The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, July 15, 2021

5:30 pm

Zoom Meeting

Delhi, IA 52223

The regular meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District was called to order at 5:30 pm by Secretary/Treasurer Burger.

Present: Leonard, Jasper, Burger, Staebell, Scherrman and Herman were present via Zoom.

Absent: Althoff

Visitors: Laurie Kramer, Randy Rattenborg, Dakota Drish, Gary Grant and Larry Murphy

Burger asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Scherrman, second by Staebell to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Scherrman, second by Leonard. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $7,772.89 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical/accounting expense, lobbyist expense, lawn maintenance, port-a-potties and Zoom subscription. Motion by Staebell, second by Jjasper to approve payments. All ayes. Motion carried.

June financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $5,929.75 from Delaware County. Expenditures for June were $7,827.11 ending June at $1,979,225.97. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $4,843.16 from Delaware County and with no expenditures ending June at $103,033.54. The Dam Improvement Fund had no revenues and no expenditures ending June with a $50,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Staebell to receive and file the June financial report. Scherrman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Larry Murphy and Gary Grant were present to give an update on the past state legislative session. They discussed the Impoundment Fund that was created two years ago. Gary stated that after meeting with the DNR it would appear that because the Lake Delhi District is a public lake it would qualify for funding projects.    The DNR is currently starting the rule making process for approval of projects that would qualify for this funding. Gary suggested the Board come up with questions for him to submit to the DNR for their consideration regarding what types of projects would be considered for funding. He also stated that this needs to be done fairly quickly. As with other funding sources, this would require a 50/50 match and he said the monies should be spent out by this coming January. Leonard offered to put together questions noting he has been involved with the formation of this fund. He asked for input from the other board members.

The Board discussed cleanup at Lost Beach. There have been some complaints about trash being left at the beach the last few weeks. Leonard suggested having someone check for garbage on Mondays. He said he was against putting out garbage cans because it was a real mess when they were used several years ago. Kramer suggested adding signage. Scherrman said he would be happy to help with formatting the signs. Leonard made a motion to purchase two signs from Manchester Signs. Staebell seconded the motion.   Motion carried.

Leonard updated the Board on the Wall of Recognition project. He stated that it’s been frustrating finding contractors to oversee the project. He would like to work with individual contractors to do various parts of the project. He asked the Board to approve allowing him to move forward hiring multiple contractors. He noted that there’s been a lot of settling of the concrete on the south side by spillway. Before starting any work on the wall, he feels this area will need to be replaced.   Rattenborg noted that Burrington Group has been monitoring the settlement area. He feels it’s stabilized but agreed some slabs need to be replaced. He noted it might be easier to just tear the area out and replace the whole thing.  Leonard had a contractor down to look at the updating the walk path. He’s suggestion was to concrete the pathway with ridges.   Herman made a motion to have Leonard reach out to multiple contractors to move the project along. Leonard brought up a concern regarding the trees growing by the spillway. Scherrman said he would contact Shawn Reth to get things cleaned up. Herman made a motion to move forward with the project allowing Leonard to contact various contractors and bring back pricing and design. Staebell seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Leonard noted that there was a Governor’s Award for Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers including those that tested at Lake Delhi

Community Quality of Life – None

Property Assets and Dam – The trustees received an email regarding the large amount of ski jets on the lake that are becoming a problem. It was noted that the District has no authorization over watercraft on the lake. Scherrman suggested presenting the lake association with guidelines about DNR rules. Staebell suggested sending out an email regarding general rules. A sign a Turtle Creek was suggested as well.

Rattenborg noted he’s still waiting for Kistler to bring the down the controls on the dam.

Kramer asked for an update on the Scada office. The filing cabinets have not been delivered. There still needs to be cabinets purchased so the countertop can be set. Plumbing needs to be done to set in the sink.

Rattenborg said there are trees on the north side that need to be removed as well.

Financial/Budget – None

Public Comment – None

Burger reminded everyone of the Trustee Election which will be held Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church.

A motion to adjourn was made by Staebell, second by Scherrman. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, June 17, 2021

5:30 pm

Zoom Meeting

Delhi, IA 52223

The regular meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District was called to order at 5:30 pm by Vice-President Althoff.

Present: Leonard, Jasper, Althoff, Burger, Staebell and Scherrman, were present via Zoom.

Absent: Herman

Visitors: Laurie Kramer and Randy Rattenborg

Althoff asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Jasper, second by Burger to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Scherrman, second by Jasper. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $9,025.26 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical/accounting expense, lobbyist expense, lawn maintenance, repairs and bond fee. Motion by Leonard, second by Staebell to approve payments. All ayes. Motion carried.

May financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $5,577.29 from Delaware County. Expenditures for May were $7,827.11 ending May at $1,999,443.17. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $5,796.44 from Delaware County and with no expenditures ending May at $98,190.38. The Dam Improvement Fund had a $10,000.00 transfer from the General Fund and no expenditures ending May with a $50,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Staebell to receive and file the May financial report. Burger seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Board considered taking action on assuming ownership of the Injun Joe property. A previous concern was whether the property development next to Injun Joe was or would be in the taxing district. It was noted that according to the county auditor once properties are sold and construction goes up those lots would be in the taxing district. Closing costs for the transfer will be taken care of by the developer. Rattenborg stated he talked with the developer of the property next to Injun Joe who indicated he will be putting up signage to delineate what is private property. Staebell made a motion go through the process of ownership of Injun Joe with the stipulation regarding signage and noting all costs of the legal fees are at the expense of the developer. Burger seconded the motion. Leonard questioned whether the Board should considered signage at the Injun Joe (The Rock) site to cover District liability. All ayes. Motion carried.

Burger asked the Board to consider taking proposals for the walkway area near the Scada office that will serve the portage area. He said he preferred looking at proposals rather than going out for bids because it will allow the Board to look at options for what is best for the area. Burger made a motion to look for proposals from various companies to work on the walkway. Leonard seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Leonard noted that the MRWQ Authority is interviewing for a coordinator to oversee the Maquoketa River projects. He noted that water testing was done by Burger and Kramer in May and information regarding the water tests should be coming in the next few weeks.

Community Quality of Life – Leonard is working on getting a landscaper out to look on the Wall of Recognition project.

Property Assets and Dam – Althoff noted that the TV for the Scada office has arrived and will be set up before the next meeting. Other work still needs to be done and the Board will be working to get the rest of the items taken care of. Rattenborg noted that the embankment north of the Scada office had been mowed but they had not mowed the embankment itself. There are trees there that need to be removed as soon as possible. Scherrman noted that they had been mowing at North Beach. Rattenborg also noted there’s a tree on the north side of dame by the LP that needs to be pulled out. Scherrman will have our lawn contractor look at that as well. Leonard asked if there would be road work needed to maintain the port-a-potties at North Beach. Scherrman is working with Shawn Reth to review costs.

Financial/Budget – Kramer noted that the District will be receiving a $1,000 from ICAP for a grant awarded for security equipment that was purchased this past year.

Leonard stated he wants the Board to look at Cedar Cove to resolve the siltation basin issue. Kramer will provide the Board with contact information.

Althoff noted that the Trustee election is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20, 2021. There are two spots open. Larry Burger and Mark Thompson have taken out papers to run for the two open positions.

Public Comment – None

A motion to adjourn was made by Staebell, second by Leonard. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, May 20, 2021

5:30 pm

Lake Office – South side of Dam

Zoom Meeting

Delhi, IA 52223

The regular meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District was called to order at 5:30 pm by President Herman.

Present: Leonard, Jasper, Althoff and Herman. Burger and Scherrman, were present via Zoom.

Absent: Staebell

Visitors: Laurie Kramer, Andrew Judd, Dan Reyner, Randy Rattenborg and Ed Schmidt

Herman asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Leonard, second by Jasper to approve agenda with additional item regarding Three Rivers contract. Motion carried.

Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Jasper, second by Althoff. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $7,827.11 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical/accounting expense, lobbyist expense, property insurance and audit expense. Motion by Scherrman, second by Burger to approve payments. All ayes. Motion carried.

April financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $22,203.46 from Delaware County. Expenditures for April were $158,561.49 ending April at $2,011,692.99. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $28,327.67 from Delaware County and expenditures of $237,082.80 ending April at $92,393.94. The Dam Improvement Fund had no new revenues and no expenditures ending April with a $40,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Leonard to receive and file the April financial report. Burger seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Andrew Judd from HDR was present to discuss a quote from his company for the required 5-year dam inspection. He noted that the Lake Delhi Dam is listed as a “moderate hazard/major structure” dam. Iowa Code requires dams to be inspection annually which in the past has been done by Stanley Engineering. Because Stanley is no longer doing dam inspection, Judd was contacted because of his past employment with Stanley and his background with the construction of the Lake Delhi Dam. His proposal includes data and collection review, a walk through inspection of the dam and a report of his findings. The cost would be approximately $17,870. The timeline on the inspection is mid-summer with an eight-week timeframe for the final report. Burger made the motion to approve entering into a contract with HDR for the five-year inspection at an estimated cost of $17,500. He included in his motion to approve President Herman to review and sign the contract. Leonard seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board also discussed with Mr. Judd the abilities of his firm to provide dredging proposals. Mr. Judd said his company would review any previous data done by Stanley and provide the District with proposed dredge designs, suggestions on sediment management as well as thoughts on dredge disposal. Their company does not do the dredging itself. Leonard asked Mr. Judd to review the Stanley documents once they are provided to him to get a better understanding of what is needed at Lake Delhi so that the Trustees can discuss in more detail with him at a later date. Jasper suggested Mr. Judd view the dredge site and other areas when he is here for the dam inspection. Leonard asked Mr. Judd if the District should conduct another lidar test since the last one was done just before the lake came back. His suggestion is that once the District makes the decision to do a dredge project, a lidar test would be helpful information for bidders. He also stated the testing would not need to be done over the entire lake bed but just in the areas of concern. Mr. stated he would send out the terms and conditions of the contract to do the five-year inspection within the next week so the inspection date could be scheduled.

Dan Reyner from the LDRA was present to discuss the beach cleaning equipment that was purchased to do beach clean-up. He noted that the LDRA has run several passes with the equipment and they are very pleased with the results. They have purchased the equipment including shipping and rental for $13,564.87. The District paid $1,500.00 for the cost of the rental. Several questions were raised regarding ownership of the equipment, maintenance, insurance, storage, etc. It was suggested that the Beach Committee get together to review these issues. Burger made a motion to do a 50/50 cost share for the balance which is $6,032.44. Scherrman seconded the motion. There was more discussion of issues regarding insurance, run-off at Lost Beach, etc. that will also be addressed by the Beach Committee. Herman asked for a vote. All ayes. Motion passed.

The next agenda item was the storage shed that has been placed at Lost Beach.   Leonard made the motion to allow the storage shed to remain on the beach for this year of help the fundraising efforts of the LDRA. Burger seconded the motion.   There was additional discussion regarding a more permanent structure being placed in the area next summer. With no other comment, a vote was taken. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Leonard, seconded by Burger to approve the FY20 compilation report by Hunt and Associates. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board considered a motion to pass a resolution to transfer $10,000 into the Dam Inprovement Fund. Motion by Burger, second by Scherrman. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the lease agreement with Delhi Boats that needs formal approval. Scherrman made the motion to approve the lease agreement with the additions outlined by Herman. Althoff seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

The next agenda item was regarding fencing around the Injun Joe property separating Injun Joe from the other property owner. Herman, Burger, Scherrman and Staebell visited the area with the property owner and felt a fence was not necessary for the area.   Burger suggested some signage at a later date. After more discussion, Leonard made a motion to not fence the area around Injun Joe and assuming ownership of that property upon confirmation that the developed properties in that area are in the taxing district.   No second, motion dies. Leonard made a motion to table approving ownership until more information is made available regarding whether the developed property will be in the taxing district. Burger seconded the motion. All ayes except Herman voted no. Motion carried.

The Board discussed a possible agreement with J & M Displays to provide the annual fireworks for the lake on August 14, 2021. Leonard provided Kramer with the paperwork to be signed if the Board approved using J & M again this year.   It was noted that the LDRA will prepay the $10,000 to get the appropriate discount. A motion was made by Leonard, seconded by Scherrman to approve the multi-year contract with J & M Displays. All ayes. Motion carried.

Rattenborg provided the Board with a quote from Kistler to relocate the overhead hoist to ground level. The quote is for $48,188.73. Rattenborg noted that to do the annual inspection of the hoist costs approximately $2,500 currently. Leonard made the motion to accept the quote from Kistler, seconded by Burger noting costs will only continue to escalate if nothing is done. Herman asked for a vote. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board concerned an agenda item to agree to obtain bids for a walkway on the portage area on the south side of the dam. Both Althoff and Burger noted that they had to use the portage to obtain water samples and viewed it as unsafe because parts are washing away and other areas are a hazard because of the large rock. Leonard made a motion to have Althoff and Burger take the lead to obtain bids and design for the project. All ayes. Motion carried.

Althoff presented the Board with cost information to do a Zoom set-up at the Scada Office. Cost for the equipment would run around $2,300 with an additional fee for a Zoom account. Scherrman made a motion to approve the purchases as noted not to exceed $3,000. Leonard seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Burger made a motion to enter into an energy contract with Three Rivers FS.   The base price for LP is $1.30/gallon. The price will be locked in from September 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022 and covers up to 2,150 gallon. Scherrman seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Burger noted that he and Kramer tested the seven sites at the lake last Tuesday. The water tests were then taken to the Fish Hatchery for testing. Leonard noted that the executive committee for water quality continues to meet every single month. They received a grant from the DNR to create a water management plan that will include water quality, siltation, etc.

Community Quality of Life – Leonard mentioned that our lobbyists are working for monies from an Impoundment Fund. They hope to have a bill signed in the next few weeks. Leonard noted that these funds require a 50/50 match. The plan is to have the lobbyists present at the next meeting to discuss further.

Property Assets and Dam – Herman and Burger will meeting with the guy donating the countertop at the Scada Office. Herman noted Welter’s will be delivering filing cabinets in the next week. Scherrman noted that he has been working with Shawn Reth to keep up with the lawn maintenance. Rattenborg noted that any trees on the embankment need to be removed.

Financial/Budget – No update

Public Comment – None

A motion to adjourn was made by Burger, second by Althoff. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, March 18, 2021

5:30 pm

Zoom Meeting

Delhi, IA 52223

The regular meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District was called to order at 5:32 pm by President Herman.

Present: Leonard, Jasper, Burger, Schermann and Herman were present via Zoom.

Absent: Staebell and Althoff

Visitors: Laurie Kramer, Dan Reyner, Ed Schmidt, Dakota Drish, Nancy Harbach, Bob Phillips and Randy Rattenborg via Zoom

Herman asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Jasper, second by Scherrman. Motion carried.

Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Burger, second by Scherrman. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $13,377.02 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical expense, lobbyist expense, snow removal, Scada office remodel, dam supplies and LP gas. A motion was made by Jasper to accept the claims as presented. Seconded by Burger. Motion carried.

February financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $10,489.65 from Delaware County. Expenditures for February were $7,656.31 ending February at $2,026,039.17. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $12,013.32 from Delaware County with no expenditures ending February at $118,825.61. The Dam Improvement Fund had no new revenues and no expenditures ending February with a $40,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Scherrman to receive and file the February financial report. Leonard seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Board reviewed a resolution to approve a supplemental debt service levy in fiscal year 2021/2022 for the payment of principal and interest on GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2017.   Burger noted that the supplemental levy was approved at the budget hearing. Carla Becker asked for a resolution to keep on file noting we are freezing the levy on the debt service. Burger made a motion to approve the resolution. Leonard seconded the motion. All members voted aye. Motion carried.

Herman reviewed the proposed Conservation Easement for the Dredge Site. The easement pertains to about ½ of the dredge site.   An archeological study was done several years ago but not before some of the earth in the area was disturbed. FEMA noted that there were areas that contained potential artifacts and requested the easement to protect the remaining area. The easement agrees to allow the state archeologist department to review the area and requires the District to maintain the area.  Also included in the easement agreement is the restriction of activity on the property, maintenance of the property by control weeds/bush and large trees and shift the mowed trail placement. The easement prohibits disturbance of existing ground surface, construction of any buildings/structures, dumping of trash or unsightly material, use of motorized vehicles in the area. It requires signage denoting the “sensitive area”. Leonard made a motion to allow Herman to continue to work with all parties involved and bring the proposed easement back to the Board for approval at the next meeting. Scherrman seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried. Leonard suggested a visit to the site would be helpful before the next meeting.

The next agenda item was to review and approve a written lease agreement with Delhi Boats. A motion was made by Leonard, second by Burger to table approval until the April meeting with all terms as necessary. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the Cedar Cove dredge project that was done in 2016. Herman noted the last discussion of the project was in October of 2017. During that meeting there was discussion of different concerns the board members had with the project. The motion made at that meeting was “for payment of $40,000 once the easement is approved. Language allowing for the insertion of a two foot concrete barrier to be added to the sediment trap was recommended to Herman for addition to the easement negotiations.” The motion passed 4-3. Havertape, Gifford, Leonard and Kramer voted yes. Burger, Staebell and Herman voted no. An approved easement was never received until just recently. Herman noted that Al Boge has since signed an easement agreement. However, the agreement he signed does not include the language regarding the concrete barrier that was approved by the Board. Leonard suggested that the Board visit the site to see if it’s working like it should and is the 2’ of concrete still needed.  Leonard made a motion to table action to allow board members to visit the site and confirm that it’s working as designed. Burger seconded the motion. Reyner asked to provide additional background of the project. The original estimate to construct the basin was $100K. The Trustees said it was too much money.   Chad Kelly worked with the DNR and came back with a new design. There was a concern about how much the residents in the cove would contribute to the project. Reyner noted that all but two property owners paid into the project. He also reported that Chad Kelly did dredging on his property to take the level of the water from 6” to 3’. Other people in the area moved dirt in and around their area at their own expense. Herman asked if he could get a copy of the DNR permit for the project. Jasper expressed concern about the length of time that has transpired since the project was completed. After more discussion, the Board was asked to vote on the motion. All ayes to table until next month. Motion carried.

Leonard is still waiting on final quotes for the Wall of Recognition and made a motion to table until next month. Burger seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Kramer said she’d been in contact with Burrington Group regarding a proposal from Vessco, Inc. for work on Gate 3. Jason Wenger from Burrington Group would like the Board to take action on the request to have Vessco come down to work on the gate. The gentlemen from Vessco previously worked for Rotork and is familiar with the gate setup. His proposal is for $740 if the issue is not in the board. If there is an issue with the board, the cost could increase by about $400. Burrington Group would like to have this looked at yet this spring. Leonard made a motion to approve. Seconded by Jasper. Herman made the comment that this work clearly needs to be done. Burger asked if we have a service contract with Rotork. Herman said he needed to ask that question of Randy Rattenborg. Leonard amended his motion to give Herman the authority to move forward with the gate repair after checking on a possible warranty with Rotork. Jasper seconded the amended budget. All ayes. Motion carried.

Water Quality – No Update

Community Quality of Life – No update

Property Assets and Dam – Scada office needs cleaning. File cabinets and ceiling fans need to be purchased. Burger is checking into countertops for the sink.

Financial/Budget – No update

Public Comment – Dan Reyner mentioned that the LDRA has funds collect to help purchase a beach cleaning machine. Concerns are storage of the equipment and maintenance. The LDRA is asking the Board to contribute to the cost. Herman asked for more information regarding the equipment to review next month. Reyner also mentioned the LDRA was looking at a building to be located at Lost Beach for t-shirt sales, etc.

A motion to adjourn was made by Leonard, second by Burger. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, March 11, 2021

5:30 pm

Delhi Fire Station/Zoom Meeting

Delhi, IA 52223

The special meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District was called to order at 5:30 pm by President Herman.

Present: Leonard, Althoff, Jasper, Burger, Staebell, Scherrman and Herman were present via Zoom.

Absent: None

Visitors: Laurie Kramer and Randy Rattenborg via Zoom

Herman asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Leonard, second by Jasper. Motion carried.

Herman opened the public hearing to for the FY22 Budget. There’s being no public comments, the hearing was closed. Burger noted that the finance committee is recommending freezing the debt service levy rate at 5.43804. Motion by Leonard, second by Burger to approve the proposed FY22 budget. Motion carried.

Leonard spoke to the Board about approve a letter of support to the Delaware County Supervisors for a new bridge to be built east of the new dam. Leonard said he would be happy to draft said letter for Herman to sign. There was some discussion as to way a bridge in that area is vital to our community. Leonard made the motion to approve, Althoff seconded. Motion carried.

Other topics discussed without action included:

1. The conservation easement provided by Dan Reyner in the Cedar Cove area.
2. The Wall of Recognition timeline and cost
3. The dam gate #3 and potential upgrade

A motion to adjourn was made by Scherrman, second by Leonard. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.