Minutes – Thursday, July 16, 2020

The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District

Thursday, July 16, 2020

6:30 pm

210 South St.

Delhi, IA 52223

 

The regular meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District was called to order at 6:31 pm by President Dan Staebell.

Present: Staebell, Herman, Burger, Althoff, Davidson, Scherrman and Leonard

Absent: None

Visitors: Gordy and Pat Anderson, Alex Linderwell, Ed Schmidt and Larry Aschbrenner

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

Motion to approve the minutes of previous meetings was made by Burger, second by Davidson. Motion carried.

Claims were presented for payment in the amount of $9,830.53from the General Fund for electricity, internet services, beach port-a-potties, dam operation services, fire extinguisher service, copier expense, lobbyist expense, clerical expense, bond fee and beach maintenance. A motion was made by Leonard to accept the claims as presented. Seconded by Althoff. Motion carried.

June financial reports were presented. The General Fund had revenues of $7,227.07 from Delaware County. Expenditures for June were $7,421.15 ending June at $1,981,085.02. The Debt Service Fund had revenues of $7,135.95 from Delaware County and no expenditures ending June at $39,575.67. The Dam Improvement Fund had no new revenues and no expenditures ending June with a $40,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Leonard to receive and file the June financial report. Herman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Alex Linderwell, Delaware County’s new Water & Sanitation Department administrator, was present to give an update on wells and sewers in the area. He reviewed services that his department offers and noted there haven’t been too many issues of concern in the lake area.   Alex fielded several questions by the Board regarding water testing, transfers, etc. It was noted that all property owners need to have their septic/well systems up to code by 2023 per the DNR. Currently there are 50 lake properties that still need to update their systems. A question was asked if there is a rebate for having a septic cleaned out and the answer was no.

The next agenda item was the consideration of adding sand to North Beach. Scherrmann said he’d been in discussion with several individuals who wondered if it would be possible to dredge the current beach area and run it through a sander to get the small rocks and other material sorted out. The thought was that the rocky material could be used on the road leading down to the beach. It was also suggested that maybe a few docks could be put in for older people to get on to the beach. Staebell noted that the road to the beach is not in good shape so bringing in equipment would be difficult. Leonard stated that the Corp. of Engineers has already done studies so that’s not an issue. But he also stated that he’s had comments from people regarding adding sand to the beach and the response was about 50/50. Herman said the general rule from the Corp. of Engineer is if you dredge material you can’t put it back into the flood plain. Herman’s other concern is that flooding would be an issue. Staebell suggested maybe putting sand in a small area of the beach to see how it reacts to flooding.   Davidson noted there’s sand in the back of the beach area that could be used. No action was taken.

The Board considered approving an agreement with Delhi Boats allowing them to use the boat ramp on the south side of the dam. Leonard addressed the board regarding a possible agreement. To further discussion, Leonard made a motion to approve a one-year contract that the Board deems acceptable to allow usage of four areas: the boat ramp, the boat slip area, the flat concrete area and the area on the fenced in area on the east side of the road. He suggested an amount of $5,000+the cost of property tax. Davidson seconded the motion. Herman said he is working on finding an answer to the property tax question. Leonard noted that we have a written agreement with Curtis Martin that he would be able to add a dock in the district area at a cost to be shared by him and the District. At this point he has not asked for a dock. Burger stated he would want to see a document and the coverage of insurance from Delhi Boats. He also asked if we needed to have a public hearing on the issue. Herman stated he understood that a lease of less than three years does not require a public hearing. After more discussion, Leonard revised his motion to table any action until the next meeting noting more information was needed before entering into an agreement with Delhi Boats. Herman stated he would be able to provide a draft on a lease agreement. Herman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

There was consideration and possible action on the District’s contract with L & L Consulting. Herman noted there had been discussion on possibly reducing the current contract with L & L Consulting over the past few years. He noted he has no complaints with the work that has been provided from them and that they were very important to the recovery of Lake Delhi. He did state, however, that currently there’s nothing for them to be working on in behalf of the lake. He also stated that he did some comparisons of what other public entities are paying for lobbyists and we are at the upper end of what most others pay. Herman said his personal opinion is that we could do without paying for lobbyists at this time. Burger said he talked with Larry Murphy about a reduced fee. Murphy indicated he would be willing to sit down and talk over a new contract. Burger suggested tabling this item and have a committee meeting prior to next month’s meeting to gather more information. Leonard seconded the motion. Only nay vote was Herman. Motion carried.

The Board considered contracting with the Delaware County Auditor to conduct district elections using hand counted ballots vs. machine counted ballots beginning in 2021. The concern is that machine counted ballots is much more expensive. Leonard made a motion to ask for a hand count ballot going forward. Herman seconded the motion.   Motion carried.

Staebell noted that the trustee election is Tuesday, July 21, 2020. There are three positions open.

Committee Updates:

Water Quality – Herman is working with volunteers on water monitoring.

Quality of Life – Leonard noted that Culver’s is working with a new engraver. They are hoping to start work in September. Leonard said he is still getting follow-up calls from a family wanting to donate to a sail area near the Wall of Recognition.

Property Assets/Dam – Davidson noted that everything is working like it should. Staebell noted that Marty Pottebaum contacted him regarding putting a road in the ditch area near his property. Staebell said he is looking for more information to go forward. He asked that the operations committee look into the possibility of what can be done and bring suggestions to the next meeting in August.

Althoff noted that a temporary camera was installed at the Scada office to test the system.

Public Comment:

Aschbrenner stated he felt a ramp at the north side is necessary for emergency vehicles. A note was made regarding the appreciation for the response from the Delaware County Sheriff’s team for responding to the recent drowning event.

A motion to adjourn was made by Burger, second by Davidson. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

 

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