Board Members Present:
Meeting called to order at 8:02am by Terry Denner. Board members present: Terry Denner, Chip Flory, Andrew Phelps, Tony Reyerson,Jane Ertl Root *Josh Geistkemper Absent: Tony Reyerson Also present: Laurie Helling (Secretary), Helen Schwietert (Treasurer)
Members present: Don Niosi, Ken Brandel, Bob Sims, Cindy Miller, Chris Miller, Linda Lampe, Buc Lampe, Doug Hintzman
*Special Board Note: Tom Reimer submitted his resignation from the board effective September 25th . It was accepted with the Boards’ thank you for many years of service. Since elections were held at the June annual Meeting, the board asked Josh Geistkemper who was next runner up in votes if he would accept the open position. Josh accepted and will fulfill the remainder of Tom’s term on the Board. Andrew Phelps will now be in charge of Road Reports & Issues.
Minutes:
- Terry Denner asked for approval of August Minutes. Chip Flory made a motion to approve minutes. Jane Ertl Root 2nd the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Discussion held on Treasurer’s Report and moving a portion of income to a 13 month CD with a higher rate. Terry Denner had been comparing rates at Fidelity. Motion made by Bob Buhrow to move $25K to a CD Andrew Phelps 2nd All approved. Motion passed.
- Helen Schwietert submitted her compensation sheet for approval and payment.
- Motion made by Chip Flory to approve Treasurers Report. 2nd by Bob Buhrow. All approved. Motion passed.
Bills Presented:
- Alliant Energy— $23 Jane Ertl Root is close to streamlining all our accounts into one. Discussion on new account number now in place at Fidelity. Had an issue with a duplicate number after their recent merger.
- Hoffman Lawn Care- mowing/trimming common grounds $560
- Association Taxes paid for the year. $2100
- Friedlein- gravel boat ramp $216
- Pavilion Ceiling $953
- Basketball Court-cement slab $6750
- *Note: Association will be reimbursed 50% from the pond fund for pond area improvements (pavilion, slab)
Chip Flory made motion to approve bills, Bob Buhrow 2nd. All in favor. Motion carried.
Building Permits:
- Approval sign off on (old) permits: J. Ertl, T. Harbaugh, T. Reyerson, Linder
- Still Pending: Sheppard, Burkle
- Update on reloading Esmann webpage with by-law docs, move up the covenants and building rules to be more prominently placed on page. Double check and update building packet.
- Discussion initiated by Jane Ertl Root on resurrecting the “New Property Owner” packet to include By-Laws, Building Rules, Covenants, other general info.
As clarification, our Building Committee members are: Chris Miller, Steve Lampe, Andy Blaylock, Wayne Jensen
- Permits & building plans need to be checked by a Building committee member prior to being presented to Board and signed off by a building committee member after completion for final board approval.
Property Ownership Changes: 1 Property Pending at this time
Road Report:
- At August meeting, Andrew Phelps, presented a good report of estimated costs for Hoffmann Lawn Care to cold patch necessary repairs for several low spots, holes etc. on Esmann Island roads. Approx. $749 Estimate
- Before the weather turns cold enough to freeze, Hoffmann will work on cold patches. There is a significant bad spot close to Abel and they agreed to pay up to $300 toward repairs.
Boat Storage Committee:
- Don Niosi reported there are already 6 boats in storage to date. Only 1 temp space open with the understanding it’s only for 1 yr at this point. Using the waiting list to fill.
Landscape/Beautification: Cindy Miller informed the board that member Duncan Ahrens asked for permission to donate and hang up a bench swing between two trees by the boat ramp. Discussion held on construction specs and insurance. Permission granted.
Pond Committee: Discussion on aerator for the pond was tabled.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Nothing at this time
NEW BUSINESS:
- Lengthy and strong discussion held on the huge TREE/BRUSH PILE that rapidly accumulated after the last big storm. While we are so thankful no one was hurt and structural damage was minimal, we have a big issue with the aftermath.
- First of all, PLEASE: NO MORE DUMPING
- Verified reports of a local tree service dumping several trailer loads (only had permission to drop 1 tree by pond road), trailer loads from Abel, and even a report of a vehicle from town dumping on the pile.
- We are now faced with trying to dispose of this huge tangled debris pile.
- It is too close to the donated planted fruit trees to burn where it is.
- Would take many volunteers to try and untangle the brush.
- If anyone wishes to pull out logs for firewood that is a possibility
- Need a fairly good size dozer or equipment to push the pile further into sand.
- Estimate for Friedlein to haul the brush pile from island is roughly $1200
- Burning would need to wait until November.
- The Board is in agreement this should not happen again in the future.
- Suggestion of a Bill to be sent to the local tree service who did most of the dumping for removal of brush, logs, branches.
- New signage will be placed on north end by pond road: “No Dumping”
- Helen will be reaching out to someone potentially interested in replenishing firewood to see if they want to tackle the pile.
- Local tree services will be notified by letter to let them know if they are contracted by private island members for tree services it is either their responsibility as part of their contracted services or it’s the Esmann owner/member responsibility to remove the debris off the island. Other options include Burn/stack as firewood, burn in your firepit, chip it for your own mulch etc. *If there are extraordinary circumstances, then you would contact the Board.
- Motion made to send bill to local tree service to haul off of island several loads since they were a major contributor. 2nd by Josh Geistkemper All approved, motion passed.
Farm Land Rent:
- Discussion held on future of farm land. Terry Denner had discussion with current farmers renting the common ground acreage. The Board was interested in establishing a longer term contract for a little more money per acre. They really did not wish to pay more or extend our contract.
- One option discussed was instead of renewing the farm land lease with current renters is strongly considering submitting the Island field into consideration for a FSA set aside acreage.
- Specifically a pollination plot. It is basically a CRM program for wildflowers.
- We would double our income on the land. There is some initial expense but it would still generate a profitable income.
- Josh Geistkemper mentioned it doesn’t look “pretty” right away as it does need some time to get established.
- Our responsibility would be to keep wild trees from growing in it, burn off the field after a certain amount of time etc.
- The size of our acreage and being next to wildlife refuge makes the property very favorable for the program.
- Terry Denner asked for board approval to at least submit our name into the program which opens for submissions in November (after last meeting). We wouldn’t even find out for several months if we were chosen and even at that point we could decline.
- Board members present were in favor of at least submitting our name at this time.
- It was brought to the Board’s attention there are Abel members wishing to use our pond/playground area.
- Discussion held on if they are guests of Esmann members they would be covered for insurance liability purposes.
- Signage does clearly state for Esmann Members only at Pond and Boat Ramp areas.
- Tabled until June 2020 Annual Meeting.
- Snow Removal Contract: Discussion held on continuing with Friedlein for Snow Removal and Rausch for sand/salt for roads. Chip Flory made motion to continue use of Freidlein and Rausch. Jane Ertl Root 2nd. All approved. Motion passed.
- Jane Ertl Root asked about the Flood Clean Up Kits/Buckets on hand. We need to get rid of them before it freezes. If you want to pick up one or two, please contact us. Otherwise, Laurie Helling will be contacting Clayton County Emergency Services and Red Cross for pick up.
- NOTE: While this is not an immediate concern, we will have 3 Open Board positions at next June 2020 Annual Mtg.
- Please keep this in mind to throw your hat in the ring, even if you are a newer member or tenured member.
- You need 25 member signatures turned into the current board to be placed on the ballot. Please contact secretary if you would like a form.
Last Board Meeting of 2019 will be held October 19, 2019 8:00 am
First meeting of 2020 will be April 18, 2020
Terry Denner asked for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Chip Flory 2nd by Andrew Phelps. Motion approved. Adjourned at 9:40am.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Helling, Secretary