The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, April 21, 2022

5:30 pm

Lake Delhi Office

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 Burger.

Present: Thompson & Burger. Leonard & Staebell via Zoom

Absent: Althoff, Scherrman & Jasper

Visitors: Laurie Kramer, Randy Rattenborg, Eric Strief and Doug Herman

Burger asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Thompson seconded by Leonard to approve the agenda. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion to approve minutes from previous meetings was made by Leonard, seconded by Thompson. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board reviewed claims from the General Fund as presented.   Claims included utilities, maintenance contract, clerical expense, lobbyist expense, legal services, miscellaneous supplies, dam repairs, storage unit payment, LP gas and internet expense. Claims totaled $20,106.43. Claims were presented from the Debt Service Account for principal and interest due on June 2, 2022 in the amount of $237,135.20.   A motion was made by Thompson, seconded by Leonard to approve claims as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

March financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $134,224.54 from Delaware County. Expenditures for March were $11,298.39 ending March at $2,221,789.52. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $180,808.27 from Delaware County and no expenditures ending March at $391,613.25. The Dam Improvement Fund had no revenues and no expenditures ending March with a $50,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Staebell to receive and file the March financial report. Thompson seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Thompson, seconded by Leonard to approve a request from the LDRA for a donation towards their dredge debt in the amount of $156,626.00. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board considered possible action, requested by Faith Hunt Hermanson, on allowing a volleyball league to be held on Thursday evenings at Lost Beach the summer of 2022. There was discussion regarding liability insurance, parking and cleanup.   A motion to approve the request was made by Leonard, second by Staebell providing she has proof of insurance to cover any liabilities for the district. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Thompson, second by Staebell to approve Resolution #4.21.22 that designates the Delaware County Auditor to conduct the regular election by hand count in July, 2022. All ayes. Motion carried.

Burger reviewed the Lunda contracts that the Board approved Burger to sign in March. He asked for a motion to allow those agreements to go forward. Staebell made a motion to approve, seconded by Leonard. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board considered approving a contract with Lakeview Lawn & Ground Maintenance to provided lawn mowing at and around the dam area. Motion by Thompson to approve, seconded by Staebell. All ayes. Motion carried.

A request was made by Jasper to move the regular Trustee meeting from the third Thursday of the month to the third Wednesday of the month. Thompson requested moving the meeting up to 5:00 instead of 5:30. A motion was made by Thompson to approve moving the meetings to the third Wednesday at 5:00. Leonard seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board discussed creating a policy related to transfer of property where the District has underlying ownership and property owner has perpetual use rights. Doug Herman, the trustees’ attorney, was present to discuss the various points regarding the development of such a policy. After some discussion, a motion was made by Staebell, second by Leonard to table any action until more information is provided. All ayes. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Leonard updated the board on water testing that will be conducted again this year. He noted that he submitted an application to the DNR for On-Stream Impoundment Grant. This past week we received a check from the DNR for 90% of the approved project. A special fund will be established with the Delaware County Auditor to keep track of the expenditures paid through this fund. Once soil borings are completed there will be a more information on what direction the project will take.

Community Events – Leonard stated he’s working with the LDRA to finalize the cost of this year’s fireworks and get the agreements signed. Staebell noted that Faith Hermanson asked about a having a parade of boats on a given date this summer. Leonard stated there needs to be an DNR application for an event like that.

Operations & Maintenance – Burger reported that the Dam Committee will be meeting to discuss future maintenance requirements. He noted there is a moisture issue in the powerhouse that needs immediate attention. Rattenborg also reported there are numerous electrical issues that need to be addressed.

Property Management – No additional updates

Budget & Finance – Kramer reported that she has submitted an application to ICAP for a grant to offset the cost of the dam inspection. The amount if $1,000 and she received notice from a representative that the application was approved.

Legislative – Leonard reported that our lobbyists are still working on additional funding from the State before the legislative session ends.

Dredge – No additional update

Public Comment: Eric Strief, with the LDRA, noted he has a person who is wanting to donate a picnic table in honor of his late father to be located at Lost Beach. Burger asked Strief to work with the Property Committee. He also noted that the LDRA is having a Band, Beach and Boat event in June and wants to be included in the DNR application. The location of the events includes North Beach and Lost Beach along with two private areas. Kramer will work with Strief on submitting an application with the DNR for that event.

A motion to adjourn was made by Leonard, second by Thompson. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, March 10, 2022

3:00 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 3:00 pm by President Burger.

Present: Althoff, Thompson, Burger & Scherrman. Leonard & Jasper by Zoom

Absent: Staebell

Visitors: Laurie Kramer, Maggie Burger and Larry Aschbrenner

Burger asked for a motion to approve the meeting agenda. A motion was made by Scherrman seconded by Althoff to approve the agenda. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion to approve minutes from previous meetings was made by Leonard, seconded by Scherrman. All ayes. Motion carried.

Leonard made a motion to open the public hearing for the FY23 budget. Scherrman seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

With no public comment, a motion was made by Althoff, seconded by Scherrman to close the public hearing. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion was made Scherrman, seconded by Thompson to approve the 2022/2023 budget. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board reviewed claims as presented.   Claims included utilities, maintenance contract, clerical expense, lobbyist expense, legal services, publication expense, financial commitment to MRWMA, electrical repairs and internet expense. Claims totaled $8,696.26. A motion was made by Althoff, seconded by Leonard to approve claims as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

February financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $14,650.91 from Delaware County. Expenditures for February were $30,851.51 ending February at $2,098,863.37. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $18,068.62 from Delaware County and no expenditures ending February at $210,804.98. The Dam Improvement Fund had no revenues and no expenditures ending February with a $50,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Althoff to receive and file the February financial report. Jasper seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Althoff, seconded by Thompson to allow the President and Secretary to pay extra-ordinary bills that might come up prior to the regular April meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

Leonard made a motion to accept a donation of bleachers to be placed on Lost Beach from the Hartwick Husky. Scherrman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Thompson made a motion to approve the Hartwick Huskys use of Lost Beach for two events to be held this summer. The first event is scheduled for June 8, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. for a “Learn to Ski Night”. The second event is scheduled for July 13, 2022 for the Hartwick Huskys annual ski show. The event will start at 1:00 p.m. with a volleyball tournament, food sales and then the ski show. Schermann seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Burger informed the Board that there were some gate issues at the dam that were identified by Burrington Group. Steps are being taken to correct the problem.

Public Comment: None

A motion to adjourn was made by Althoff, second by Thompson. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

5:30 pm

Lake Delhi Dam Office

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

Absent: Staebell

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

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

Althoff asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Scherrman made the motion to approve, seconded by Burger. All ayes. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $31,090.42 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, dam operations, clerical/accounting expense, lobbyist expense, diesel generator inspection, HVAC repair, 2021 dam inspection, snow removal, engineering services, LP fuel and miscellaneous supplies. Motion by Leonard and seconded by Jasper to approve payments. All ayes. Motion carried.

January financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $4,510.89 from Delaware County. Expenditures for January were $8,841.46 ending January at $2,115,063.97. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $4,253.33 from Delaware County and no expenditures ending January at $192,736.36. The Dam Improvement Fund had no revenues and no expenditures ending January with a $50,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Leonard to receive and file the January financial report. Thompson seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Maggie Burger was present to provide the Trustees with information regarding the District’s debt capacity along with surplus debt information. As of July 1, 2022, for fiscal year 2023, the District has a total debt capacity of $10,677,055 based on 5% of the District’s 100% valuation of $213,550,108. The total debt outstanding of the District is $3,354,000 which leaves a remaining debt capacity of $7,323,505. The taxable valuation of the District is $116,172,820. There was also discussion on how freezing the debt service levy works and how it will benefit reducing the bond debt and reduce the remaining payments.

The Trustees reviewed the proposed 2022/23 budget. It was noted that the public hearing is scheduled for March, 10, 2022.

A motion was made by Burger, seconded by Scherrman, to approve a resolution to approved a supplemental debt service levy in FY 2022/2023 for the payment of principal and interest on GO Refunding Bonds, series 2017.

Roll Call: Burger – Aye; Scherrman – Aye; Leonard – Aye; Thompson – Aye; Jasper – Aye; Althoff – Aye. Staebell – Absent

Leonard made a motion to approve a letter to be sent to the IDNR approving an agreement with the Delaware County Conservation and the IDNR regarding water trail signage and to give Burger permission to sign said letter. Jasper seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Leonard gave an update on the working being done for the dredge site.

Community Events – Leonard noted that the fireworks for this coming year will be going up. The amount is not yet known.

Dam Operations & Maintenance – Rattenborg reported that there were heating and electrical issues at the dam. Price Electric was called in and they replaced switches and noted a lot of corrosion. The same thing was found with the heater. The problem stems from humidity control. Rattenborg is working with Andrew Judd to see if they can find a solution to the moisture problem.   Rattenborg also noted that there is moisture coming in from the ceiling in the control room. Burger stated he has talked with Pat Colgan and the dam committee will be putting together a plan to deal with the issues and he noted that in the proposed budget money has been set aside for this project.

Property Management – Scherrman reported on his observations of Lost Beach which he will send to the Board

Finance/Budget – Burger noted the date and location of the public hearing. It will be at the Delhi Fire Station on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

Legislative – He noted the legislative session is ongoing and water quality is a hot topic with a lot of federal funds available.

Dredge – Nothing else to report

Wall of Recognition – Nothing else to report

Public Comment: None

A motion to adjourn was made by Burger, second by Leonard. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, Janaury 20, 2022

5:30 pm

Lake Delhi Dam Office

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 Burger.

Present: Jasper, Thompson, Burger, Staebell and Althoff were present. Scherrman was present via Zoom. Leonard joined the meeting at 5:47 p.m.

Absent: None

Visitors: Keith Kraus and Larry Aschbrenner. Laurie Kramer, Bob Sack, Ed Schmidt, Dakota Drish, Doug Herman & Randy Rattenborg via Zoom

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

Burger asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Althoff made the motion to approve, seconded by Jasper. All ayes. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $8,181.11 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, dam operations, clerical/accounting expense, lobbyist expense, warrants, LP fuel and miscellaneous supplies. Motion by Jasper and seconded by Thompson to approve payments. All ayes. Motion carried.

December financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $6,432.37 from Delaware County. Expenditures for December were $8,089.14 ending December at $2,119,394.54. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $6,895.10 from Delaware County and no expenditures ending December at $188,483.03. The Dam Improvement Fund had no revenues and no expenditures ending December with a $50,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Staebell to receive and file the December financial report. Althoff seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Althoff, seconded by Staebell to set a public hearing to approve the 2022/2023 budget for Thursday, March 10, 2022. The location will be at the Delhi Fire Station beginning at 5:30 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Staebell, seconded by Scherrman to change the regular February meeting date from Thursday, February 17 to Wednesday, February 16. The meeting place and time will not change.  All ayes. Motion carried.

Keith Kraus was present to discuss possible DNR signage noting the water trail program at Lake Delhi. Discussion centered around the type of signage, potential locations and funding. Kraus said that what he is looking for is a letter of support from the District to approve potential locations for the signage that is still being developed. He will send a draft letter for Burger and Kramer to review and share with the Board at the February meeting. Staebell made the motion to table any action until February. Althoff seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board considered participating in the water quality testing again this summer. Last year we participated in water testing three times during the summer months. Cost is $18.00 per test. A motion was made by Staebell, seconded by Jasper to participate again this summer. All ayes. Motion carried.

The next agenda item was to consider renewing the lease agreement with Delhi Boats, LLC. The agreement is for the lease of the area next to the boat ramp on the south side of the dam. The agreement will run from April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023 at a cost of $7,500.00. Burger noted that the ramp is still a public ramp. A motion was made by Staebell, seconded by Leonard to approve renewing said lease.

The Board considered action the grant agreement with the IDNR and allowing Leonard to sign said agreement on behalf of the District. Leonard said signing the agreement is the final step in the process of obtaining 90% of the funding that is available to the District.  Thompson made the motion to approve Leonard signing the IDNR agreement. Staebell seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

It was noted that Leonard left the meeting at 6:12 p.m.

The Board reviewed Resolution 2022-1 to approve a Deed of Conservation Easement by the District as Grantor to the State Archaeologist as Grantee and authorizing the execution of same. Herman, the District attorney, gave an overview of the resolution.   After the 2010 flood, the State found certain areas of ground disturbance around the dredge site where artifacts were found. To avoid paying back FEMA funds, the District was given the option to provide said easement. Althoff made the motion to approve the resolution. Staebell seconded the motion.   Burger asked for a roll call vote. Thompson – yes; Burger – yes; Staebell – yes; Scherrman – yes; Althoff – yes; Jasper – yes; Leonard – Absent. Motion carried.

The Board considered possible action on Resolution 2022-2 to approve an Agreement and Easement Agreement between DM Cove, LLC and the District related to the transfer of “Injun Joe” property and the granting of easement rights for emergency access to the District, and the acceptance of a Quit Claim Deed transferring said property, authorizing the execution and recordation of same. He noted that the transfer of this property has been in the process of quite some time and the District has previously discussed ownership of said property. He noted that language has been added to give the District emergency access to the property if needed. A motion was made by Staebell and a second was made by Jasper to approve Resolution 2022-2 which includes an agreement to take title to the property, a Quit Claim deed to transfer the property and an Easement Agreement. Thompson asked who pays the cost to file the said documents. Herman said that the District will be paying the cost which will probably run under $100.00. Burger asked for a roll call vote. Thompson – yes; Burger – yes; Staebell – yes; Althoff – yes; Scherrman – yes; Jasper – yes. Leonard absent. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Nothing else to report

Community Events – Nothing else to report

Dam Operations & Maintenance – Nothing else to report

Property Management – Jasper mention he’s received a request for more picnic tables at Lost Beach. It was suggested Jasper reach out to the LDRA to see if they have an interest in bringing in more tables.

Finance/Budget – Nothing else to report

Legislative – Staebell noted Larry Murphy has been communicating about currently legislative topics

Dredge – Nothing else to report

Wall of Recognition – Nothing else to report

Public Comment:

Bob Sack said he was happy the District took the Injun Joe property.

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

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, December 16, 2021

5:30 pm

Lake Delhi Dam Office

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 Burger.

Present: Jasper, Thompson, Burger and Althoff were present.  Leonard & Staebell was present via Zoom

Absent: Scherrman

Visitors: Ed Schmidt and Larry Aschbrenner. Laurie Kramer & Randy Rattenborg via Zoom

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

Burger asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Althoff made the motion to approve, seconded by Jasper. All ayes. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $8,675.94 from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, copier expense, dam operations, clerical/accounting expense, lobbyist expense, 2021 election expense, electrical repairs, bond fees, miscellaneous supplies and software. Motion by Leonard and seconded by Staebell to approve payments. All ayes. Motion carried.

November financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $11,073.17 from Delaware County. Expenditures for November were $7,135.63 ending November at $2,121,051.31. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $11,802.27 from Delaware County and no expenditures ending November at $181,587.93. The Dam Improvement Fund had no revenues and no expenditures ending November with a $50,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Thompson to receive and file the November financial report. Althoff seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Althoff reviewed with the Board the ICAP recommendations regarding cyber security. Based on those recommendations he proposed three basic policies for approval including website protection, wireless protection and firewall protection.

Leonard made a motion to approve a resolution adopting the three proposed policies and direct Althoff to respond to ICAP with the approved resolution. Staebell seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

The Board reviewed possible action on acceptance of Lot 13 from Lake Point Estates. Rattenborg noted that Lot 13 is the Injun Joe property. Kramer asked about the necessary paperwork. Rattenborg said Doug Herman and Jeff Domeyer’s attorney are drafting the language for approval. Staebell made a motion to table any action until the appropriate paperwork is available. Althoff seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Leonard gave the update. The lobbyists, Andrew Judd from HDR and Leonard have worked to provide grant information for the DNR. An application was submitted for a grant in the amount of $500,000. Only two applications were submitted. One was from Webster County Conservation. They received $63,750. The other was for Lake Delhi in the amount of $436,250. Leonard noted that the grant requires a match. This means the trustees will need to move forward in terms of developing a water quality initiative/sedimentation removal plan. Leonard stated the appropriate committees will need to meet to go over all components of the above mentioned plan which will include meeting with Andrew Judd from the IDNR. This includes making the dredge site operational along with getting the area where the final sedimentation trap will be located finalized. Funds need to be spent by early 2024. Preliminary plans include doing collections over the winter, preparing bidding documents early summer 2022 and the actual bidding will take place in December with construction taking place in 2023. The total project scope is $872,500. It was noted that the sedimentation trap is currently going to be located in the Cedar area. A public announcement regarding the grant will happen sometime in January, 2022. Burger asked how the money gets disbursed. Leonard said the District can apply for about 90% of the dollars upfront before any construction begins. He will receive final details in January.

Community Events – Nothing new to report

Dam Operations & Maintenance – The committee along with Randy Rattenborg met with Pat Colgan and put together a three-year plan for dam updates and maintenance. Colgan will be putting together prices for the various projects.

Property Management – Thompson met with a contractor at Lost Beach to talk about bringing a backhoe in to pull sand from the lake onto the beach. Jasper spoke about the erosion around the block on the west side of the beach. The committee is looking for a long-term solution to the erosion problem. Rattenborg reported that the tree issue at the dam has been addressed. Burger mentioned he stopped at Home Depot to get pricing for a sink, faucet and cabinets for the office building. The price without installation is around $1,000. The countertop is being donated but the other costs would include plumbing. The board agreed to have Burger pursue moving forward with the project.

Finance/Budget – Burger reported that the committee will be meeting on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00 to go over the proposed budget.

Legislative – Leonard noted that the lobbyists and legislators were very involved in the grant process. Their work is very much appreciated.

Dredge – Nothing to report

Wall of Recognition – Burger asked to meet with Leonard and Staebell to go over some thoughts on the Wall.

Public Comment:

Schmidt asked if the grant money is just to get the site ready or does it include dredging. Leonard stated it will include site preparation, piping work and some dredging in that particular area.

Ashbrenner noted that the dam volunteers received a very nice Edgewood Locker gift box from the Trustees and Burrington Group for their work at the dam. The trustees thanked Larry and all the volunteers for all the hours they donate for the lake’s benefit.

Jasper stated that he has received requests from residents asking if the County could elevate the bridge at Hartwick. Leonard suggested having the Legislative Committee pursue more information noting that it is a flooding issue.

A motion to adjourn was made by Staebell, second by Jasper. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.