The Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District
Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, September 5, 2013 – 7:00 pm.
Heritage Bank Conference Room
Delhi, IA
The meeting of the Combined Lake Delhi Recreational Facility and Water Quality District Board of Trustees was called to order by President Steve Leonard at 7:00 pm at the Heritage Bank Conference Room.
Trustees present: Leonard, Kramer, Gifford, Davidson, Burger, Kray, and Schneider
Trustees absent:
Visitors: Bob Galiher, Lola Galiher, Bill Hughes, Bonnie Hughes, Don Dede, Diane Bauers, Maxine Schultz, John Carbaugh, Pauletta Carbaugh, Paulette Sands, Paul Sands, Nancy Koprucki Peterson, Jean Vance, Jo Ann Mottet, Marcheta Cooey Lux, Bill Lux, Bill Havertape, Larry Peter, Eve Peter, Ken Kray, Larry Sloan, Ed Schmidt, Pat Colgan, Larry Aschenbrenner, Tom McLaughlin, Lou Christiansen, Sue Christiansen, Dwayne Donels, Barb DeKlotz, Ken DeKlotz, Pat Dede, Dave McCarville, Bob Milne, Jean Milne, Dave Kretz
Agenda reviewed by Leonard. Kramer made motion to approve agenda, Burger second. All ayes, motion passed.
Leonard asked for motion to approve the 3rd Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement between the District and the LDRA. Schneider made motion to approve and Burger second. Kramer said this document was not exactly what she had hoped for because it does not give the District enough flexibility. However, she was happy to hear Rich Hughes, President of the LDRA, say they would move quickly on any of our requests. Davidson said he got on the board for 2 reasons, one to get the lake back and two to make sure nothing happens to the assets of the lake. He would just like to get this done. Leonard said it has been a long road for all of us and both organizations have made mistakes along the way. We all could have communicated better along the way. He commended the LDRA for signing the document this evening. Individual roll call taken, all ayes, motion passed.
Leonard also wanted all to know that he just received a check from Lea Ann Smith at GNB Bank in Manchester. The bank allows employees and patrons to contribute to community funds and over the last month, contributions amounted to $93. We thank GNB for its contributions.
Public Comment – the question was asked as to what was in the 3rd Amendment to the MOA. Leonard explained that the document contained the terms and conditions for all of the properties to be transferred except the dredge site because there were some further real estate issues that needed to be dealt with.
The next question was what is the status of the construction and Pat Colgan advised that our letter was received by FEMA and they have verbally told the Army Corps of Engineers that they are releasing their lead federal agency status and that the Corps should take over as lead agency. Colgan, Gifford and Leonard had a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers last week and the Corp is moving forward with next steps for our federal permit. A draft memorandum of agreement between us and the Corp will be sent to SHPPO (State Historical and Preservation Group) and they have 30 days to respond. After that item is completed then the County will need to give us approval and they have said they can turn that around in about 1 day. We would then be issued our federal permit. Gifford indicated that he is creating a time line of each task that needs to be completed and Bill Holman from Stanley Engineering is doing the same for all construction items.
Colgan said that are plan is to award the contract in October. There is a lot of work to do before then but that is the goal. The coffer dam would then be built in April 2014. If you have property below Hartwick Bridge you could have up to 15 to 20 ft. of water in April. Our 2 biggest risks in construction is weather and the contractor themselves.
Gifford reminded folks that if they have not received the “Delhi Voice” in the last few days, they are not on the Trustee email list. Please send an email to lakedelhitrustees@lakedelhi.org and request your email address to be put on the list if you are not receiving communication from us.
Barb DeKlotz asked if we have enough money to build. Leonard said we have $3 million from the County, $5 million from the State, $6 million in our bond and $1.7 million in pledges which is $14.7 million. We will know more as the bids come back but we feel we have enough for the dam. However, we have dredging and possible other obligations like public access that we need to address as well. So we will be requesting that more folks that have not yet donated to consider doing so.
Bob Galiher suggested that we put the necessary information in the Voice so people will know what to do to get rid of the trees. Leonard advised the DNR information is on the web site. Davidson said now is the time to work on getting rid of the trees and help our neighbors to get the job done. Brian Hughes said if we can get plans together he can coordinate as he did with the river bed cleanup.
Larry Peter asked Pat Colgan if the lead time for the gates will be an issue. Colgan said they have the longest lead time and we will need 6-8 months for lead time. Gifford said the spreadsheet will keep track of these kinds of items so we can keep them on our radar screen. Leonard said he wanted to thank those who have volunteered for the dam construction committee in advance because they will have a lot of work to do.
Brian Hughes asked if we have taken a risk assessment as to whether the lake will come back. Leonard said we have to bring the lake back, there is no alternative. Hughes then asked if we should order the gates now and Colgan said no, we want to have the contractor order so they are responsible. Leonard said we will be using mostly public money so it is essential that we follow correct procurement procedures.
Ken DeKlotz asked if we are working on augmentation of the Hartwick bridge. Leonard advised at this time our priority is to get the water back. Once we do that, we can start looking at our scientific information we have gathered to see what can be done about the bridge. Colgan also said the water that we saw in May is just from the natural bends in the river. There was no dam to impede the flow.
Doc Hess said he believes we should sent out an email with instructions on how to get rid of the weeds and make sure everyone knows it is a top priority.
Dwayne Donels said we are very fortunate to have Pat and he wants everyone to know that concrete was his business and he knows concrete can be worked with throughout the winter.
Lola Galiher said would like to commend those who are creating the “Delhi Voice” as she feels it is very important to have a section about the good things people are doing on the lake. There is a lot going on and it gives us the opportunity to thank people.
Barb DeKlotz said she would still like to see the financial reports available to the public at each monthly Trustee meeting.
Dave Kretz thanked the Trustees for all we are doing.
Burger made a motion to adjourn, Davidson second, all ayes, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm.