Updates

ESMANN ISLAND OWNER’S ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING

09-14-13 

Board Members Present:  Dave Wagner called the regular meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Mike Shaffer, Jim Mc Guire, Ken Brandel, Don Niosi, Terry Lubbers and Mary Eulberg in attendance; with Dottie Reimer, secretary. Donna Gilkes, treasurer.  Dave stated Mary Eulberg turned in her resignation; board accepted with regret and thanked Mary for her time and effort on the board.

Members Present:  Please see list attached

Minutes:  Reviewed minutes from the August 17^th and 18^th, 2013 meetings.  Motion to approve minutes; 1^st by Shaffer; 2^nd by McGuire motion approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Reviewed treasurer’s report.  Motion to approve treasurer’s report, 1^st byShaffer 2^nd by Lubbers, motion approved.

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

Building Permits: Two (2) submitted at this time: Leo & Garry Gansen, Lots 93,94;  Dan Vegter, Lots 126, 175, motion to approve building permits; 1^st by Shaffer; 2^nd by McGuire, motion approved.

Property Ownership Changes:  Brink to Copeland, Lot 55; Forman to Davis, Lots 282, 301; Davis to Ream: Lot 281 

Road Report:

• Ken Brandel reports roads are in good condition; he sealed some cracks on the back road.
• Repaired broken Stop sign
• Ken spoke to the DOT      regarding our railroad crossing at the entrance onto the island.  They stated we are definitely on      schedule for a concrete crossing mid to late summer 2014. The County will notify us prior to starting this project and we will post this information on the website, bulletin board and office door.
• This coming Tuesday  or Wednesday, the County is coming to grind some of the asphalt at the approach up to the tracks.
• REMINDER:  The road is due for another coat of seal coating next spring.  Last time we      seal coated was 5 years ago; the cost was $66,000.00.  He wants everyone to be aware the cost most likely will go up.

Old Business:

• ROCK:  Terry Lubbers contacted Jeff Friedlein and he can move rock to Esmann Island in two weeks.
• Mary Eulberg stated she has contacted Dan Wellenberg in Dyersville, he is doing the Clayton   sign, and when the rock is in place he will come and give us a price on      etching the rock.
• ISLAND CLEAN UP IS  SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 23, 2013.       Hawkeye Sanitation will be sending a list of items they will take  and we will post to website, board, and office door.  Watch for the posted notice; as there   will be a charge for certain items, please notify the board if you have   any of these items–as homeowners are responsible for payment to   remove.
• Mowing contract:  Dave received 2 bids for mowing grass next year.  One for $3,200.00 and      one for $4,090.00.  Motion made to  accept $3,200.00 bid from Miller Lawn Care; 1^st by Shaffer, 2^nd  by Niosi, motion approved.
• Snow Removal:  Dave received 2 bids for snow  removal.  Dave will contact both      bidders for further clarification on bids.
• Mike Shaffer reported  he received an e-mail from a homeowner wanting sand.  Mike will e-mail to get clarification.
• Storage for      Boats:  Don Niosi asked for names      and payments from those who are using the storage shed to store  boats.  Stated charges are $1.00 per    foot for boats and $1.50 per foot for pontoons.  If anyone wants to be put on the list  for availability please notify Don Niosi.  Mary Eulberg wanted to thank Don for taking on this task and for      always being available to those who take their boats in and out of the   storage building.
• Ken Brandel was asked  by a homeowner to cut down a diseased Chinese Elm tree at the North boat   ramp parking lot area.  This will  allow for another car and trailer to pull all the way in.
• Kathy Davis wants on  record, she believes the minutes from last month’s meeting were      incorrectly stated or the board misunderstood the issue with her  mailbox.  She does not want to  address this now, as there are other issues which need attention, but      wanted this on record.

Owner’s Concerns on Sand Placement:

• Owners said they were not notified timely of the sand placement.
• The Corp of Engineers contacted the Board last August.
• Question was asked if sand was to be sold.  Answer:  no, for owner’s use.
• Concern sand would carry farm chemicals to our island.
• Question concerning flow of water with 5’ of sand, possible increased flooding risk.
• Verbal agreement was given by Board prior to August meeting.
• Motion to ask the Corp to rescind the easement.  1^st by Lubbers, 2^nd by Shaffer, motion passed.

There is a position open on the Board.  Anyone interested please contact a Board member.

The Board will strive to improve communication.  Laurie Helling will create a Facebook page for Esmann Island so that all members can post positive posts, items, pictures, etc.

Next meeting is set for Saturday, October 19^th, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.

Meeting adjourned 9:30 a.m. Motion to adjourn 1^st by Shaffer 2^nd by McGuire. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted by:

Dottie Reimer,

Secretary

Esmann Island Owners’ Association

Your Board of Directors voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the Army Corp of Engineers to place sand in the area south of our pond.  We wanted to fill in holes from prior sand removal.  We also felt it was desirable to clean up the area, remove unwanted trees, level the entire site, and make sand available to island residents.  We made our decision based on what we felt was best for our association.  Please note the board received no comments or concerns until the board meeting on August 17, 2013.

The Esmann Island Board of Directors pursuant to Covenant Article V, Section I and Bylaw Article VII, paragraph 4, entered into an easement for dredged material placement and pipeline with the Department of the Army.

The Army Corp of Engineers contacted us and Abel Island in August 2012.  We began discussion with them shortly thereafter.   This was reflected by board minutes of 8-18-12, 9-22-12, 10-12-12, 4-27-13, 6-8-13, and 7-20-13 and a 15 day public review published in the Guttenberg Press.

The easement provides the following:

1.       Placement of an estimated 50,000 cubic yards of sand on the existing sand footprint south of the pond.

2.       Timeline – anticipated early August 2013, but has been postponed until late September or early October.  First, site will be shaped into a containment berm with 10’ tall on average with the southern end closer to 15’ tall.

3.       Several trees in the mid-section of the area will be pushed over and placed outside the sand footprint to facilitate reuse by owners.

4.       After sand is placed, final site shaping will level the sand to a 5’ height across the site.  The outside edges of the berm will be gradually sloped.

5.       All sand will become sole personal property of Esmann Island Owner’s Association.

6.       If the Corp of Engineers needs to bring in any equipment for the dredging, they would be limited to using Timberline Drive.

7.       Any damage to our roads would be repaired to original condition.

8.       Esmann Island will receive $2,500.00 after completion of project.

9.       Every effort will be made to minimize amount of sand entering our pond and will be monitored by the Corp and DNR during the operation.

Esmann Island Board of Directors

Esmann Island picnic is still being planned for 12:00 noon on June 8^th, 2013.  We are asking for anyone who is planning to attend to notify any board member, secretary or treasure, RSVP to the Esmann Island website or e-mail Mike Shaffer at: mjshaffer@ccim.net.  We need to know how much to grill!! Association will provide Meat, condiments, Plates napkins etc, Bring a dish to share, your chair and favorite beverage

ESMANN ISLAND OWNER’S ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING

05-18-13

Board Members Present:  Dave Wagner called the regular meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Mike Shaffer, Ken Brandel, Don Niosi, Mary Eulberg and Terry Lubbers in attendance.  Dottie Reimer, secretary. Donna Gilkes, treasurer. 

Members Present:  Mert Duffy, Daryl Westcott, Bob Gilkes, Carol Buhman and Steve Lampe 

Minutes:  Reviewed minutes from the April 27th, 2013 meeting.  Motion to approve minutes; 1^st by Eulberg; 2^nd by Shaffer, motion approved.   

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

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

Building Permits:   No building permits at this time 

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

Road Report:

• Ken Brandel reported he and Bob Gilkes toured the island and made an assessment of the roads.  Ken will patch those spots which need attention. 
• Ken Brandel stated Wayne Jensen sprayed weeds on the back road as well as some mowing.  Thank you Wayne!!
• Ken Brandel would like some volunteers to help with removing fallen trees and branches.  This will be brought up at annual meeting, if anyone is interested, please contact Ken Brandel.
• Discussion held regarding new layer of seal coat for roads.  Able Island is interested in sharing the cost for the part of the road which is shared by both islands.
• Dave mentioned if we wait until next year to seal coat Esmann Island roads, there will be enough funds in our account that we would not need to borrow any funds for this project. Motion made to seal coat Esmann Island roads next year and to share cost with Able Island for shared road, 1^st by Niosi, 2^nd by Shaffer, motion approved.

Property Owner’s Concerns or Comments: 

• Concern/ Comment form will be posted on bulletin board for anyone’s use.  Please feel free to take one and return to any board member, secretary or treasurer.

• Mert Duffy came forward and stated she believes the home going up next to her is too close to her lot line at the back of the property.  She is very concerned of water run off to her property.  Board members reviewed original building request and it has been noted the built structure is somewhat different from the building permit submitted.  Mert stated anything the association does; she would like a copy for her records.  Dave Wagner will send a letter to resident and copy Mert.
• Discussion held on how to prevent this in the future, suggestion made to put on building permit for applicants to find and mark property pins prior to construction and if pins are moved, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  

Old Business:  

• Farm land the association owns is 32 1/2 acres and not 37 acres as first thought.  It was agreed with the current farmer to adjust his payment due in the fall.
• Update on rail road crossing:  Dave Wagner sent letter to board of supervisors and Don Niosi took pictures and forwarded them to his contact.
• Esmann Island Entrance Sign:  Terry Lubbers reported back on the rock for the entrance to Esmann Island.  He reported cost of one rock found and approximately cost to transport.  He is still looking at several different locations for a large rock and report back next month.
• Mary Eulberg will get estimated cost for engraving on rock. 

New Business: 

• Don Niosi reported there was an attempted break-in at the association pole building sometime this winter.  There was damage done to both the back and front doors.  Discussion held and a motion made to install a motion light, 1^st by Niosi, 2^nd by Shaffer, motion approved.
• Bob Gilkes came forward to resign from the winter road commission position.  Board will ask for volunteer at the annual members meeting next month.
• Steve Lampe came forward and volunteered to be on the building committee.
• There are two (2) board positions available for the upcoming year.  Mike Shaffer stated he would run again and Dave will contact Jim McGuire to ask if he is seeking re-election.  Dave will give information to secretary for ballots, which will be mailed out next week with the assessment notices.  Anyone who is interested in running for a board position, please notify any board member, secretary or treasurer as soon as possible.  There are also nomination forms posted on the bulletin board.
• Esmann Island picnic is still being planned for 12:00 noon on June 8^th, 2013.  We are asking for anyone who is planning to attend to notify any board member, secretary or treasure, RSVP to the Esmann Island website or e-mail Mike Shaffer at: mjshaffer@ccim.net.  We need to know how much to grill!! 

Next meeting is set for Saturday, June 8th^th 2013 after members meeting. 

Meeting adjourned 9:00 a.m. Motion to adjourn 1^st by Niosi; 2^nd by Shaffer. Motion approved. 

Respectfully submitted by:

Dottie Reimer,

Secretary

Esmann Island Owners’ Association

• NOTICE!!!!    NOTICE!!!!!    ANNUAL PICNIC!!!!   We are planning a picnic   after the annual members meeting on June 8th,. If you are  interested in joining us, please RSVP to any board member, secretary or treasurer.  We are asking for    everyone to bring a covered dish and what ever beverages you want.     The board will provide the meat (hamburgers, brats), buns condiments,    plates, napkins, cups, forks and spoons.

ESMANN ISLAND OWNER’S ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING

04-27-13 

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

Members Present:  Bob Gilkes, Wayne Jensen, Ken Schmerbach, Dick Staab, Mert Duffy, Kathy Davis, Rick Davis, Cathryn Baumgartner, Lorie Henning 

Minutes:  Reviewed minutes from the October 20th, 2012 meeting.  Motion to approve minutes; 1^st by Shaffer; 2^nd by McGuire, motion approved.   

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

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

Building Permits:   Four (4) submitted:  David & Mary Koopman Lot330; Terry Denner, Lot 131; Thomas Lynch; Lot 43; Greg Schneider, Lot 292, motion to approve building permits 1^st by Niosi; 2^nd by Shaffer, motion approved. 

Property Ownership Changes:  Helle to Denner, Lot 131; Hess to Reiser, Lot 217 

Road Report:

• Don Niosi toured island and noticed several places where there are needed repairs.  Discussion and board agreed to repair these spots.
• Bob Gilkes reported the road embargo will be lifted on Sunday night, April 28^th, 2013.  Hawkeye Sanitation will pick up garbage and dumpsters on Monday, April 29^th and will resume normal pickup up on April 29^th, 2013.  Suggested we look into getting new signs to post for next year.
• Wayne Jensen stated he has spoken to the people in charge of the railroad crossings at the island’s entrance and they are still planning on fixing this crossing.  Dave is going to send another letter to the Board of Supervisors asking for a date as to when these will be fixed.
• Discussion held on contractors for Abel coming on Esmann Island roads, removing part of the fence and traveling on private property to get to their destination.  Suggestion was made for a letter to be sent to Abel Island, Dave will look into. 

Property Owner’s Concerns or Comments:

• Kathy Davis has a concern regarding the snow being pushed up against the deck on their home.  Discussion held and board agreed to notify whoever pushes snow next year to be aware of this.
• We are asking for everyone to be conscience of where you are driving when picking up your mail.   Please do not drive on anyone’s property.  Thank You. 

Old Business:  

• Boat storage update:  Don Niosi would like all boats to be removed from the storage shed by May 26^th.  Summer boat storage will be available after the annual members meeting in June.
• Island sign:  Terry Lubbers has been looking for big rocks for the new Esmann Island entrance sign.  He has found one and showed a picture of it to the board.  He will get a price and report back to the board next month with a cost.  Motion to appoint Terry Lubbers to head up a ‘rock’ committee, 1^st McGuire; 2^nd by Niosi. Terry has agreed to this and will ask for volunteers to get this project done.  If anyone is interested in helping with the project, please notify Terry Lubbers.
• Dave also reported the Corp of Engineers met with members of Esmann Island in October 2012, regarding the dredging project.  They have not heard from them yet this year. 

New Business: 

• Lori Henning spoke on behalf of the Rick and Adam Schneider’s families, proposing to donate the funds to build a high quality playground for all families to enjoy on the island.  Discussion was held and board asked for them to bring back their plans and they will review with our insurance carrier.
• Dave notified everyone the Esmann Island covenants have been updated to 2033.
• Mowing:  Motion to approve Miller to continue mowing, 1^st Shaffer; 2^nd Lubbers, all approved.
• Notice to parents; please talk to your children regarding golf carts, bike riding, and all around behavior.  We want this to be a safe place for all residents.
• SPRING CLEAN UP IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 15^TH, 2013.
• There are two (2) board seats available this year, if anyone is interested in running for the board, please see secretary or treasurer for a nomination form.  They will also be posted on the island bulletin board.
• ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING IS SET FOR JUNE 8^TH, 2013.  Please watch your mail for this information.  If you have sold your property or changed your mailing address, please notify the secretary, so we may update our records.
• NOTICE!!!!    NOTICE!!!!!    ANNUAL PICNIC!!!!   Motion made to have an annual picnic after the annual members meeting on June 8th, 1^st Lubbers; 2^nd Niosi. All approved.  If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP to any board member, secretary or treasurer.  We are asking for everyone to bring a covered dish.  The board will provide the meat (hamburgers, brats), buns condiments, plates, napkins, cups, forks and spoons. 

Next meeting is set for Saturday, May 18th^th 2013 at 8:00 a.m. 

Meeting adjourned 9:40 a.m. Motion to adjourn 1^st by Niosi; 2^nd by McGuire. Motion approved. 

Respectfully submitted by:

Dottie Reimer,

Secretary

Esmann Island Owners’ Association

Spring is near and As frost has started to go out the roads become become soft.  We anticipate that the back road will be closed in the next week or so.. Once we close the road we will ask  as in past years that heavy trucks, construction equipment, etc.  stay off roads until further notice. Please notify any Contractors that you are using.

Trash dumpster will be placed  at south end of Island in same location as prior years. You will need to take your trash to that location as we will ask trash company to stay off roads as well.

thanks for your cooperation

• REMINDER:  Please SLOW DOWN and keep our streets safe.

Someone is spilling cooking oil on our streets; there are noticeable spots throughout Esmann Island.  It is asked that all residents PLEASE DO NOT pour any liquids on the streets.