.

Dock: The dock has not been put in due to the high water. Possibility of further delays as river continues to rise.  The dock and ramp are not for public use and parking of trucks and trailers has prohibited use of the area for island owners. A sign will be placed to show ownership has priority use of this area. Violators may be towed. We are allowed permission of our guests to use but please be considerate of owner’s use of the parking and move your vehicle and trailer so others can use it. A motion was made and seconded with approval to place the sign.

Not a true committee but there are many social events happening on the island

These will be put on the web site and posted on the bulletin board. Lots of fun events for island owners to partake of this summer and make it a true community feeling.

August 2 Bloody Marathon at the Millers/329

August 8 Music by the Mississippi at the Denners/458

Labor Day weekend Sunday/golf cart parade lineup at 930 and parade at 10

Many thank you’s to all the volunteers on the island that make this a great place to be for the summer and year round.

Election of directors: Ballots were collected and counted with results of Doug Hintzman and Chris Miller being elected. There was a tie for the remaining board seat between Tony Reyerson and Don Niosi. New ballots will be mailed for this position. (see addendum at end)

By laws were reviewed for the proposed ballot and ballots solicited from members not voting yet. Ballots collected and no results at the meeting were released due to time and not having completed the counting. Results will be posted on the web site.  Email from the attorney from Dubuque was read by Cindy Miller.  There was a motion to form a bylaw committee that was moved, seconded and defeated by the membership.

Sand replacement was discussed. The sand pit will be leveled for a cost of $6500. This was the low bid submitted. Money will be borrowed against the CD for payment of this project so as not to pay penalties on the monies or lose interest. Motion was made, seconded and approved by the association.

New business: Items of interest are July 5 Guttenberg fireworks, August 30 Abel Island fly in and the board is taking applications for treasurer and secretary. Please submit to the board for consideration

Other items discussed were having the building committee prepare packets with all the information needed to apply to the county, association and DNR to build on the island. It was suggested that the Board look into charging differently for improved/unimproved lots, charging according to lot size and not just lots in general. This would possibly require more money than the association could or should spend and discussion ceased.

Meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Helen Schwietert/Temporary Secretary

Addendum: The election committee of Bob Gilkes, Kathy Schmidt and Becky Shaffer reconvened after the board meeting. All ballots were recounted several times. The final result was: Chris Miller, Don Niosi and Doug Hintzman were elected. The proposed bylaws were all defeated. #1: (69) no, (38) yes, #2: (70) no, (37) yes #3, (72) no, (35) yes

David Wagner, President

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

5-17-14

Board Members Present: Dave Wagner called the meeting to order at 9:25 a.m. with Ken Brandel, Don Niosi, Jim McGuire, Terry Lubbers, Doug Hintzman and Donna Gilkes, Treasurer, in attendance.

Members Present: Gary Gansen, Richard Staab, Ken Schmerbach, Jack Hogan, Bob Sims, Robert Halfhill, Tony Halfhill, Tara Williams, Chad Williams, Tom Reimer, Dottie Reimer, Cristy Huber, Susy Apel, Greg Apel, Dena Lampe, Steve Lampe, Bob Gilkes, Mark Moser, Wayne Jensen, Larry Brown, Wayne Drexler, Carol Buhman, Daryl Westcott, Mert Duffy, Kathy Davis, Jeff & Robin Heising, and Greg Schneider.

Minutes: Motion by Jim McGuire, 2^nd by Doug Hintzman to approve board minutes of 4-26-14. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Motion to approve by Jim McGuire, 2^nd by Doug Hintzman. Motion carried.

Bills: Current bills were presented and reviewed. Motion to approve by Don Niosi, 2^nd by Terry Lubbers. Motion carried.

Building Permits: None submitted.

Property Ownership Changes: None

Road Report: Ken Brandel has been in contact with the railroad and county. We are on the list for replacing the crossing this year.

Old Business

• Terry Lubbers reported samples of the lettering were listed on our website. Copies will be available for consideration at the annual meeting.
• Sand pit area committee presented a report to assist in formulating a solution regarding the sand area. Motion by Doug Hintzman, 2^nd by Don Niosi to put on the annual meeting agenda a vote to level sand pit area or leave as is. Motion carried.
• The office has had difficulty with our copier from 1996. No action at this time. If anyone has a copier they are no longer using and would like to donate it to the association, please contact any board member.

New Business:

• The annual meeting will be June 21 at 10:00 a.m.
• Board elections, 3 positions open: Don Niosi, Terry Lubbers, and Doug Hintzman are all seeking reelection.       Three nominating petitions were also received from Chris Miller, Tony Reyerson, and Tom Reimer.

Property Owner’s Concerns: Speeding, damage to road shoulder near dike

Motion to adjourn at 10:30 a.m. by Ken Brandel, 2^nd by Jim McGuire. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Wagner, President

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Special Membership Meeting

5/17/14

Board Members Present: Dave Wagner called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with Ken Brandel, Don Niosi, Jim McGuire, Terry Lubbers, and Doug Hintzman in attendance.

Motion by Bob Gilkes, 2^nd by Ken Schmerbach to approve the road repairs and sealcoating bid of Blacktop Service Company for a sum of $78,316.42. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Wagner, President

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

4-26-14

Board Members Present:  Dave Wagner called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Mike Shaffer, Don Niosi, Jim McGuire, Doug Hintzman and Terry Lubbers in attendance with Donna Gilkes, Treasurer.

Randy Kramer from Prairie Road Builders presented a bid to repair and sealcoat our roads.

Members Present:  Bob Gilkes, Dottie Reimer, Wayne Jensen, Becky Shaffer, Cathy Schmitt, Ken Schmitt, Larry Brown, Bob Sims, Chad Keune, Jeff Heising, Charlene Manson, Tom Reimer, Steve Lampe, Chad Williams, Tara Williams, Tom Nagel, Mark Moser, Brian Hamling, Bruce Copeland, Andrew Blaylock, Kristin Blaylock, Karrie Hamling, Carol Buhman, Mert Duffy, Rick Davis, Kathy Davis, Christy Huber, Dena Lampe, and Dick Downes

Minutes:  Motion by Jim McGuire, 2^nd by Terry Lubbers to approve board minutes of 10-19-13.  Motion carried.  Motion by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Terry Lubbers to approve special board meeting of 10-19-13 as amended.  The amendment was requested by Dottie Reimer.  She wanted it stated she was asked to leave her position.  She did not resign.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Motion to approve by Doug Hintzman, 2^nd by Mike Shaffer.  Motion carried.

Bills:  Current bills were presented and reviewed.  Motion to approve by Don Niosi, 2^nd by Jim McGuire.  Motion carried.

Building Permits:  Bob Gilkes presented one permit from John French to put a cover on an existing deck.  Motion to approve by Terry Lubbers, 2^nd by Mike Shaffer.  Motion carried.

Property Ownership Changes:  Lot 36, Dennis Kingdon to Toby Elbert; Lot 223, Stephen Mysak to Russ Meyer; Lot 50, 303, Windsor Estate to Brian Hambling

Road Report:  Bid for repairs and sealcoat was received from Blacktop Service for $76,123.00.  The bid from Prairie Road Builders was $89,686.00.  The board will seek a third bid and propose one for approval by the general membership.  Motion by Doug Hintzman, 2^nd by Mike Shaffer to hold a special membership meeting on May 17 at 9:00 a.m. to approve road repairs and sealcoating.  Motion carried.

Old Business

• Entrance sign:  Terry Lubbers will contact stone engravers for design.
• Sand pit:  Board will seek bids to level sand.  There will be a one time burn to remove brush.  Sand Committee will provide suggestions      for improvements at May 17^th meeting.

New Business:

• Lot 292 and 293, owner will be notified of issue on square footage requirements.
• Nuisance letter needs to be sent to lot 18 for  garbage removal.
• Extra envelope will be used for annual meeting voting.
• Bylaw changes need to be submitted by May 17.
• Annual meeting will be June 21^st at 10:00 a.m.
• Next Board Meeting will be May 17^th following the special membership meeting.

Motion to adjourn at 9:15 a.m. by Jim McGuire, 2^nd by Terry Lubbers.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Wagner

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Board Meeting

10-9-13

Board Members Present:  Dave Wagner called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Mike Shaffer, Ken Brandel, Don Niosi, Jim McGuire and Terry Lubbers in attendance with Dottie Reimer, Secretary and Donna Gilkes, Treasurer.

Members Present:  Kathy & Rick Davis, Mert Duffy, Carol Buhman, Bob Sims, Becky Shaffer, Bob Gilkes, Heather Reyerson, Ken Schmitt, Chad Williams, Cindy & Chris Miller, Ken Schmerbach, Dick Staab, Doug Hintzman, Christy Huber, Brian Hamling, Susy Apel, Wayne Jensen

Motion by Don Niosi, 2^nd by Mike Shaffer to appoint Doug Hintzman to the Board of Directors.  Motion carried.

Minutes:  Motion by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Ken Brandel to approve board minutes of 9-14-13, 9-22-13, and 10-12-13.  Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Motion to approve by Ken Brandel, 2^nd by Don Niosi.  Motion carried.  It was noted all dues have been collected.

Bills:  Current bills were presented and reviewed.  Motion to approve by Don Niosi, 2^nd by Mike Shaffer.  Motion carried.

Building Permits:  Bob Gilkes presented one permit from Doug Grief for replacing a wall.  Motion to approve by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Jim McGuire.  Motion carried.

Property Ownership Changes:  Schneider lot 289 to James & Sandy Meyer

Road Report:  Ken Brandel reported roads are in good condition.  The Association will be seeking bids to resurface next summer.  Motion by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Terry Lubbers to accept Jeff Freidlein’s snow removal bid.  Motion carried.

Old Business

• Sign – New sign is in place.  Lettering and/or design will be      forthcoming.
• Farm Lease – Motion by Don Niosi, 2^nd      by Mike Shaffer to rent land at $3,700.00.       Motion carried.
• Boat Storage – All spots taken.
• Fire Department Donation – Motion by Don Niosi, 2^nd      by Mike Shaffer to donate $250.00 to the Guttenberg Fire Department.  Motion carried.
• Sand Area – Discussion:  It is our responsibility to reshape the  sand pit area.  We are looking into several alternatives.  If you have any input, please contact any board member.  A Sand Restoration Committee was formed.  Volunteers include Chris & Cindy      Miller, Brian Hamling, Ken Schmitt, Kathy Davis, and Bob Sims.  Anyone wishing to be on the committee  should contact Dave Wagner or Mike Shaffer at their email addresses.

New Business:

• 2014 budget was developed.  Motion to approve by Don Niosi, 2^nd      by Mike Shaffer.  Motion  carried.  Please note, dues will   remain at the same level.

Next meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 8:00 a.m.

Motion to adjourn at 9:30 a.m. by Jim McGuire, 2^nd by Mike Shaffer.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Wagner, Secretary Pro Tem

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Special Board Meeting

September 22, 2013

Board members present:  Dave Wagner called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with Mike Shaffer, Ken Brandel, Don Niosi, Jim McGuire, and Terry Lubbers in attendance.

Sand Placement Update:  The Corp of Engineers made application to the Iowa DNR to place sand on the island.  The Corp of Engineers is investigating reclassifying the island out of the floodway to non-floodway.  Motion by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Terry Lubbers to reaffirm to rescind the easement with the Corp of Engineers.  Motion carried.

Motion was made by Terry Lubbers, 2^nd by Don Niosi to hire Roger Mohen, surveyor, to correct discrepancies on mailbox placement.  Motion carried.

Farm lease was discussed, more verification is needed.

Motion by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Ken Brandel to hire Jeff Freidlein to place sign with a foundation on island entrance.  Motion carried.

Motion by Jim McGuire, 2^nd by Ken Brandel to send nuisance letters to lot 341 and lot 309.

Motion to adjourn by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Jim McGuire at 6:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

David A. Wagner

Secretary Pro Tem

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Special Board Meeting

August 18, 2013

Board members present:  Dave Wagner called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. with Mike Shaffer, Ken Brandel, Mary Eulberg, Don Niosi, and Jim McGuire in attendance.

Even though this was a special board meeting, two owners showed up — Cindy & Chris Miller and Susy & Greg Apel.

They presented the board with 18 questions concerning the sand placement.  The board answered the questions to the best of their ability.

A motion was made to sign the contract with the US Army Corps of Engineers expressing two additional concerns:

1.  Seek assurance that every effort will be made to keep sand out of our pond.
2. Ask the Corp to dress up the edges of the berm to prevent blowing sand.

Motion by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Ken Brandel, motion carried.

Adjourned meeting at 9:50 p.m.  Motion by Mike Shaffer, 2^nd by Mary Eulberg, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

David A. Wagner

Secretary Pro Tem

ESMANN ISLAND OWNER’S ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING

07-20-13 

Board Members Present:  Dave Wagner called the regular meeting to order at 7:59 a.m. with Mike Shaffer, Jim Mc Guire, Ken Brandel, Terry Lubbers in attendance.  Dottie Reimer, secretary. Donna Gilkes, treasurer. 

Members Present:  Bob Gilkes; Wayne Jensen. 

Minutes:  Reviewed minutes from the June 8th, 2013 meeting.  Motion to approve minutes; 1^st by McGuire; 2^nd by Brandel, motion approved.   

Treasures Report:   Reviewed treasurer’s report.  Motion to approve treasurer’s report, 1^st byBrandel 2^nd by McGuire, motion approved.   

Bills:   Current bills presented and reviewed.  Motion to approve bills for payment, 1^st by Schaffer; 2^nd by Brandel, motion approved. 

Building Permits:   Four (4) submitted:  Ken & Denise Hawker Lots: 187 and 188; Dave Wagner Lot 117; RW McDowell Lots: 127 and 173, motion to approve building permits; 1^st by Lubbers; 2^nd by McGuire, motion approved. 

Property Ownership Changes:  No change of ownership at this time. 

Road Report:

• ·         A BIG Thank You to Mary and Rick Eulberg for clearing the brush on the back road.  The association is grateful for all that you do.
• ·         NOTICE:  To All Homeowners, please trim your trees which are hanging over the road in front of your property.
• ·         Ken Brandel reports the roads are in pretty good shape.
• ·         Dave Wagner will place an ad in the newspaper for snow removal and grass mowing for this winter and next year.
• ·         The board is looking for a volunteer to help with the roads this winter.  If you are interested, please contact any board member.
• ·         Ken will look into purchasing posts and road closed signs for the Island entrance when there is a road embargo order. 

Property Owner’s Concerns or Comments: 

• Concern one property owner is piling brush onto common ground.  Please do not gather brush and place anywhere on common ground.  A letter will be sent to property owner.  

Old Business:  

• Dave Wagner advised he is still working with the Corp of Engineers on the dredging project for Esmann Island.  No official agreement has been received.
• Terry Lubbers is still working on purchasing a large rock for the Esmann Island road sign.  He reported has found one and is working on prices to have it delivered and installed. 

New Business: 

• Farm Lease is up for renewal.  Dave will contact farmer for an updated farm lease.
• FIREWORKS:  For those who shot off fireworks at the sand pit, please go back and pick up the debris and tubes used.  Most people did clean up after themselves, but there are still tubes present. 
• Board has agreed to have Dottie Reimer as secretary and Donna Gilkes as treasurer for the upcoming year.  

Next meeting is set for Saturday, August 17th 2013 at 8:00 a.m.. 

Meeting adjourned 9:10 a.m. Motion to adjourn 1^st by Shaffer; 2^nd by Brandel. Motion approved.  

Respectfully submitted by:

Dottie Reimer,

Secretary

Esmann Island Owners’ Association