Esmann Island Annual Meeting 6-18-16

Esmann Island Owner’s Association

Annual Meeting  Minutes

June 18, 2016

 

Call to Order:  The Annual Meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by President Doug Hintzman.  Doug Hintzman made note that the Annual Meeting notice was mailed on June 4, 2016.

Board Roll Call:  Present were President Doug Hintzman, Vice-President Chris Miller, Board Members Tom Reimer, and Chad Williams. Tony Reyerson (Absent due to a family commitment out of state) Bill Allyn (Absent due to  Funeral) Treasurer: Helen Schwietert and Secretary Laurie Helling also present.

Annual Meeting Minutes of 6-13-15 were announced.

  • Doug asked if any members present preferred the minutes to be read aloud. There were no requests or questions regarding minutes by members present, so therefore a motion was made for minutes not to be read.  Approved.
    • Doug Hintzman asked for Motion to approve the 2015 minutes. Motion made by Tom Reimer, 2nd made by Chris Miller.  Motion carried.
  • Doug Hintzman apologized for the annual minutes not being in the meeting mailing this year and will included in 2017 mailing.
  • As always, minutes will be available on the Esmann website (www.esmannisland.com) , posted on office door and island bulletin board.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • Cash Flow and Balance Sheet presented by Doug Hintzman.
  • No questions from members present at meeting.
    • Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report by Chris Miller, 2nd was made by Chad Williams and motion carried.

Reports of Officers:

  1. Road Report –(Bill Allyn)
    1. Road remains generally in good shape at this time
    2. Question was raised by member Bob Gilkes about cleaning up debris left by last fall trimming on the back road. Chris Miller stated this was started but contractor equipment broke down. This clean up will be completed as soon as Moser’s equipment is repaired.
    3. Reminder members to trim low hanging branches along the road/streets that border their lots to keep sight lines as clear as possible and safety reasons.
    4. A big thank you to Island Members who assisted in Tree/Shrub Trimming last fall. Your help is greatly appreciated!
    5. If you notice any areas of concern on the roads, please let a board member know!

Report of Committees:

  • Dock Committee
    1. North Ramp dock condition.
      • Tom Nagel brought up the North ramp was moved to make loading and unloading easier.
      • Friedlein Excavating completed the pulling of rocks and silt from the ramp area.
      • Further discussion of ramp was held (see New Business)
    2. Repair work on 2nd St ramp was completed by Friedlein Excavating this spring.
  • Pond Committee: No Pond Committee member was present.
  • Event Committee:
    1. Cindy Mller has extra copies of the calendar if you need a hard copy of upcoming events.
    2. The Events calendar is also emailed to members.
    3. If you wish to be on the email list for events and aren’t already, please contact Cindy Miller.
    4. If you are hosting an event, or would like to add an event to the calendar now or future, contact Cindy Miller.
    5. THANK YOU to all the island members hosting great and fun events!

Election of new Board Members:

  • Bill Allyn has fulfilled his term obligation and was not seeking re-election.
    • Thank you for your service this past year!
  • Ballots included nominations to the board for the following:
    • Terry Denner (on ballot)
    • Tom Reimer (on ballot)
    • Write In: Tom Nagel, respectfully declined
    • Write In: Bob Gilkes, respectfully declined
    • Write In: Dennis Winders, respectfully declined prior to meeting
    • Nomination from the floor, Bruce Copeland. Dottie Reimer made the nomination and Cindy Miller 2nd.
  • Since there were 3 Board openings, and 3 candidates, President Doug Hintzman asked for a motion from the floor to waive the paper voting.
  • Member Tom Nagel made a motion to waive the voting and a 2nd by Mike Schaffer. Motion passed by majority.
  • NEW BOARD MEMBERS:
    • Terry Denner
    • Bruce Copeland
    • Tom Reimer (re-elected)

OLD BUSINESS:

  1. GARBAGE –Bi-County Disposal
  • Discussion held on satisfaction with new garbage service.
    • Everyone present seems very happy with service.
    • The employees are courteous and place garbage containers back where they were.
    • We have shown a substantial savings in using their service than previous garbage service.
    • At end of June, board will do a year comparison of usage and fees.
  • Since Bi-County will pick up large items like appliances but you need to contact them ahead of time: 563-875-9076
    • It was also brought up there is a local scrap dealer you can contact named Laverne: 563-252-9187.
  • Discussion was also held again on the Pros/Cons of Recyling options for island.
    • Options to be explored could be a large bin or recycle bin placed on island in a central location.
      • It was suggested if a dumpster of any kind was placed on Esmann, we should approach Abel Island to chip in on cost.
    • Board will check on cost and options available.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • Don Niosi presented information regarding a Clayton County & City of Guttenberg Proposal for a multi-use trail from Marina Road to Buck Creek Rd.  Don and other island members attended a public forum in Guttenberg regarding the proposed trail. (Don’s notes from this meeting will be posted as a separate document or by clicking link below)
  • http://esmannisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Proposed-Multi-Use-Trail-Clayton-Cty.pdf 
    • Discussion held on if this would be a good idea or if anyone had any concerns. The consensus of members present at meeting was very positive.
    • Paper passed around for members to sign if you are in favor of the trail. This paper with signatures in support of proposed trail would be sent to Yvonne Diller at the Iowa DOT by July 1st, 2016.
    • Dottie Reimer made a motion to gather signatures and mail the support letter.   2nd by Jeanne Niosi .  Motion approved.
    • NOTE: If you didn’t attend the meeting and would like to add your name, please contact a Board Member.
  • Donna Gilkes raised the concern of BARD Cement cleaning out trucks in the north common area. Board agreed they should not be doing this and will send a letter or call about not cleaning out residue cement on island property.
  • Donna Gilkes also brought up a timely reminder that ALL VEHICLES including 4 wheelers, Go-karts, scooters, mo-peds, Cars, etc. OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT!  Also please inform your Guests about our road rules and speed limit!
  • Updating the 911 Directory!  Several members requested copies of the 911 Island Directory.  Secretary Laurie Helling stated there were several new owners & address changes. She will be updating those before making the new directory available as soon as possible!  It can be emailed or posted electronically.  Discussion held on possibly hard mailing it to all members since some don’t have digital access.
    • Member Ken Brandel made a suggestion of having a master list of member phone numbers  and possible Emergency Contact be kept in the office in case of emergency.  Personal phone numbers would not be published on the directory.
  • Ken Schmitt raised his concern about boats staying overnight at the North Boat Ramp.
    • Shore space is limited for loading and unloading, and many members recall a previous understanding of no overnight parking.  Laurie Helling will go through island minutes and provide further information.
    • It was brought up that is the reason for the boat dock but members voiced concern over the condition of the dock, scratching boats on it, or difficulty in pulling up to it as opposed to simply pulling on shore to load/unload.  (see below for more dock discussion)
    • Discussion held on what options are there for overnight guests.
    • Reminder to everyone the Boat Ramps are for Island Members use only!  Please be considerate and courteous in parking.  Please instruct guests or large boat trailers to use the extra parking area on common ground by sand pit.  The roads need to be kept open for vehicles coming in and out with trailers in order to make the turns in backing up and pulling out.
  • NORTH DOCK NEEDS REPAIR:
    • Because of the heavy amount of traffic and usage the North Ramp gets during the summer, it was brought up by Tom Nagel, that the dock itself really needs repairs.
      • The carpet on top needs to be replaced.
      • The Pontoons are in good shape but the wood frame needs to be addressed soon!
      • It was agreed the cushioning around the perimeter of the dock need to be replaced with better materials. (Carpet/plastic)  Several members voiced concerns of scratching their boats on the dock frame and thus have avoided using it for loading and unloading.
    • Tom Nagel has (informally) been our dock committee for several years, but we need some new and “younger” island members to volunteer to be part of this committee.  Please consider giving Tom a hand!
      • It was also brought up by members on possible options to make the dock more ADA compliant.  i.e. Wider walkway, double rails, cement path to ramp.
      • This raised concerns of cost, feasibility, legal issues/responsibility. Will need to be researched more fully by Board.  Member Tom Lynch is checking into the possible wheelchair access.
  • Member made a suggestion for the Board to invest in Wireless Microphones for the annual meeting.  Several members have difficulty in hearing all the discussions being held in the building.  Microphones and speakers would help in everyone having the ability to fully participate.  It was so noted by Board.
  • MEMBER REMINDER:  Please keep dogs leashed!  This applies to guest’s pets as well.  It was brought up by a member reporting a large dog recently running loose which can cause concerns.  Also PLEASE “Pick Up after your Pooch”–whether it is in someone else’s yard, common ground or by the boat ramp area.  Thank you!
  • TRAILER STORAGE: Don Niosi reminded members that boat trailer(only) storage is available in building during the summer months.  Boat trailer storage is a first come/first serve basis. Please contact Don Niosi if interested.  $30 per trailer.

General Reminders:

  1. Reminder: Guttenberg Fireworks are July  2nd.
  2. Reminder: Abel  Island Fly In  (Saturday) Aug 20th, 2016
  3. Reminder: Esmann Island Golf Cart Parade, Labor Day Weekend-(Sunday) Sept 4th, 2016

Doug Hintzman asked for a Motion to Adjourn.  Motion made by Chris Miller, 2nd  by Chad Williams.  Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at approx. 11:15 am.

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

Have an ENJOYABLE & SAFE Summer!

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Helling, Secretary

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply