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.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, February 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 5:30 pm by President Herman.

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

Absent: Scherrman

Visitors: Laurie Kramer and Randy Rattenborg via Zoom

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

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

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $7,491.25 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical expense, lobbyist expense, Scada office equipment and LP gas. A motion was made by Burger to accept the claims as presented. Seconded by Staebell. Motion carried.

January financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $4,497.97 from Delaware County. Expenditures for January were $34,487.98 ending January at $2,023,205.83. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $3,789.56 from Delaware County with no expenditures ending January at $106,812.29. The Dam Improvement Fund had no new revenues and no expenditures ending January with a $40,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Leonard to receive and file the January financial report. Althoff seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Board reviewed the proposed budget for FY21. After some discussion, Burger made a motion to freeze the Debt Service levy rate at 5.43803 and requested a resolution for approval. Leonard seconded the motion. It was noted that the public hearing for the proposed budget is set for Thursday, March 11, 2021. It will be held at the Delhi Fire Station beginning at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried.

Water Quality – Leonard reminded the Board of the survey that was sent out to Lake Delhi residents regarding water quality at the lake and the importance of completing it to help address the needs at the lake.

Community Quality of Life – No update

Property Assets and Dam – Kramer noted the five-year inspection of the dam is coming up this summer. Herman stated he would have the lease for Jeremy Klima finished within the week.

Financial/Budget – No update

Public Comment: None

A motion to adjourn was made by Staebell, second by Leonard. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Tuesday, January 26, 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 President Herman.

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

Absent: None

Visitors: Laurie Kramer and Jeremy Klima via Zoom

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

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

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $34,487.98 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical expense, Scada office repairs and security cameras and LP gas. A motion was made to accept the claims as presented by Staebell, Second by Leonard, Motion carried unanimously.

December financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $4,088.12 from Delaware County. Expenditures for December were $84,390.81 ending December at $2,053,195.84. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $2,746.41 from Delaware County with no expenditures ending December at $103,022.73. The Dam Improvement Fund had no new revenues and no expenditures ending December with a $40,000.00 balance. A motion was made to receive and file the December financial report by Staebell, second by  Scherrman, Motion carried unanimously.

The Board considered approval of a public hearing for the FY22 budget. A motion was made to hold the public hearing on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. by Jasper, second by Staebell, Motion carried unanimously. The location of the meeting will be at the Delhi Fire Station.

Leonard presented the Board with a request regarding water quality testing at the lake. He requested that the Board consider approving eleven testing sites along the river. The cost for each test is $18.00. Testing will be done three times this summer which would equate to a total cost of $594.00. He also noted that the DNR is providing funding for the next 1.5 years to help manage the watershed concerns. The cost to the MRWQA would be approximately $20,000. Staebell asked if this would raise the amount the District would be asked to provide annually. Leonard stated that that was a possibility but at this time it’s not a concern. He noted actual dates for the testing will be coming at a later date. A motion was made to approve payment for the testing to be done at eleven locations as presented by the MRWQA by Leonard, second by Burger, Motion carried unanimously.

The Board discussed the request from Delhi Boats LLC to lease the boat ramp access on the south side of the dam.   Staebell was asked to address the original proposal. The proposal includes allowing for the parking of the barge on the side of the ramp and having use of the Rocky Nook area for staging materials or equipment at a cost of $7,500 annually. Klima would also provide a weekly sweep of the spillway to keep control of the debris. Leonard asked Klima the extent that he would be able to deal with the dam debris.   Klima said he has a skid loader that can lift 7000#. He would remove debris from the barge and take to the top of the hill to burn. Jasper expressed concern that he’d been approached by folks on the lake with concerns that the ramp would not be accessible if the District leased the ramp. Burger also noted he’d been contacted by folks on the lake with the same concerns. He said he favored leaving it as is so that it is available for use by the public.   Burger also expressed concern that the barge has been left in front of the ramp on occasion and that is a safety concern. After additional discussion, Staebell made a motion to lease the ramp to Klima for $7,500 to have access to the shoreline at the Rocky Nook and the flat area to park his barge and also allow him use of the old Rocky Nook area for temporary storage of items. Staebell stated this would also included weekly cleanup of the spillway. The term of the lease would be for one year. Leonard seconded the motion noting that easement rights are protected and that the portage area would remain available.  Leonard expressed concern that cleanup inside of the bouys would be a safety issue. Klima said he could provide liability insurance and said he had no concerns about safety regarding debris removal. Burger asked to have the cleanup be a separate issue. Leonard asked Staebell to amend his motion to exclude the cleanup requirement. Staebell agreed. The motion, as voluntarily amended, to enter into a one year lease with Delhi Boats LLC for $7,500 that would allow him use of the Rocky Nook frontage to park his barge and the flat area for temporary storage of items, the lease to commence on March 1, 2021 and include language that if there are issues with the ramp being blocked that the lease could be terminated with a notice of 30 days, by Staebell, seconded by Leonard, Motion carried. (Staebell, Leonard, Herman and Jasper voting yes; Burger, Althoff and Scherrman voting no.)

Schermann presented a proposal from Lance Nemmers to paint the inside of the Scada office that would include the ceiling, walls and trim. He noted that on his last visit some of the plaster work had not been complete and would need to be finished before painting could begin. The cost of the proposal is $1,500 which does not include materials. The project should span over two weekends. A motion to approve contracting with Nemmers to paint the office was made by Scherrman, second by Jasper, Motion carried unanimously.

Water Quality – No further update

Community Quality of Life – No update

Property Assets and Dam – No update

Financial/Budget – Herman noted that Burger, Althoff and he met with Laurie to review the budget for FY21. More information will be provided in February.

Public Comment: None

A motion to adjourn was made by Leonard, second by Staebell, Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, November 19, 2020

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 President Doug Herman.

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

Absent: Leonard

Visitors: Laurie Kramer, Randy Rattenborg & Ed Schmidt via Zoom

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

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

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $19,469.31 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, clerical expense, lobbyist expense, computer upgrades, software renewal, Scada office repairs and generator maintenance. A motion was made by Burger to accept the claims as presented. Seconded by Althoff. Motion carried.

October financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $25,830.40 from Delaware County. Expenditures for October were $44,198.35 ending October at $2,144,814.69. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $32,468.97 from Delaware County and expenditures of $236,503.40 ending October at $92,313.38. The Dam Improvement Fund had no new revenues and no expenditures ending October with a $40,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Staebell to receive and file the October financial report. Burger seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Herman reviewed the progress being made at the Scada office. The new siding and doors have been installed. The drywall is not yet complete and there are a few electrical and plumbing issues to take care of. Flooring and painting will be done once those items are complete.

Water Quality & Sediment Control – No update

Community Quality of Life – No update

Finance/Budget – Burger noted he had reached out to Bank Iowa regarding the dredge debt but has not received a response to date.

Assets and Dam – Staebell said he had received a request from someone who is interested in renting some District property. After some discussion, the consensus of the Board was to bring more information back to the December meeting.

Public Comment: None

A motion to adjourn was made by Scherrman, second by Burger. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, December 17, 2020

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 Joel Althoff.

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

Absent: Herman

Visitors: Laurie Kramer, Randy Rattenborg, Doug Camp & Chad Staton via Zoom

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

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

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $9,390.81 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical expense, Scada office repairs and registrar fees. A motion was made by Staebell to accept the claims as presented. Seconded by Burger. Motion carried.

November financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $7,967.09 from Delaware County. Expenditures for November were $19,283.25 ending November at $2,133,498.53. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $7,962.94 from Delaware County with no expenditures ending November at $100,276.32. The Dam Improvement Fund had no new revenues and no expenditures ending November with a $40,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Staebell to receive and file the November financial report. Jasper seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Board considered possible action to approve payment to the Office of the State of Archaeologist. Althoff noted this relates to 2008 flood with FEMA regarding preservation of the dredge site. They are asking for $75,000 to help pay for the cost of preservation which is to be paid up front. At the end of the process we will be reimbursed the same amount. The reimbursement would come back in about 12-18 months. The step is necessary to finalize the 2008 FEMA settlement. Staebell made a motion to approve payment to the State Archaeologist for $75,000 for future reimbursement in the same amount. Leonard seconded the motion. Jasper asked if there was anything else required of the District. Althoff said that State would take care of all the paperwork. Motion carried.

The next agenda item was regarding a request from Delhi Boats LLC to lease the boat ramp on the south side of the dam. Staebell noted that this has been a discussion item for the last couple of meetings. He asked for input from the Board. Leonard made a motion to allow the boat ramp to be used for canoes and kayaks as was previously approved with the County and DNR and also requested offer from Delhi Boats LLC to utilize that area with whatever parameters the Board wanted to attach to the agreement. Staebell seconded the motion. Leonard felt any agreement should be for one year vs. multiple years. He asked to amend his motion to include the one year term and also note that easement rights for the Rocky Nook Association and other property owners would have to be taken into consideration. After discussion regarding different pros and cons of agreeing to a lease, Burger made a motion to table until next month noting further information needs to be made available regarding public access and exact locations of property to be leased. Staebell seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Board considered action on the District taking ownership of “Injun Joe” or The Rock.   The property owners are asking the District to reconsider the fencing requirement that the Board asked for at a past meeting. There was discussion regarding liability insurance. Burger indicated that the cost would be based on the amount of property that would be accepted by the District and that a survey would be required. Randy Rattenborg said he is working with the property owners to do that survey which would include the frontage as well. There was more discussion on the type of fence that would be installed, signage and maintenance. Staebell made a motion to decline the request for removal of a fence by the owners. The motion was seconded by Althoff. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Finance/Budget: Herman received information from Bank Iowa regarding dredge loan. Hopefully, more information will be provided next meeting.

Water Quality & Sediment Control – Leonard shared that the Maquoketa Watershed Authority has been approved for a grant through the DNR of around $100,000 with a matching amount that will come from the MWSA. The goal is to make a full pledge plan for the entire watershed area. This includes all the sampling that has been done in the Maquoketa River. Leonard noted that he may be coming back to the Board of additional dollars if needed. Leonard asked for Board support to fund water sampling in the Lake Delhi area.   He also asked if anyone on the Board wanted to volunteer to take water samples for the District. Staebell, Schermann, Burger, Jasper, Althoff and Kramer stated they would be willing to take water samples.

Burger noted that Larry Murphy would like to be on the January agenda to update the Board on legislative actions.

Community Quality of Life – Leonard stated he is meeting with Culver’s after the new year to review the initial proposal for the Wall of Recognition. Rattenborg asked if there was going to be lighting for the area. Leonard stated it wasn’t in the original plan but could be added.

Assets and Dam – Staebell noted that the Scada office will not be ready for the January meeting so a Zoom meeting will be necessary. He also noted that the ceiling will need to be painted before the walls can be painted. Burger and Scherrman volunteered to help with the painting. Althoff noted the camera system at the Scada office is up and running.

Public Comment: None

A motion to adjourn was made by Jasper, second by Scherrman. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.