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 2nd 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. 2nd 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.
- Comments were heard from some attending members.
- Jane asked Terry Denner to speak regarding the Road Reseal and current conditions.
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 4th 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 2nd. 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, 2nd from Tim Ahlers. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 11:15
The Board will be meeting at the office July 8th 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