Welcome To Esmann Island

From Dustin Mohs (Manager Customer Operations) communication to Jane Root

I apologize that I didn’t get back to you last week. I forwarded your email to our internal group that’s working on this project to help provide you some talking points and I didn’t receive anything back. We did have a meeting on Monday and we are waiting on one permit and then we should be ready to start with the mainline. Once we have that permit, I’ll reach out to you to work on a good start date and location and answer any other questions you may have.

Due to the late start, I don’t see us installing any service lines to houses until spring of 23. This will allow us more time to work with the customers and their electricians.

Have a great weekend!

Dustin Mohs | Manager Customer Operations

ALLIANT ENERGY

904 C. Miller Dr, Decorah, Ia 52101

Office: (563) 382-1623 | Cell: (563) 260-8112

alliantenergy.com I dustinmohs@alliantenergy.com

Call to Order:   Meeting was called to order at 8:00am. by President Jane Root.  

Board Members:  Present were President Jane Ertl Root. Board Members:  Josh Geistkemper, Tim Ahlers. Kevin Thie, Linda Lampe, Nikki Lynch    Absent: Gail Scherr  

Also present- Treasurer: Cindy Lynch  Absent: Secretary Laurie Helling    

Members Present: Helen Schwietert, Ken Brandel, Mike and Lavonne Burke, Tom Lynch, Bob Sims, Terry Denner, Ken “Doc” Rolfe, and Roger Lake.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Josh Geistkemper to forgo reading of minutes,  Linda L. 2^nd the motion. Motion approved, so moved.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Lawyer payment: Jane had the lawyer finalize the claim to keep our Restrictive Use Covenant the same. This should be renewed every 10 years. Bill was $232
• Annual donation to the fire department for $500  Josh G. made motion to approve donation by Board. 2^nd  by Nikki L. Motion passed.
• Property taxes $1078.00 which we pay annually and will continue to do so.
• Outstanding Dues Assesments:  Cindy L. stated there is $1800.00 in past dues, statements will be sent to those members! Please submit as soon as possible.

Bills Submitted:

• Alliant has gone up after the mid-year review from $92 to $152.
  • Hoffman- no complaints and Dale has done a great job and also has been sweeping the rock off the back road
  • Bi-county Sanitation, this is the biggest expense for the island so board wants to review this.
    • A discussion was had regarding the placement of a dumpster, but much concern of that being abused.
    • Cindy brought up Hawkeye but you must buy the bags. Linda will look into the cost of Kluesner Sanitation.
• Insurance bill has increased slightly
  Signage was provided by Lampe’s down at the boat dock
  Dock repair: small amount to Buck Lampe and Tom Nagel to pay for parts for improving the dock.Thank you to all that helped make the dock more user friendly and safe
• A library box will be provided due to Cindy donating her treasurer payments. Thank you, Cindy

Tim A. made a motion to approve the bills and Treasurer’s Report. 2^nd by Kevin T. All in favor. Motion passed.

Building Permits: Roger Lake at 402 Riverview Rd turned in a road deposit and plans for a garage with living quarters above. This was turned over to the committee for approval.

Property Changes: 3 properties changed hands:

Morgan to Carlson & Kapinski 437 RVR
Duggan to Lake 402 RVR
Huber to Winders 408 RVR

Committee Reports:

• Boat Storage: Don Niosi —
• Landscaping/Beautification Committee:  Reminder:  Please consider “ADOPTING A GARDEN”, section or area of common ground.  If you are interested, please contact Gail Scherr!  
• Road Committee—See Old Business

Pond Committee:  Dredging company has taken a look at the pond depths/condition. No definite findings to report yet.

*Reminder: Can Collection Area has moved to East Side of Association Shed.

• Do Not Crush Cans—they don’t get accepted at redemption center
  • No Plastic –  No Glass  –   No Garbage
  • Nickel cans Only
  • Use ONLY Clear plastic bags provided—NO BLACK GARBAGE BAGS or GROCERY BAGS
  • Huge thanks to the Volunteers that are stepping up to help sort and clean the cans prior to taking to redemption center!  We all benefit from the resources that these funds help pay for! PLEASE take a turn to help!    

EVENTS CALENDAR:  Reminder: Labor Day Golf Cart Parade. Line up 945 Pond Pavilion and parade start @ 1015

OLD BUSINESS:

• Member Tom Lynch spoke with Friedlien who purchased a sweeper and he is willing to sweep all of the roads and place the extra rock in a common location for all to use for landscaping or any other projects for no more than $2000.00.
• Josh mentioned that he spoke with Kluesner Blacktop,  who stated he would only recommend doing the corners. Josh to get a price for that.
• Due to the amount of people unhappy with the roads and fall on the horizon, Tim A. made a motion to continue to check pricing but have roads swept for no more than $2000 as something needs done. Second by Nikki L. Motion passed.
• Farm Lease discussion was had and all other options have been reviewed in the past so keeping as is.
• Alliant Energy project (see below)
• Dumping of concrete spoils: There was an incident where concrete was dumped after a job by the sand across from Winders. This causes major issues. Josh to contact American Concrete from Manchester.  Doc suggested moving the spoils to the dock ramp to fill in. Also, discussed adding that the homeowner is responsible for enforcing no dumping on island land and adding to the building permit.
• Yard waste: Do we need a specific place to dump our yard waste?  Preferably up by the common garden area but please make sure no garbage is included.
• Bob Sims asked about speed bumps. Nikki has done research and more discussion on the type and placement will be had once the issue with the road is resolved.

ALLIANT UPDATE:   *AMENDMENT to Minutes

8/26/22 From Dustin Mohs (Manager Customer Operations) communication to Jane Root

I apologize that I didn’t get back to you last week. I forwarded your email to our internal group that’s working on this project to help provide you some talking points and I didn’t receive anything back. We did have a meeting on Monday and we are waiting on one permit and then we should be ready to start with the mainline. Once we have that permit, I’ll reach out to you to work on a good start date and location and answer any other questions you may have.

Due to the late start, I don’t see us installing any service lines to houses until spring of 23. This will allow us more time to work with the customers and their electricians.

Have a great weekend!

Dustin Mohs | Manager Customer Operations

ALLIANT ENERGY904 C. Miller Dr, Decorah, Ia 52101

Office: (563) 382-1623 | Cell: (563) 260-8112

alliantenergy.com I dustinmohs@alliantenergy.com

NEW BUSINESS:

• Who is eligible to run for the board?  Per the by-laws it states that a homeowner can have a proxy that pays the dues for them, run for the board. More clarification to come.
• What defines an improved lot? Should we be charging more for some of these larger buildings on lots. More discussion to follow.
• Contractors: All contractors should be instructed to use the back road. Example: a large boat dock being driven down the main road. This causes more wear and tear on the road. Members—Remind any of your contractors and  be sure you always encourage to use the back service road.
• Nuisance issue(s):  There will be a Board drive around and nuisance letters will be sent where needed.
• Linda mentioned that Allen Johnson, 466 RVR, has confirmed pin location at 463 River Road
• Josh is looking into pricing for a new island dock down at the ramp. More research will continue but accepting donations was mentioned and will be discussed at a later date as more details come to light.
• Please use Can Shed bags for your recyclable cans and not garbage bags. Also, please try your best to separate the non-refundable from refundable. The donations of cans are appreciated but remember that someone has to sort those. Please be respectful and keep all cigarette butts, garage, plastic, etc in the garage where they belong..

Motion made to adjourn the meeting by Jane Ertl. Josh made motion, 2^nd from Tim Ahlers. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 am.

Next Board Meeting will be Oct 1 8:00am

Respectfully submitted,

Nikki Lynch

On behalf of Laurie Helling, Secretary

First, our apologies for any confusion or misunderstanding to anyone expecting a formal Board Meeting last weekend.  It was proposed at the annual meeting in 2021 by the board to try and conduct island business with a couple less meetings (if possible.)  We are trying this out in 2022 and July was one of the months to not meet formally. *The By-Laws state we only need to have our one annual meeting, but historically, there was one meeting a month through the summer months.

The Board is committed to a high level of transparency and communication. If there are member concerns or needs, definitely bring it the board’s attention to be addressed. If there is not a meeting scheduled, in this day & age, we can quickly convene if necessary, (even through Zoom if necessary).

Agenda Items from June Meeting—Follow Up

• Josh received feedback from our independent road consultant, Kluesner Construction of Farley.
• The findings are:
  1. Our road is in great shape.
  2. In this heat, please drive vehicles on the shoulders to pack in loose rocks to the underlying tar.
  3. Brooming the road would be best to do in October. (if at all)
  • Doing so will be costly and may jeopardize the integrity of the road.
  • It is not recommended by Kluesner, but they will do so, if we request the service.
• A couple of nuisance letters will be issued for unkempt, overgrown properties.
• Remember to keep your low hanging tree branches & shrubs out of the roadway but cutting them back for open lines of sight.
• Jane is finalizing with our Island attorney a Verified Claim to keep our Restrictive Covenants updated.
• We’ve noticed more usage of the island vehicle placards and cart stickers. Great Job! Keep it up! If you are new and still need your placards/sticker, contact Cindy Lynch (Treasurer)
• The island dock was repaired (tube was leaking) and put in place and the handicap ramp/walkway put in place! Again huge thanks to Tom Nagel and Buc Lampe.
• Great volunteer effort by members to sort and clean the cans for redemption! Again, we are still seeing black trash bags and trash! No, No!  Only use the CLEAR plastic bags provided at the drop off site! (Can corral side of assoc bldg.)
• Our Board computer was in the shop for some service and updates. Hopefully some new updates & functionalities coming.

As always, please let Jane or Josh know if you need anything, have questions, or items that need to be addressed or addedd to the agenda at our next scheduled meeting, August 20^th, 8am.

Thank you to everyone for working together to make our island community a special place to be!

Call to Order:  The Annual Meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m. by President Jane Root. Jane made note that the Annual Meeting notice was mailed two weeks prior to meeting.  

Board Roll Call:  Present were President Jane Ertl Root. Board Members:  Josh Geistkemper, Tim Ahlers. Kevin Thie, Gail Scherr,  Absent: Nikki Lynch (Illness), *Andrew Phelps. *Andrew has fulfilled his term on the board and the Association thanks him for his participation on the Board and contributions to the flood gates and winter signage.   Also present- Treasurer: Cindy Lynch and Secretary Laurie Helling    

Annual Meeting Minutes: Jane asked to forgo the reading of last year’s minutes. There were no requests or questions regarding minutes by members present, so therefore a motion was made by Josh Geistkemper to forgo reading of 2021 minutes and Tim 2^nd the motion. Motion approved, so moved.

Treasurer’s Annual Report:

• Cash Flow and Balance Sheet presented by Jane Ertl.
  • The Association is in a good position for cash on hand.
  • All assessments have been mailed
  • No questions or concerns from members present.

Motion made by Jane to approve Treasurer’s Report. 2^nd by Josh Geistkemper.. All approved. So moved.

Committee Reports:

• Boat Storage: Don Niosi –The shed is now open (after conclusion of annual meeting) for summer trailer storage until September. Flat fee $30 for summer months. As always first come, first serve.  
• For Winter Storage there is usually a waiting list so please contact Don with any questions or to be placed on list. No openings at this time.
• Landscaping/Beautification Committee:  Gail Scherr asked to speak to everyone about considering “ADOPTING A GARDEN”  Just like groups and families “adopt a highway” to keep it clean and looking beautiful, we are now asking for Members to “adopt” a small stretch of the back road flowers/plantings. Basically, keeping the weeds down, tending the plants, and planting/maintaining new plant donations.
• We can also use “adopters” for the pie shaped area in the North Boat ramp area, as well as, plants along the shore.
• Another “adopt” area is the flower bed in the commons area adjacent to the sand pit.
• If you are interested, please contact Gail Scherr! She will have a sign up sheet!  Thank you in advance!

• Road Report: 
  •  Jane asked Terry Denner to speak regarding the Road Reseal and current conditions.
    • Comments were heard from some attending members.
      • Ken & Cathy Schmitt voiced concerns over excess pea gravel/rocks in their yard and around corner of White Oak and Timberlane.  Most they’ve ever seen since roads have been resealed.
      • Concern about consistency of rock applications, some road areas are fine, others hardly any rock, others too much.
      • Also concern for excess dust.
      • Road Seal companies strongly do NOT recommend brooming the rock.
        • Kluesner Construction did not think anything is wrong with road.
        • Delays caused by weather last spring may have had effects, as well as not as much traffic driving heavily on the roads. (missed holiday weekend when traffic is typically much heavier.)  
        • Correct tar amount was applied
        • Ken Rolfe mentioned maybe the gravel should’ve been washed before application, note for next time.
        • Options are to check into renting a sweeper and broom to the middle those areas of excess gravel.
        • Tom Lynch asked if the excess gravel would be removed to a common area? Again, there is concern on removing too much rock affecting overall road seal integrity.
        •  Josh Geistkemper made motion to investigate rental sweeper or do it ourselves.
        • We appreciate hearing the concerns and suggestions and discussion was tabled until Josh G’s findings are presented to board.

Pond Committee: 

• Kari Winders said she has applied a “blue dye” into the pond twice in order to breakdown and kill off the overgrowth of algae.  The blue dye application is chemical free, safe to pets and children. One more application must be completed yet.
  • There is 1 more aerator to be installed for a total of 3 in the pond.
  • REMINDER: The Pavilion is available for private family events, weddings, etc. Please contact Jane Root or Kari Winders.
  • ALSO if you are new and have NOT received your Esmann vehicle tag or golf cart sticker please contact Cindy Lynch, Treasurer as we need to register them when handed out. Please display tags in the boat ramp and pond areas!
  • It was also mentioned if a member discovers non-members, non-guests using the pond or boat ramps, to use a small violation tag you can place on a vehicle as a reminder this is a private island.

REFRESHERS for NEW MEMBERS/OWNERS

• Keep in mind anyone can make a donation to the Pond/Rec Fund at any time!
  • Please remember to pick up behind you at beach/pond   Remind your guests as well.
  • Don’t overfish pond.  Follow DNR rules for limits.  Better yet, catch and release small fish this year to grow and spawn.
  • No boats with motors in pond. Canoes, kayaks, small oar boats allowed.  

*Reminder: Can Collection Area has moved to East Side of Association Shed.

• Do Not Crush Cans—they don’t get accepted at redemption center
  • No Plastic –  No Glass  –   No Garbage
  • Nickel cans
  • Use ONLY Clear plastic bags provided—NO BLACK GARBAGE BAGS or GROCERY BAGS
  • Huge Thank you again to Jeff & Stacey Zearley for their time and effort in starting this effort.
  • Terry Denner asked for volunteers to help sort and clean the cans prior to taking to redemption center!  We all benefit from the resources that these funds help pay for! PLEASE take a turn to help!  Contact Stacy Zearley

FLAG POLE PROJECT:  

• The board wants to recognize a lot of time and effort from Chip Flory, Gail Scherr, and Tom Nagel for helping drive the Flagpole and Flags now installed at the Esmann Island entrance.  They are beautiful.
• The Board also extends great appreciation & thank everyone for their generous donations!  
• Jane indicated all the great Esmann Flag ideas submitted and will announce winner after ballot count.

EVENTS CALENDAR: 

Please read through the Events calendar when you receive them as there may be changes! If you are NEW and haven’t given your email to Cindy Lynch or Laurie Helling, please do so and we will get you on the calendar email list!

• July Fireworks (for Esmann members and invited guests of Esmann members will be held at North Sand Pit Saturday, July 2, Dusk (approx. 9:45)
• Please watch small children and DRIVE VERY SLOWLY, as many people walk, and there are many small children present in a condensed area.
• Donations are always welcome for this year and getting a head start on next year.
• Terry Denner and Josh Geistkemper are accepting donations for fireworks fund!
• THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT SHOW YOU PROVIDE!

ELECTION of Board Members:

• 2 Open Board positions, 2 both 3-year positions.
• Josh Geistkemper’s term has expired but is seeking re-election.
• Terry Denner has served the Board previously, took a break and is willing to volunteer again.\
• Linda Lampe is now a full time Esmann resident (previously weekender for many years) who wishes to get more involved with the Board for the betterment of the island.
• Ballot is filled and ballots collected.
• Vote counters: Cindy Lynch, Wayne Jensen, Dave Wagner

OLD BUSINESS:

ALLIANT UPDATE:  The project will not begin in earnest until after Labor Day.  If you want to take your electrical line underground please contact ALLIANT, then your electrician.

• There were a few questions from the floor: Dennis Winders Sr asked if there is a list of electricians, or could there be one or two electricians who would be willing to work with all interested members?  Jane answered that Alliant would have that information, and also that member Scott Kainz has expressed interest in being available.
• Should not be any payment required in advance.
• Also, if I am not at the property, will I be without service if they come bury the line?  No, Alliant would trench the line/wire to the box location. Nothing will be switched or disconnected until your contracted electrician comes to do the termination and connect new line
• Gary Gansen brought up the concern for overhanging tree branches in the roadways, and grown out bushes/Shrubs. MEMBERS this is your responsibility to make sure the roadways are clear and good visibility lines.

North Boat Ramp:  Discussion held on the deep hole that was created at the end of the new ramp. Freidlein was contracted to fill in the hole with rock and fan it out.  This  may be an ongoing issue in the future and to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get so bad before addressing again.

• Discussion also held on where the end of the ramp is located.
• The bottom is 30 ft rom the seam, and the bottom section of cement ramp was pushed into the river bottom.
• The hole that developed was at least 18 inches deep.
• The 30 ft from seam is at the end of the big blocks ) for visual cues.  PLEASE BE ALERT
• Agreement the new ramp could/should’ve been a steeper slope, but problems can be avoided by judgement.
• There is still room to launch jet skis or small fishing boats on the old ramp, but be warned, that cement is in bad shape.
• As Tom Nagel stated well, “Everyone needs to give a little to get a lot!”
• July 4^th weekend, the public dock  (needs to be repaired) will be repositioned slightly closer to old ramp, and a new handicap accessible walkway will be installed by Tom Nagel, Buc Lampe, Dale & Tim Hoffman.
• A huge thank you for your hard work on making this ramp more accessible to all members and their guests.
• Josh Geistkemper will head a committee to continue improving the north boat ramp/dock for the benefit of all.

NEW BUSINESS:

• ELECTION RESULTS! CONGRATS TO ALL!
  • Josh Geistkemper was re-elected
  • Linda Lampe was elected as a new board member
  • FLAG #6 was chosen as the future Esmann flag!! Big favorite! Christina Miller!!

Public Service Announcement by Ken Root-Safe Septic Systems.

• While waiting for ballots, Ken spoke for a minute about having up to code and safe septic systems! With our water sources so close to septic systems, we need to be extra diligent.

Restrictive Covenants:  Legal documents regarding  the personal use of your own property which have to be updated every so many years.  Terry Denner thought they have been already updated, but Jane will contact Clayton County first and if they need to be brought up into compliance, she would seek our legal team for assistance in updating them.\

Jane asked for a motion to verify the documents and if so needed, approval to pay for legal assistance.

Tim Ahlers made the motion and Gail 2^nd. All in favor. Motion passes.

Future Island Clean Up Days! If there are future island clean up days, we encourage lots of participation.  Great opportunities for kids to help preserve and improve this great place!  Many hands make light work!

GENERAL Reminder:  

• If you were planning on doing your own fireworks, you are encouraged to set them up and fire them off in the sand pit as well. REMINDER: Members, please remind your families & guests that personal fireworks are your responsibility and to please pick up all the paper, leftovers, etc. the next day. 
• Be mindful & respectful of your neighbors (and dogs) and be finished shooting them off by 11:00 pm at night.
• The Board wishes to thank all members who have volunteered their ideas, suggestions, time & materials! With member volunteer cooperation, we again have been able to keep our association dues in line, and are able to continue improving and enjoying our thriving community!

• Motion made to adjourn the meeting by Jane Ertl. Josh made motion, 2^nd from Tim Ahlers. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 11:15

The Board will be meeting at the office July 8^th at 8:00 am for an Island Drive around.

Board will be assessing road conditions, ramp, dock, signage replacement, any nuisance properties.

Not a formal meeting, but if you have any building permits to submit, please be there at 8:00.

Thank you very much for your participation and input in our Annual Meeting!

Have an ENJOYABLE & SAFE Summer!

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

June 24, 2022

Re: Esmann Island underground project update

The DNR has approved our design for Esmann Island with the requirement that we meet our minimum heights for our transformers.

We’ve applied for the necessary permits and expect to have those approved in the next 60 days. After speaking with Jane Root on June 23, we decided it would be best to start the project after Labor Day.

Crews will concentrate on installing the mainline around the Island this fall. We will install services to houses/cabins for those that choose to convert in the spring. This schedule will help accommodate any delays in the permitting process or shortages in materials. 

For those of you choosing to convert to underground, please contact your electrician first and then contact Alliant Energy at 319-786-7171 or Decorah_Elkader_Construction_Hotline@alliantenergy.com for more information and pricing.

You can also direct any other questions about the project to this voice mailbox or email address. 

Sincerely,

Dustin Mohs Manager of Customer Operations

Hey Esmann Members! The Esmann Association has two open seats on our 7-member Board of Directors. The 2 Open Terms are for 3-years each, beginning immediately after our June Annual Meeting.Two candidates (Josh Geistkemper & Linda Lampe) are on the ballot. If other members wish to run and have your name added to the official ballot, please complete our Nomination Petition (downloadable from this website) fill out, and return to Cindy Lynch by noon, Saturday May 28. (Sunday May 29th latest) It’s a great way to get acquainted with island members and be an active part of our unique community! Thanks!

Jane Ertl Root called the meeting to order at 8:00am.  Board members present were Gail Scher, Nikki Lynch, Tim Ehlers, Kevin Thie. Absent were Josh Geistkemper and Andrew Phelps.  Also present were  Treasurer, Cindy Lynch. To see members in attendance (a large group) ask to review the sign-in sheet for this meeting.

Minutes: Reading of the minutes from last meeting of October 16, 2021 was waived in a motion by Tim and seconded by Kevin and unanimous vote of the Board. Motion so passed.

REPORTS

Treasurer:  Treasurer Helen Schwietert has resigned effective November 30, 2021 The Board thanks Helen again for her years of service to our Association, In her place, Cindy Lynch has been hired to take over the treasurer position as well as doing secretarial duties.

• Laurie Helling will continue the very important duties of social media. We thank Laurie for all of her work as well and look forward to working with her in making our information transparent &  available to our membership.
• Because Cindy has just started this position no formal report was presented but Jane confirme balances as of 4/29/22 at Fidelity Bank as follows: $125K CD and $ 10K regular checking balance
• Dave Wagner will provide a 2021 financial report for review at the annual meeting. Dave continues to provide services as our tax accountant as well as advising us on capital expenditures
  that should be depreciated.

Bills:No Bills presented at this time.

Building permits:

•  Phillip Hildebrand, 431 Timberlane, APPROVED
• NOTE: We have no information or building permit on concrete pad located on 2nd Ave. We will reach out to the owner of record.
• Tim Leiss at 348 RVR asked about process for demo. He will provide $500 road deposit fee, which will be returned if no road damage occurs.
• Building committee members request copies of completed projects for their final review and records. The committee will verify completion before checks are returned to owners.

Property Changes:

• Pittman to Hildebrand, 431 Timberlane
• Phelps to Lumetta, 363 River View Road
• Bart Flickinger to Bret & Cora Flickinger 354 3rd Ave
• Horn to Reyerson, 423 Timberlane
• Baumgartner to Plagge, 421 White Oak
• Cletus Davis to Scott Davis, 418 Hickory
• Buhrow to Sorenson, 415 River View Road
• Brown to Buhrow, 346 River View Road

There was some discussion as to how the board is informed of ownership changes. It was noted that the Clayton County Assessor would be aware of these transactions. Cindy volunteered to see if some more formal action can be initiated to make sure our membership information is updated in a more timely & efficient manner.

Boat Storage:  Don Niosi has done a great job of keeping up with the boat storage and collecting fees amounting to $3423 for 2021. All boats should be removed by mid-June. Don will begin storing trailers after annual meeting.   Lime was spread on the floor last Fall. Ken Root will organize volunteers to help pressure wash the inside of the building, tentative scheduled for June 23. Please contact Ken if you are interested in helping.

Pond & Rec Committee:  Cindy Miller has asked to be removed from the Rec Board. We thank Cindy for all her work and regretfully accept her resignation. Kari Winders and Mrs. Teri Denner remain on the committee and will be looking for one or more residents willing to join them.

Kari said most of the big projects are complete and only maintenance remains, which she reminded the board, does require funding.

Discussion was held on the Can Donation project, presently managed by Stacy and Jeff Zearley. Various redemption alternatives were discussed. All members and board present acknowledge the benefit to our community from this project. We want it to continue but there has been “disgusting abuse” of the area as a dumping ground for garbage. As the Zearley’s were not present, more information may be shared at our annual meeting

Island Beautification/Landscaping Committee: (See Old Business)

OLD BUSINESS:

Flag Poles: Gail Scherr reported on the flag pole project. The flag poles are in place and we have an American flag and an Iowa flag ready to go. The lighting is not in place and Gail has run into some road blocks.

Pat?  has volunteered to help expedite this and Scott Kainz (electrician on the island) has also offered his services. It was mentioned that a solar light may be the answer. Further discussion will be held if the electrical hook up doesn’t work.

We have an Esmann Island flag ideas submitted on the website. We plan to add this item to the ballot for voting at the annual meeting.

• Alliant/Mi-Tech project: Representatives were here on Saturday, April 30 to answer questions at this well attended meeting. They have prepared Question/Answer document that will be added to the website.
• Esmann metal detector: Don Niosi successfully located our lost metal detector. This is available for Exman residents, as needed. Please contact a Board member.
• Move boat dock to the old ramp Tom Nagel and Dale Hoffman will relocate our boat dock on the old ramp. The goal is to make it more easily accessible and open up additional beach area. Tony Reyerson will contact Jeff Freidlein about adding additional rock to the bottom of the new boat ramp. Tom Nagel will get cost information to the board.

ROAD: Kevin asked about the road and recalled that the company was to come back this spring to sweep and take care of the extra rock on the road. He noted that it has been more dusty than usual even with the significant rain we’ve had.Jane will reach out to Terry Denner and to speak on behalf of the road committee at the Annual Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Member Becky Schaeffer addressed the Board representing the Umbrella Arts of Guttenberg. This is a group promoting the arts in Guttenberg. They provide the Friday Night Music in the Park each summer, the fish sculpture and other things. Becky was requesting a donation to a project the group is involved with. The project is an outdoor instrument ensemble to be located along River Park Drive across from Joe’s Pizza.  Beyond emergency services, the Board has not donated to Guttenberg projects. Jane used the swimming pool as an example. Yet, the Board will give Becky the opportunity to present the project information at the annual meeting. Google—- freenotesharmonypark.com for a listen!

Owner Concerns & Comments

NOTE: Alicia Hoffman (daughter of Dale) is planning our first island wedding on June 11, 2022. They will have the pavilion and also a tent set up. Some guests may also be camping in the field area. The wedding is at 5 pm and there will be DJ, music and fireworks. Alicia will get required permits and some proof of insurance. Jane will be working with her to draw up a formal contract. Islanders are invited after 8 pm.

Doc Rolfes brought up the subject of speed bumps. Nikki will continue her research on thisproject. It was motioned by Nikki and seconded by Gail and all agreed that these are needed, but placement would be determined after further discussion and cost determination.

*** Kevin suggested we update our faded island signage. Some miscellaneous signs were storedin our closet. Kevin will research what we need and quantities of each. Through Doug Hinzman’s connections at Iowa Prison Industries we should be able to get new signage in a timely manner. We also discussed selling old signs via silent auction at the annual meeting.

***Dale Hoffman brought up that there have been several fishing boats in the pond with the high water they are coming in from the north end off the channel. He would like to erect a barrier of some sort. He noted that bass were highly fished from the pond this spring. All agreed that he proceed using materials at hand.

Annual Meeting Preparation

The target date to complete annual resident mailing is June 1, 2022 (Minimum 2 weeks before meeting) Beyond voting for New Board Members and Island flag option we have no addition al ballot items at this time.

• Jane will create a nominating committee of 3 people who will be responsible for counting ballots and making sure all are in order.
• We have two open seats, (3 Yr terms) Josh Geistkemper is seeking re-election for a second term. Andrew Phelps is stepping down.  Linda Lampe has returned her Nomination Form and will run for one 3 yr term. NOTE: If any other residents wish to run, please request a Nomination Form and return (email) or hand in to Board Member by Friday, May 27 at 5PM (or by end of Sunday night)

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Jane Ertl Root seconded by Tim. All in favor. The meeting adjourned.

Our next regular Board meeting will be Saturday, June 25 immediately following the  Annual Meeting.

Respectively submitted,

Cindy Lynch

UG = Underground OH = Overhead Company = IPL, Alliant Energy Customer = Property landowner

Question: When company is performing a rebuild in an area, what is the customer charged if they choose to convert their OH service to UG?

Answer: The customer will be charged for the installation method and cable, the standard set-up fee to wreck-out the overhead and bury the customer’s service line is waived since the company will already have the equipment in place. NOTE: This does NOT apply if the customer comes back and requests their service line to be buried AFTER the rebuild is complete.

Question: When would the customer need to pay for the new UG service installation?

Answer: Once customer meets with company representative, an application for service must be filled out by the customer or customer electrician for company to provide an estimate and invoice. Invoice needs to be paid per the estimate provided prior to contractor doing any service work.

Question: What are the different installation methods?

Answer: The piece of equipment used to install customer UG service. Trencher, Plow or Drill Rig. This will depend on the layout of the land and the cost for each method is billed at a different rate. This cost will be included in the estimate. Restoration on the customer property is the responsibility of the customer.

Question: Why is the restoration the responsibility of the customer?Answer: Company will take care of all the restoration for the project and installing the main line. If the customer chooses to have their service line on their property changed from the existing OH to the new UG, the customer will be responsible for the restoration of the new service line from the property line to the meter.

Question: When converting from an OH Service to an UG Service during the company rebuild project, does the customer receive any free footage?Answer: Not for an established customer. The Company will only provide a one-time credit for the cost of the original service.

Question: Can the Company provide UG service in exchange for an easement?

Answer: No, we can not exchange an easement in place of the customer new UG service cost; the customer pays for the service and their electrician. If an easement is needed that will be negotiated directly with the customer.

Question: Can the company hire an electrician for the customer?

Answer: No, if the customer is requesting a new UG service, the customer is required to hire an electrician to work on the customer side of the company meter.

Question: Customer meters can no longer be on company poles. When the customer’s meter is on an existing company-owned distribution pole what needs to happen with the customer’s meter?

Answer:

• If the pole is on the customer property, and in good shape, the meter may remain on the pole. Company will give the pole to the customer at no cost. The customer will be required to sign a pole sale agreement document and take ownership of the pole.

• If the pole is on the customer property, and is at the end of the pole life, we can not give the pole to the customer. Company will work with customer to provide a meter pole close to the same pole location and not bill for the meter pole or pole installation. In this scenario the company would hire the electrician to move the meter to the new meter pole.

• If the pole is not on customer property, company will work with customer to provide a meter pole close to the same pole location and not bill for the meter pole or pole installation. In this scenario the Company would hire the electrician to move the meter to the new meter pole.

Question: What would be some additional cost to the customer?

Answer: Customer is responsible to work with their Electrician to provide a company approved meter socket and apply for State of Iowa electrical permit.

ALLIANT Update Meeting Saturday, April 30th at 8:00AM at Assoc. Office Brandon Klaas​​ Senior Power Distribution Technician with Mi‑Tech Services, Inc. will be in attendance to provide an update on the ALLIANT project progress & timeline. Dustin Mohs, the Alliant Energy Operation Manager, will also be in attendance. If you are interested in hearing an update, please feel free to attend.