Welcome To Esmann Island

The first order of business was to elect the next President and Vice President. Terry Denner made a motion to keep Josh as our sitting president which was seconded by Kate Hoffman.
Brett Flickinger made a motion for Kate Hoffman to be our sitting Vice President, which was seconded by Gayle Sheer.
BILLS: Alliant $139.00
Flags: $369.00
Fireworks: $3700. In past years, The Denner’s and Geistkemper’s paid for the fireworks out of
pocket and then collected money to reimburse. This year, the Island fund has covered the
initial expense and the collected donations will go back to replenish the Island account. If you
would like to make a donation, please contact a board member, Cindy or Nikki.
Printing: $161.00
Hoffman Lawn Care: $1635.00
Internet Set Up: This office is now equipped with internet. $213.00 was the initial set up cost
and the monthly cost will be $100.00
Office Supplies: $150.74

The board confirmed that if you have a camper on your property, you are able to store it on your property as long as you are the owner of the camper and it is maintained properly. Non- residents will have to move their campers after 30 days.

Tree removal letters will be sent if owners of dead trees do not take down on their own. If you have a dead tree, make sure you get it removed. It is a safety issue.

BUILDING PERMITS: Recker remodel and Halfhill addition. These have both been approved by Doc and Josh.

We will not be suing Mediacom. This is a nonstarter issue per the board.

Terry Denner is working on a condensed building checklist to have on our website so that everyone can make sure all necessary steps have been taken, prior to reaching out to the building committee. He spoke to Patty Ruff and she stated that any changes made to an existing or new structure has to have the following, a bed, bath and a place to cook. This is any
new “garage” or dwelling, not existing. This will be updated in the bylaws.

Work on getting a new Island dock is getting closer. Josh and Terry are working with a company that builds a quality aluminum dock that is more affordable than past quotes and they are in negotiations.

The next meeting will be Saturday, July, 19 @8:00am with can sorting to follow.

President Josh Geistkemper called the annual meeting to order at 9 AM.

Terry Denner motioned to approve minutes as published. Seconded by Gail Scheer and motion passed with all in favor.

ROADS Josh reminded members that the road deposit for building on the island was increased to $1000 on April, 19, 2025. This is due to rising costs associated with fixing any damage. Remember, this repair is the responsibility of the owner. To date most have complied and there will be a review of the deposits we are holding and members will be notified when they are destroyed. If any member wishes to have their check returned, please contact Treasurer Cindy Lynch. There followed a discussion regarding potential roadwork to blacktop the island roads. Josh has received estimate for blacktop and it amounts to $800,000 -900,000. It is estimated the road would have a life of 18-20 years. In order to pay a special assessment would be required in the amount of approximately $4,200 per LOT. Cost for the current chip and seal process is approximately $140,000 with a lifespan of 5-7 years. This cost would be paid through our island account reserves. No special assessment would be needed. Doug Hintzman raised the issues regarding maintenance saying in his experience blacktop roads do require a fair amount of upkeep. Bob Preston expressed concern on the previous contractor who did not used washed rock and dust problems resulted. Josh said he is working with a different contractor (Prairie Road Builders) for any new work. There was discussion about interest in the project to blacktop or is it a waste of time getting costs, etc. Cindy Miller suggested a quick show of hands from those interested. Eight people raised their hands in favor. Jane Ertl suggested that maybe some mix of blacktop/chip with only certain roads having blacktop. End of discussion for now. We encourage residents to speak to their board members to express their preferences and/or concerns.

RECREATION AND POND Kari Winders gave a financial report stating the bank balance is approximately $9,000. Most of these funds come from our can collection efforts. Can sorting will be conducted every 5-6 weeks, as needed, sometimes coordinating with regular board meetings. Notification on the FB page. New faces are welcome. We are planning to be regular enough to keep our time at around 60-90 minutes, max Kari reported she is still chemical treating the pond to get algae under control. Aerators are also helping. She asked that if anyone catches a grass carp, please throw it back. They help with cleaning water. New committee members are welcome. Please contact Kari or Teri Denner. Suggestions from member Helen Schwietert included shading for playgrounds area and more toddler equipment. Teri Denner suggested memorial benches would be a nice idea.

BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS/Bylaw CHANGE Thank you to Linda Lampe and Tim Ahlers who resign today at the end of their terms. Tim Plagge and Tom Stueck are new folks running and Josh Geistkemper is up for re-election. These are all three year terms. Ballots were counted and all three were elected with a few write-in candidates with no one person getting any significant number of votes.

MEMBERSHIP votes to change by-laws to allow a $100 flat fee charge for late dues payment. Past due payment is after August 1

FINANCIAL INFORMATION Cash flow and balance sheet for 2024 included in packet. TCDs due in July and will be reinvested. There has been an increase in taxes and some services. This may require an annual assessment adjustment in the next year. OLD BUSINESS Alliant still working on the island. No firm completion date. Gary Gansen expressed concern about poles still left and if they will be removed. It seems there is no firm answer because MediaCom shares poles and have not finished their work. Mediacom is generally non-responsive. Since there is a TMobile purchase in the works it is doubtful we will get much in the way of response until that is completed. Josh touched on safety rules for carts, etc. Also included in packet. Flags are flying. New Esmann Island flags were ordered.

AED AND CPR updates. Two AEDs, with instructions, are available at Eulberg property on River View Road and at Morris property on 2nd Ave. 3rd will be installed at Denners near boat ramp. Anyone wanting CPR TRAINING should contact Tim who will get you hooked up with the hospital for Heart Association certified training. THANKS TO ALL WHO took care of needed tree removal, this helps keep us all safe. Josh is looking to trim trees along back road in July or August. Please trim at any corners you see may be dangerous. Boat ramp is now available for use and there may be more work in July by Jeff Friedlein. There will be further discussion of boat dock for the common area. Josh and Terry are working on bids for this. Please attend monthly meetings or contact a board member if you have input. Building committee is working to see that all information is available To members.

NEW BUSINESS Welcome to new residents, Wayne & Michelle Ahern, Steven Brauer, Craig Lubbers, Landon and Nicole Geater, Patrick & Lana McDermott, Ahern & Danielle Dull. FIREWORKS will be July 5 this year. Your 2025 invoice had room for donations rather than having ‘door knocking’ for donations. This seems to be received positively. THERE WILL BE KARAOKE at the Garage Mahal! Please keep an eye on the community calendar of events to see fun things planned for the island. The Facebook page also will have this stuff! Non compliance for campers was discussed. There will be further review of the bylaws and potential addresses that don’t comply. If you have questions, please contact a board member. Basically, nonregistered campers, trailers, etc are in question. Further discussion at next board meeting. Resident Ken Root brought up changes in the island environment and encouraged all members to be aware of need to keep septic and water systems up to date and to be aware of projects conducted by the DNR and the Army Corps of Engineers. Members may consider voting in Clayton county to help insure representation with our local government.

NEW SECRETARY As mentioned in previous meeting, Laurie Helling has resigned after 11 years of service to the board and residents. Nikki Lynch was hired for this paid position and will begin immediately. We will be discussing the state of the website and whether and how it should be updated. There are several who have said they are unable to get onto the site. Please be patient as we work through these issues. In the meantime, please contact Cindy or Nikki with issues or questions. Anyone who would like to serve on any of our committees should contact a Board member. Kate motioned to adjourn, seconded by Linda and motion carried!

Go out there and have a great summer!

Respectfully submitted by Cindy Lynch, Treasurer Esmann Island Association

Roll call shows board members Terry Denner, Linda Lampe, Bret Flickinger, Kate Hoffman and Gail Scheer were present with Tim Ahlers and Josh Geistkemper on the phone.

List of members present is attached.

The Board accepted minutes for April meeting as submitted.

Treasurers’ report accepted as submitted.  Discussion of CDs, 1 coming due in May and 2 in July.  Motion by Terry that July CD be reinvested at 4% or 10 months.  Rate for July could change per bank.  We will discuss again in July.  Balance of May CD today is $108,237.04.  Motion 2nd by Linda Lamp and passed unanimously.  Subsequent to this meeting Josh instructed Treasurer to put proceeds from May CD into checking account until we reinvest all in July.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Discussion around enforcement of $250 fine for building with no permit.  Terry reported he felt that the website did contain the information needed to easily submit forms for building by members.  This led to discussion of website and reports that there ate issues with site security.  Josh feels we need a new web design and is getting estimates for same.  This also led to discussion of internet for the office.  Cindy had gotten information for Alpine that charges a$100 installation fee and  monthly $100 user fee, plus taxes, etc.  We can use option of ‘vacation mode’ for minimum of 3 months and up to 6 months.  So, we would pay for just 6 months of usage.  We will make sure that setup will work at our location.  Kate made the motion to contact Alpine for new installation, 2nd by Bret and motion passed all in favor.  Cindy will work with Alpine.

There were no building permits for submission.  Helen Schweigert had a question about necessity for permit for a project she wants to do.  Teri Denner offered to help Helen with this.

Some discussion on yard sheds on skids, storage containers and rules for same.  Also it was noted that there are some trailers parked for long periods on members property.  Limit per our bylaws is 30 days.

ANNUAL MEETING

Fireworks donation is included on invoices as OPTIONAL.  Plan to have printed and ready for mailing by June 1.  Meeting notices typically out 3 weeks prior to annual.

Tim as opted not to run or another board term.  Josh has decided he will run.

ROAD REPORT

Josh opened discussion about our road project which will likely be needed in next few years.  He has looked into blacktopping; estimate at $850,000.  This includes preparing road.  The discussion suggested that members would need a lot more additional information in order to vote on this.  We would have to determine costs per lot and how these assessments must be charged.  Looking for cost benefit analysis, basically.  The road committee will have to come up with this as well as possible alternatives.  This will likely be preliminary discussion at annual meeting.

ISLAND/POND BEAUTIFICATION

Gail would like to propose a Clean up Day on June 14.  Volunteers should meet at the shelter at 8:30 AM.  More details will be forthcoming on FB.  Teri Denner proposed that members approach the committee with their own ‘wish list’ of things for our common ground.  We have created a great place for families to spend time with all ages.  Members are reminded that they should bring their own equipment for pickle ball, etc.  Friedlein dug out a large rock at boat ramp.  He has indicated that he went out about 30 ft. and he feels trailers should be able to back with no issue.  Wayne Jensen has cleared the trees and cleaned the brush he had stacked over winter.

It was suggested by Teri Denner that we schedule can sorting and try to get participation of more members.  Teri and Cindy will work on this.  Can sorting has gone well historically.  Redeeming cans has been sorted out and a plan is in place.

NEW BUSINESS

Secretary is needed for the island board.  Cindy has been doing these responsibilities and would like more clarification between roles of secretary and treasure.  It is too much for one person.  Teri will place an ‘ad’ for the secretary position.  This is a paid position at $15 per hr.  Cindy will continue with Treasurer duties.

There was a general discussion around raising the annual assessment by some amount to be determined.  Insurance and taxes have been increasing and assessments haven’t been raised for several years.  This will also be discussed at annual meeting.

MEMBER CONCERNS

Alan Johnson has had land surveyed and his property is smaller that what he thought when purchasing (12 ft less).  Terry Denner will take a closer look and include Josh and Alan in the process.  Mohn did the original work and we may need to contact them for advice and information.

There is a dead tree on lot 164 that needs attention.  The board will review any dead trees now that things have sprouted.

Annual meeting June 21, 2025 at 9 AM

Kate made motion to adjourn, second by Linda and passed at approximately 9 AM

MEMBERS: We thank resident Mary Eulberg so much for provding the location and winter information!

!The Zoll Plus AED for emergency use is located inside the Eulberg garage at 325 River View Rd. The 2 story garage across from the house. A white box is mounted just inside the door with AED clearly labeled. The unit is charged and ready for use in an emergency. Also in the box is a first aid kit and the patches that you apply to the chest.

The Eulbergs live on the island year-round and Mary is always willing to assist in emergency treatment. If you go on YouTube you can view a very good tutorial on the use of the Zoll AED, plus you can call Mary Eulberg and she will demonstrate it for you. Using it is very simple with step by step instruction given to you once you turn the unit on.

The only thing you can do wrong is doing nothing.

Call to Order:   Meeting was called to order at 8:00 by Josh Geistkemper

Board Members:  Present were Josh Geistkemper, Terry Denner, Linda Lampe, Gail Scherr   Also present- Board Admin/Treasurer Cindy Lynch, Secretary Laurie Helling     Absent: Kate Hoffman, Tim Ahlers, Bret Flickinger.

Members Present: Tom Nagel, Dave Wagner, Ken Rolfes, Jeff Brown, Phil & Julie Hildebrand, Phil Lampe, Mike Burke, Helen Schwietert

Minutes:  Josh asked for Motion for August Minutes to be approved. Motion made by Linda, 2^nd by Terry Denner.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Cindy Lynch presented bank balance and CD totals.
  • Decision made to shift some of the funds in CDs
  • Only 1 delinquent dues assessment outstanding

Bills Submitted:

• Alliant (monthly auto-pay)
  • Insurance
  • New Doors for Office and Building  Quote
  • Tree Removal- Keppler
  • Property Taxes (pay for whole year)
  • Misc. Menards for new propane torch, mice baits for office and building
• Terry Denner made motion to approve (and pay) bills & Treasurers Report, 2^nd by Linda Lampe. All approved. Motion so moved.

Property Changes:    

• Steve/Dena Lampe to Craig Lubbers  418 Timberlane
• Steve Elwood to  Patrick McDermott 366 River View Rd
• Rothermel to ?

Building Permits:  NOTE: ANY NEW BUILDING PERMITS WILL NEED TO BE SUBMITTED AT OR BY LAST BOARD MEETING IN OCTOBER. If after that time, any approvals will be tabled until Spring 2025

• Craig Hansen –replace deck
• Chad Kuene -342 River View –Single Family Residence
• Jeff Brown-446 River View – Garage Lot 173
• Chris Winters-352 Riverview

Committee Reports:   

POND Committee

• Reminder to please pick up your trash or litter by pond, pavilion, playground, & courts.
• Pond Gate**See Old Business

ROAD COMMITTEE: 

• Continue cold patching holes, low spots as needed. 
• Replace old or missing traffic signs.  Yield sign for back road and causeway road.  
• Stop sign needed end of pond road where it meets Hickory/Timberlane
• Possibly 1 or more speed limit signs need replacing.

TRAILER STORAGE:  Will continue with current storage guidelines. Storage is spoken for 2024-2025. Trailers should all be out by end of Sept. Boat storage will be open for those with spots starting October. Contact Tom Lynch with questions.

OLD BUSINESS:

•  Island Dead Tree Removal plans/project
• Discussion on the letters sent to Island residents with dead trees on property.
• CLARIFICATION- The Board is NOT planning on coming on to your property to remove your trees. We are asking for residents that received a letter to formulate a “plan” on who and how you plan to remove them at some point, (personally? Tree removal business?  Other??)
  • Please have a “plan” in place by end of Sept on how you’d like to move forward with removal of said dead trees throughout the next few months.  If you need names/numbers of reputable tree removal services, contact the Board.
• Board members will be checking back with residents on your plans or questions/concerns.

*REMINDER for all membership to trim low hanging branches over the roads, and any branches hanging into the roads, especially any blocking view on corners.

• Members all have a responsibility to keep lines of sight clear on the roadways.
• Nuisance letters all appear to be in compliance.

Pond Road Gate Update:

• Pond road gate was installed on Labor Day weekend. Again, this gate will be closed at night only on busy holiday weekends. (July 4, Labor Day etc)
  • Discussion held on how the gate closure went on Labor Day Weekend.
    • Was it closed too early? 
    • Need to have more than 1 key
    • A few of the large rocks put in place on each side of gate were moved so a cart or some kind of vehicle could go past the gate.
  • Terry Denner made motion on holiday weekends to have gate opened by 6am and close at 11pm.
  • Josh G will contact Kate Hoffman to have another set of keys made for gate.
• Linda L 2^nd, all in favor. Approved.

AEDs and CPR Training: To be coordinated by Tim Ahlers

Alliant Project is still ongoing but at a current standstill waiting on transformers. Will be 2025 for full completion of project.

Media Com intends to do their own project in the future but details are not available as to a timeline.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Discussion on certain actions, behaviors, repeated actions by individuals, residents or not, guests, kids etc.
  • Concerns were raised from golf cart speeds, inattentive driving, causing accidents, loud parties etc.
  • Discussed Responsibilities of residents for their actions and those of their kids and guests.
  • Are there needs for penalties for continued patterns of disregard for safety rules?
    • Speed limits –all vehicles, especially golf carts/motor bikes with younger drivers
    • Damage to property (personal) or common grounds?
    • Respecting your neighbors
    • Quiet time?
  • If accidents happen between private parties, then the two parties should work it out.
  • We all want the island to be a fun, welcoming place for seasonal and permanent residents.
  • We need transparency on ideas back and forth that will continue to maintain the great atmosphere that makes the island special and safe environment.

Discussion held on purchasing a couple trail cams (to use as needed, if needed) for the future to monitor behavior in pond area. Terry Denner made a motion to purchase 2 trail cams, Linda 2^nd. Motion approved.

• Discussion on boats tied up at north boat ramp all through a holiday weekend.  Cannot be moored there the entire weekend. 
• Winter preparations-Dock removal.  Check with Tim Hoffman on date for winter removal
• Pond—additional signage will be added to pond about aerators at appropriate time of fall.
• Addendum –
  • Can Sorting- held after meeting 9-21-24. 50 bags were made ready for redemption. Wow! Thank you volunteers!

Josh asked for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Linda. 2^nd by Gail Scherr.  All approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:45

LAST Board Meeting for year is October 19^th 2024 8:00 am

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

Call to Order:   Meeting was called to order at 8:02

Board Members:  Present were Terry Denner, Linda Lampe, Kate Hoffman, Bret Flickinger, Also present- Board Admin/Treasurer Cindy Lynch, Secretary Laurie Helling     Absent: Josh Geistkemper, Tim Ahlers, Gail Scherr

Members Present: Tom Nagel, Dave Wagner, Shawna Barton

Minutes:  Terry asked for Motion for July Minutes to be approved. Motion made by Linda, 2^nd by Kate H.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

• Cindy Lynch mentioned there are 2 new deposits for the fireworks fund.
  • Still have approx. $2000 in outstanding annual due. Cindy will make one last round of appeals, and then second invoices will be issued with late penalty applied.
  • CD is in good shape but will need to be shifted sometime later in September.
  • We have Kluesner Sanitation has purchased Bi-County but there are no changes at this time.

Bills Submitted:

• Alliant (monthly auto-pay)
  • Plumbing Invoice for repairs to office bathroom
  • Hoffman Lawn Care-mowing trimming common grounds
  • AED Box Installation. Tim Ahlers will need to coordinate with homeowners where the boxes will be located
• With Josh and Tim absent, checks were not signed today. Will sign at earliest convenience.
• Bret F. made motion to approve bills & Treasurers Report, 2^nd by Linda Lampe. All approved. Motion so moved.

Building Permits:   None at this time  **ANY NEW BUILDING PERMITS WILL NEED TO BE SUBMITTED AT SEPT OR BY LAST BOARD MEETING IN OCTOBER. If after that time, any approvals will be tabled until Spring 2025

Property Changes:    

• Don & Jeanne Niosi 364 River View to Steve Brauer  Sara Boswell
• Nicole & Drew Baker Garage at 426 Timberlane to Kent & Cheryl Rolfe

Committee Reports:   

POND Committee

• *Note made the aerators were off after recent high water.  Kari will be treating water and aerators will be turned back on.  Need to move the fishing dock back from the beach to the north side of pond shore.
• Remember to fish your limit.
• The cart path to the beach is not an offroad race track for carts, motor bikes, atvs.  Drive responsibly.
• Still need to finish up a few last projects around pond, and courts.
• Thank you for the playground canopy and sitting bench!  Much appreciated!
• Next year, barring any high water, porta-potty will be placed by pond again.

ROAD COMMITTEE:  Ongoing concerns with holes and dips caused by Alliant. Definitely need to drive around  island and apply cold patches before winter.

TRAILER STORAGE:  Will continue with current storage guidelines. Storage is spoken for 2024-2025 Cindy Lynch brought up that some or all of the funds generated by storage fees be used for upkeep of the Association Office and steel building.  Door to office should be replaced soon.  Everyone present agreed that is a good proposal.

OLD BUSINESS:

•  Island Tree/Shrub Trimming & Removal of Dead Trees
  • REMINDER for membership to trim low hanging branches over the roads, and any that are hanging into the roads, especially any blocking view on corners.
  • Members responsibility to keep lines of sight clear on the roadways.
  • Board members made observations  to have a “plan” in place for removal of said dead trees by end of September.
  • Fall project for Board to check out which lots have the most concerning dead trees and plans for removal.

• Nuisance Letters were issued to lot owners where upkeep is or has been an issue.
• Pond Road Gate Update:
  • Pond road gate to be installed before Labor Day weekend. Again, this gate will be closed at night on busy holiday weekends. (July 4, Labor Day etc)
  • Kate Hoffman gave update on details
  • Keys will be held by Kate to start.
  • Also, 2 or 3 large rocks will be placed on each side to deter drive “arounds” during the gate closures.
• Speed Limit Signs-Stop Signs
  • Need to drive around island and make sure speed limit signage and stop signs are all in place.
  • Install Yield sign for back road where it meets the dike road.
  • Need stop sign at end of pond road where it meets main road.

AEDs and CPR Training: To be coordinated by Tim Ahlers, but being absent, topic tabled

Alliant Project is still ongoing but at a current standstill waiting on transformers. Will be 2025 for full completion of project.

Update to By-Laws: Laurie will add addendum to By-laws to indicate the 9:00 am time change to annual meeting going forward.  It was voted on and approved by membership present.

REMINDER MEMBERS: ALL OFFICIAL BUSINESS, INC. PERMITS, APPROVALS, BOARD SIGN OFFS ON PAPERWORK ETC. MUST BE TURNED IN/PRESENTED ON -OR- BEFORE LAST MEETING OCTOBER 19TH, 2O24

Speeding Vehicles:   

• With a really busy Labor Day weekend ahead, make sure your kids, grandkids, friends, relatives all know and understand the road rules, speed limit. Practice Safe driving behaviors.
• Low riding vehicles should have a flag for visibility, ie go karts, small motorbikes, atvs.    

NEW BUSINESS:

Terry Denner presented a couple quotes for a new Boat Dock at north ramp.  One for $19K all aluminum, wide walkway, walkway on wheels. Bumpers. Etc. Another at $23K. Since so late in season and not a full board this discussion will be tabled.

UPDATE!!  LABOR DAY FIREWORKS  SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1^ST   SAND PIT   9:00 PM

*FIREWORKS Set up will be taking place late in the week and that day. Please Do Not drive your ATVS etc through the staging area!

Donations are always welcome anytime!!!! 

Terry made motion to adjourn. Motion with 2^nd from  Bret.  All approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:37

Next Board Meeting is September 21^st 2024 8:00 am

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

ATTENTION Due to the flooding and changing river level, we are going to delay our island fireworks to Sunday, Sept 1 (Labor Day weekend). Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

*There may be a couple families doing smaller personal fireworks in the sand pit are, you are welcome to watch. Also: Area towns such as Garnavillo (7-3), Marquette (7-4) and Guttenberg (7-6) all have planned festivities and fireworks displays.

ATTENTION:
Back road is closed due to water, gates are up until further notice.
BE SAFE!