The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
4:00 pm
Delhi, IA 52223
The regular meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District was called to order at 4:05 p.m. by President Burger.
Present: Burger, Leonard, Staebell, Thomspon, Colgan and Vance. Hingtgen via Zoom
Absent: None
Support Staff: Randy Rattenborg. Laurie Kramer via Zoom.
Visitors: Approximately twenty visitors were in attendance at the meeting and on zoom.
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Leonard, second by Thompson. All ayes. Motion carried.
A motion to approve minutes from previous meetings was made by Leonard, second by Colgan. All ayes. Motion carried.
The Board reviewed claims from the General Fund (81000) as presented. Claims included utilities, maintenance contract, clerical expense, lobbyist expense, technical services, lawn maintenance, dam maintenance. Claims totaled $43,310.47 from the General Fund. A motion was made by Thompson, second by Leonard to approve the claims. All ayes. Motion carried.
August financial reports were presented.
The General Fund received $63,815.56 in property taxes for the month and interest in the amount of $6,091.68 for a total of $69,907.24. Expenditures for August were $41,812.39 ending August at $2,305,263.09.
The Debt Service Fund received property tax in the amount of $86,813.30 for the month of August and $1,432.69 in interest. With no expenditures the Debt Service ended the month with a balance of $690,256.23.
The Dam Improvement Fund had no revenues or expenditures ending August with a $100,000.00 balance. A motion was made by Leonard, second by Staebell to receive and file the August financial reports. All ayes. Motion carried.
Staebell gave an overview of the interviews conducted for engineering services for the proposed dredge project. After receiving five firm proposals and interviewing three firms, the committee is recommending HDR Engineering to provide engineering services for the proposed dredge project. The recommendation is based on the fact that HDR has worked with Lake Delhi for a number of years and understands the lake. He also stated they have a strong marketing presence, have a lot of current information about the lake and will be able to start on the project immediately. A motion was made by Staebell, second by Colgan to approve HDR Engineering for the dredge project. All ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion was heard regarding a date for a public information meeting regarding the proposed dredge project.
A motion was made by Leonard, seconded by Staebell to set Saturday, October 17th at 10:00 for a public meeting to provide information regarding the proposed dredge project and GO Bond election on November 3, 2026. The location is to be determined. All ayes. Motion carried.
An agenda item regarding additional concrete work at the Wall of Recognition was discussed. Leonard stated he did not have any numbers for the project and made a motion for tabling until next month. Staebell seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.
Randy Rattenborg was present to discuss the need for buying cable and re-installation of anchor blocks that are needed to relocate the buoy safety system at the dam. Discussion centered around cost which he said would not exceed $5,000. A motion was made by Leonard, second by Staebell to move forward with getting the system moved. All ayes. Motion carried.
A comment was made about lights being out on the dam and Rattenborg said he would contact the county to fix the issue.
Burger presented information regarding additional liability and property insurance coverage through ICAP. The general feeling is that our current coverage is not sufficient in case of emergency situations. A motion was made by Thompson, second by Leonard to maintain liability coverage at $2M in liability and increase excess liability to $3M with an increase in a deductible from $500 to $1,000. All ayes. Motion carried.
Vance reported that he has concerns regarding some trees that are hanging over property close to the Hartwick Bridge. Leonard asked Vance to contact the homeowner to see if something can be done. Vance made a motion to table any action until he has more information. Staebell seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.
Committee Updates:
Water Quality, Legislative & Community Events – Leonard reported that the MRWMA has been doing extensive studies regarding siltation and working with farmers to promote practices to help with siltation. He also noted that the water trail signage in certain areas of the lake will be install in the near future.
Dam Operations – Colgan gave those in attendance an overview of what it takes to maintain the dam including volunteers who inspect the dam on a daily basis. His committee has also been working with HDR Engineering to finalize maintenance records and operational procedures.
Property Management – No new update
Finance & Budget – No new update
Dredge – Staebell gave a slide presentation on the upcoming bond issue and what went into the decision to request a vote on a $9,200,000 bond issue on November 3, 2026. Many questions were asked and answered during the approximate 45-minute presentation.
A motion to adjourn was made by Leonard, second by Thompson. All ayes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.