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Meeting Minutes

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May 26, 2026

May Board Meeting

Valley RC Flyers Meeting Minutes – May 26, 2026

Meeting Details

Date: May 26, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Valley RC Flyers Flying Field

 

Attendance

Members Present

  • Scot Genoch – President
  • Joe Heilman – Vice President
  • Dean Gary – Treasurer
  • Ron Landman – Secretary
  • Ryan Johnson – Safety Officer
  • Dean Hoffmeyer – Member Present

 

Treasurer’s Report

  • Checking Account: [Redacted]
  • Savings Account: [Redacted]
  • Total Funds: [Redacted]

Additional funds pending:

  • Approximately $100 in Zeffy
  • Approximately $1,700 expected from awarded Flying Site Improvement Grant reimbursement
  • TAG Grant decision has not yet been officially received.

 

Event Schedule Discussion

Upcoming Regional Events and Fun Flies

  • Rusty Thumbs – May 30, 2026
  • Alexandria Fun Fly – Early June
  • BAMS Bismarck Event – June 11–14
  • Bemidji Area Radio Flyers – June 20
  • Paynesville Event – July 7
  • Valley RC Flyers Annual Fun Fly – July 30 through August 2
  • Fergus Falls Event – August 15
  • Burnsville Event – August 22

Dean Hoffmeyer offered to provide updated regional event information.

 

Field and Grounds Updates

Propex Runway Installation

The newly installed Propex runway continues to tighten and settle.

Members discussed that full shrinkage and settling may take up to two weeks.

Early results were viewed positively, especially considering installation occurred only days earlier.

Additional runway markings and paint will be evaluated later after the material fully settles.

Cleanup Efforts

Board members expressed appreciation to all volunteers who assisted with extensive cleanup efforts following wind-blown corn debris accumulation.

Specific appreciation was expressed for:

  • Club volunteers who assisted with cleanup, mulching, hauling, and pressure washing.

The field and shelter conditions were reported to be significantly improved.

Low Spots and Field Maintenance

Remaining low spots around the field were discussed as potential trip hazards.

Joe Heilman noted that a neighbor may loan a swing steer and trailer later this summer to assist with dirt work.

Fill dirt sourcing options around Fargo/Moorhead and Harwood were discussed.

Dust Control

Dust control application has not yet occurred.

Ron Landman will follow up regarding scheduling and status.

 

Safety and Field Operations

Safety Stations

No major updates on additional safety station completion.

Existing stations remain usable.

Lipo Battery Disposal Station

The board discussed creating a safe temporary disposal station for damaged or unstable lithium batteries.

Ideas discussed included:

  • Concrete blocks
  • Clay or ceramic containers with lids
  • Fire-resistant containers

Ryan Johnson agreed to continue researching disposal station options. Joe was going to pickup a large landscaping block to use either temporarily, or semi-permanently.

Proper battery disposal logistics were also discussed, including use of:

  • Interstate Battery
  • Fargo hazardous waste facilities

 

Rusty Thumbs Event Planning

Food and Registration

Food signup lists are active.

Remaining food needs will be purchased by the club if necessary.

Free-will donations will continue to be accepted.

Raffle and Prize Planning

The following raffle and prize plans were discussed:

Main Radio Raffle

  • FrSky X14 radio package provided through Totally RC Hobbies and FrSky
  • Includes external module for compatibility with multiple receiver systems
  • Club and Dean Hoffmeyer will split the cost

Planned pricing:

  • $10 per ticket
  • Minimum 50 tickets
  • Maximum 75 tickets

Additional Raffle Structure

  • $5 each or 5 tickets for $20
  • Approximately 15 tickets for $50
  • 40 tickets for $100

Door Prize and Other Items

  • Flying V aircraft to be awarded through registration sign-up drawing.
  • Dean Gary will provide AMA registration sheets.
  • Joe Heilman will coordinate the raffle signup materials.
  • Dean Hoffmeyer will send Joe Heilman an image of the transmitter for promotional use.

Eric Bittman Seminar

Eric Bittman will attend Rusty Thumbs for demonstrations and Q&A.

Timing details are still being finalized.

 

Membership Update

Approximately 58 total membership purchases have been recorded.

Includes:

  • Associate memberships
  • First-year adult memberships

Membership revenue totals approximately $4,300.

Several returning and new members were discussed.

 

Insurance Renewal

Club insurance renewal is due in July.

Existing infrastructure coverage was reviewed.

No major coverage changes were proposed at this time.

 

Training Program Discussion

The board discussed establishing an ongoing pilot training sign-up system.

Joe Heilman will:

  • Possibly Create a QR code signup system
  • Add signup access to the website with Ryan Jordet
  • Build an email contact list for prospective trainees

Possible future weekday evening training sessions were discussed.

 

Annual Fun Fly Planning

Food Vendor

The board agreed to invite the same food vendor used during the 75th Anniversary Fun Fly.

Joe Heilman confirmed the vendor is willing to return.

Pilot Registration

Pre-registration will again be used for the annual event.

Pre-registration cutoff will occur the Wednesday before the event.

Fast check-in envelopes similar to the 2025 system will likely be used again. Help will be needed for this.

Public Air Show

The board agreed to continue featuring a designated public air show time during the annual fun fly.

Additional discussions included:

  • Potential skydiver participation
  • EAA flyover possibilities
  • Possible media outreach through local news stations

Joe Heilman will coordinate advertising and press outreach.

 

Future Facility and Equipment Improvements

Night Flying Lights

The board discussed future possibilities for:

  • Additional night flying lighting
  • Permanent or removable lighting systems
  • Upgraded shelter lighting

Further member feedback will be gathered before pursuing the project.

Grill and Kitchen Improvements

Potential future purchases discussed included:

  • Pellet grill options
  • Gas grills
  • Stainless work tables
  • Portable handwashing stations

The board agreed to continue evaluating options and pricing.

Electrical Improvements

The board discussed:

  • Repairing damaged outlets and outlet covers
  • Evaluating additional charging stations
  • Potential mobile power carts for events

Scot Genoch will contact Andrew regarding possible electrical upgrade options and costs.

 

Clubhouse Painting and Mural Discussion

Rodney Johnson offered to repaint the clubhouse at no labor cost.

Members discussed possible repainting and mural concepts.

Additional discussion and member input will occur before decisions are made.

Potential mural concepts included:

  • Aviation themes
  • Valley RC Flyers branding
  • Florence Klingensmith recognition

 

Additional Discussions

Other topics discussed included:

  • Portable restroom planning for the annual fun fly
  • Additional cleanup and storage organization
  • Future speaker and sound system ideas
  • Bat house placement
  • Bug treatment options
  • Replacement tables and work surfaces
  • Roof screw inspection and maintenance

 

Next Meeting

The next regular club meeting will be held on:

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

 

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned following general discussion and planning.

 

Action Items

Dean Gary

  • Provide AMA registration sheets for Rusty Thumbs.

Joe Heilman

  • Coordinate raffle signup materials and promotional items.
  • Coordinate advertising and press outreach for the Annual Fun Fly.
  • Work with Ryan Jordet to explore a QR-code based pilot training signup system and website integration.
  • Continue evaluating options for a safe lipo battery disposal station with Ryan Johnson.

Dean Hoffmeyer

  • Send Joe Heilman an image of the FrSky transmitter for promotional use.
  • Continue providing regional event information updates.

Ron Landman

  • Follow up regarding dust control scheduling and application status.

Ryan Johnson

  • Continue evaluating options for a safe lipo battery disposal station with Joe Heilman.

Scot Genoch

  • Contact Andrew regarding possible electrical upgrades and additional charging station options.

Unassigned / Ongoing Discussion Items

  • Continue evaluating future runway striping and lighting improvements after the Propex runway fully settles.
  • Gather member feedback regarding possible night flying lighting systems and field audio/speaker improvements.
  • Continue discussion regarding clubhouse painting and possible mural concepts.
  • Evaluate replacement of damaged tables and work surfaces with stainless or weather-resistant alternatives.
  • Review roof screw maintenance and additional shelter upkeep needs.
  • Continue planning for Annual Fun Fly restroom rentals and wash station setup.
  • Continue evaluating future grill and kitchen equipment upgrades for club events.
  • Determine future dirt work plans and low spot repair timing once equipment becomes available.
  • Continue discussing possible charitable partnerships or fundraising tie-ins for future events.

April 25, 2026

April Board Meeting

Valley RC Flyers Meeting Minutes – April 25, 2026


Meeting Details

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Deaner’s Diner


Attendance

Members Present

  • President: Scott Genoch

  • Vice President: Joe Heilman

  • Treasurer: Dean Gary

  • Secretary: Ron Landman

  • Safety Officer: Ryan Johnson

  • Board Members: Mason Genoch, Nicholas Mason

  • Other Members: Kevin Mason


Call to Order

Meeting called to order at approximately 8:00 AM.


Treasurer’s Report

  • Checking: ~$redacted

  • Savings: ~$ redacted

  • Total Funds: ~$ redacted

  • Property taxes have been paid

  • Door prize expenses cleared

  • Dust control expense pending

  • MoneyMinder reports shared for transparency

Discussion

  • Employee matching has significantly increased revenue year-to-date

  • Prize purchases represent a large recent expense but are largely pre-funded for upcoming events

  • Financial position remains strong

Financial Strategy

  • Continued discussion on establishing a reserve/emergency fund (~$5,000 target)

  • Purpose: cover major unexpected expenses (equipment replacement, etc.)

  • Consideration of short-term CD laddering for better returns

Clarification

  • 501(c)(3) limits are based on revenue, not assets

  • Goal to remain under $50,000 annual revenue (3-year average) to maintain simplified reporting


Facilities & Field Improvements

Porta Potty

  • Discussed purchasing vs. renting

  • Consensus: seasonal rental preferred over ownership

  • Ownership concerns include cost, maintenance, and long-term commitment

Picnic Tables

  • Previously approved commercial tables purchased and delivered

Plan:

  • Replace damaged tables

  • Repair others using salvaged parts

Action:

  • Assemble tables

  • Add VRCF markings (stencil/paint/3dprint) to deter theft

Safety Stations

  • New angled design proposed for improved stacking/storage

Discussion points:

  • Snow fence may be removed due to wind issues and limited effectiveness

  • Alternative netting materials considered

  • Avoid weighted bases due to breakage concerns

Plan:

  • Build 1–2 prototype stations and evaluate before full rollout

Start/Break-In Stations

  • Existing ground sleeves/pipes still present near shed

  • Concept: reinstall fixed stations using anchors

Decision:

  • Revisit after runway improvements


Property Tax Update

  • Partial exemption approved (due to rented portion of property)

  • Net effect expected to be close to neutral when offset by rental income

  • Applies starting next tax year (paid in arrears)


Runway (Propex) Project

  • Material purchased and ready for pickup

  • Additional sewing cost (~$700) pending

Estimated roll:

  • ~15 ft wide, ~800 lbs

Installation Plan

  • Preferred approach: extend runway 50 feet to the north

Benefits:

  • Minimizes transition seams

  • Improves landing approach

Preparation

  • Mow and prep area in advance

  • Use Roundup and trimming to reduce vegetation

  • Consider rolling surface prior to installation

Timeline

  • Target installation: May 16 or 17 (weather permitting)

  • Backup date: May 23–24 (Cleanup Day weekend)

  • Goal: complete before Rusty Thumbs event


Events & Activities

Rusty Thumbs (May 30)

Food planned:

  • Hot dogs

  • Baked beans

  • Chips

  • Pop

  • Water

  • Sign-up sheet to be created (Ron)

Spring Cleanup

  • Scheduled: May 23 (backup May 24)

  • Light pre-cleaning planned before May 12 meeting

Additional focus:

  • Equipment cleaning

  • General maintenance walkthrough


Membership Update

  • ~50–51 paid members to date

  • Includes some associate and youth members

  • Strong start heading into outdoor season

Noted:

  • Some automatic renewal emails sent unintentionally—members should ignore if already paid


Training Program

  • Updated pilot training program in development:Focus on electric aircraft
    Includes lithium battery safety
    Includes FAA regulations

Goal:

  • Provide structured but flexible training materials

Discussion:

  • Balance needed between thoroughness and accessibility

  • Avoid overwhelming new pilots


Safety

  • Discussed lithium battery fire risks

Proposed:

  • Ceramic container (e.g., flower pot) for battery incidents

  • Water source nearby for fire control

Fire extinguishers:

  • Currently available but mostly locked

  • Plan to make at least one more accessible

  • Potential for recertifying or replacing units


Maintenance & Grounds

  • Plan for full maintenance walkthrough during cleanup day

Identified needs:

  • Stump removal (contact Mark; rent equipment if needed)

  • Seal gaps in shelter/concession area to prevent water intrusion

  • Address drainage concerns

  • Consider fall aeration for runway


Equipment & Purchases

  • Multiple aircraft acquired at discount for:Raffles
    Events

  • Club well-stocked for upcoming season and major events


Additional Notes

  • Increased turbine activity expected this season (pilots with waivers)

  • Discussion of improving training fleet (potential additional trainer aircraft)

  • Consideration of pest control solutions (mosquitoes, insects)


Adjournment

Meeting adjourned following completion of all business.


Action Items

  • Assemble and mark picnic tables

  • Build prototype safety stations

  • Coordinate Propex pickup and installation

  • Prepare runway area (mowing, marking, spraying)

  • Create Rusty Thumbs food signup (Ron)

  • Confirm dust control application timeline

  • Continue development of pilot training program

  • Evaluate fire safety setup (battery containment + extinguishers)

  • Coordinate stump removal

  • Conduct maintenance walkthrough during cleanup

March 28, 2026

Board Meeting

Valley RC Flyers – Board Meeting Minutes

Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Deaner’s Diner

 

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 8:00 AM.

 

2. Attendance

Present:

Note: A formal quorum may not have been met.

 

3. Treasurer’s Report

  • Checking: [Redacted]
  • Savings: [Redacted]
  • Zeffy: [Redacted]
  • Total Funds: [Redacted]

Voted to Move $5,000 from checking into savings

 

4. Indoor Fun Fly Recap

  • Event was well received overall
  • Attendance impacted by winter storm - no guests from Bismarck, Fergus, Sioux Falls, or Grand Forks
  • Event did not break even, but still considered a successful event
  • Interested in a financial report on the entire indoor season costs/revenues

5. Runway Replacement

  • Dean to coordinate with Ron regarding:
    • Confirming fabric source (U.S. Fabrics / AMA standard)
    • Logistics and sewing coordination (TRS likely handling sewing)
  • Club confirmed ability to fund project internally
  • Sponsorships (e.g., naming rights) remain optional but not required
    • Preference for signage rather than runway painting

 

6. Upcoming Event – “Rusty Thumbs” (May 30)

Food Plan:

  • Hot dogs, sloppy joes, beans, chips, pop, water
  • Signup sheet to be coordinated by Ron (sign up genius)

Prize Discussion:

  • Budget: $750
  • Preferred approach:
    • Combination of one larger prize and smaller prizes
  • Dean to assist with prize list for next meeting

Additional:

  • Spinner wheel raffle system approved to continue
  • Avanti raffle:
    • 10 spots remaining (minimum 25 required)
    • May carry into Rusty Thumbs event if not filled

 

7. Field Cleanup

  • Tentative date: May 23
  • Weather dependent
  • No additional early cleanup scheduled at this time

 

8. Audio System for Events

  • Discussed improving field-wide audio coverage:
    • Option to purchase low-cost FM receivers (~$15 each)
    • Utilize members’ existing speakers
    • Also could watch garage sales, thrift stores, etc for good FM tuner radios
  • No formal motion; concept supported for future events

 

9. Transmission Line Project Update

  • Board members attended Maple River 345kV power line project meeting
  • Proposed route currently avoids direct impact to the field
  • Likely at least 1.5 to 2 miles away
  • No significant interference concerns based on:
    • Drone testing near transmission lines
    • Comparable flying fields in similar environments
  • Timeline:
    • Route finalized: August 2026
    • Construction: ~2029
  • Joe to remain on update list and monitor developments

 

10. Field Improvements

Picnic Tables

  • One table requires replacement and another is beginning to deteriorate
  • Costco commercial folding picnic tables (~$180 each) were discussed
  • Concerns raised regarding theft risk due to portability
  • Board agreed to test the Costco option

Motion Passed (Unanimous):

  • Purchase two Costco commercial folding picnic tables

Porta Potty / Wash Station

  • Additional porta potty discussed:
    • Significant cost increase expected if adding units permanently
    • Concerns about placement fairness across the field
  • Wash station:
    • Purchase cost: ~$700–$1,200
    • Rental option: ~$300–$400
    • Ongoing maintenance and responsibility concerns noted

Decision: No action at this time

Pilot Stations

  • One unit damaged; plan to replace 1-2 or so per year as needed
  • Current design to remain unless another is discovered
  • Potential improvement:
    • Remove/reduce snow fence from stations to reduce wind impact
  • Joe and Scot to coordinate build effort
  • Estimated cost: ~$100 per unit (very rough estimate)

 

11. Club Meeting – April 11

  • Conflict with Indoor Fun Fly and leadership availability
  • Options discussed:
    • Skip meeting
    • Hold informal virtual update (Google Meet)

No meeting planned at this time

 

12. Equipment / Tractor Discussion

  • Discussed potential partnerships for:
    • Donated or leased mower/tractor (demo unit concept)
    • Joe Heilman and maybe Dean Hoffmeyer to explore possibilities
  • Long-term need identified:
    • Estimated $10,000–$15,000 future investment
  • No immediate action

13. Additional Notes

  • Electricity costs:
    • Approx. $60–$90/month
  • Discussed potential alternative energy options (solar/fuel cell concept)
    • Exploratory only - contact Landon Lee

14. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned (time not recorded).

 

Prepared By

Joe Heilman (with assistance from Chat GPT)

March 6, 2026

Club Meeting

Valley RC Flyers

Membership Meeting Minutes
Date:
March 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Soccer Bubble

Presiding Officer: Scot Genoch, President

 

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President Scot Genoch.

2. Treasurer’s Report

Dean provided the financial update:

  • Checking: $REDACTED
  • Savings: $REDACTED
  • Zeffy: $REDACTED
  • Total Funds: $REDACTED

The club remains in strong financial standing.

3. AMA charter renewal

Completed by Ron and Joe.

4. Indoor Fun Fly – March 14, 2026

Event Time

  • Event scheduled for March 14 (3/14)
  • Facility rented from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Public event hours: approximately 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Setup from 10:00–11:00 AM
  • Three turf quadrants will be used (same layout as last year)
  • 25 tables and chairs available
  • Access to garage door for loading
  • No food or beverages allowed on turf (water only)

Registration & Roles

  • Registration: Jim Gadbury and Roger Genoch
  • Announcing & contest coordination: Joe Heilman and Scot Genoch
  • Need new business cards and wrist bands for the event. Joe to secure.
  • Park Board did not request proof of insurance but we can get it if needed.

Confirmed Prizes

  • Avanti 80mm EDF
  • AeroScout
  • Three T-Motor AM 40 combos
  • Jersey Modeler $100 coupon
  • Spektrum receiver
  • Bloody Wonder kit (Flite Test)
  • UMX Eratix BNF $139.99 ordered from Big Sky Hobby
  • UMX Ultrix $89.99 Lights $17.99 and battery. Ordered from Big Sky Hobby.
  • Eric Bittman will bring the Edge 540 Super PNP to the Fun Fy $228.00
  • Totally RC Hobbies will donate an RC Truck. Prize board or Raffle $350.00 value

 

Raffle Format

  • $2.00 per ticket or 15 tickets for $20
  • 3 tickets for early registration
  • 5 tickets for game winner prizes
  • Ron and Scot to help with selling raffle tickets

Contest Ideas

  • Musical Planes (Musical Chairs format)
  • Carrier landing challenge
  • Gates
  • Combat - no prize
  • Limbo - no prize

Facility rental cost remains approximately $2,500. Rent has been paid

5. Runway Replacement Project

Timeline

  • Target timeframe: Mid to late June, after Rusty Thumbs
  • Weather dependent

Estimated Costs

  • Propex material: approximately $2,500
  • Stitching: approximately $1,400
  • Additional possible costs: sand, bobcat rental, ground prep
  • Estimated project total: roughly $5,000+

Runway Taxiways Discussion

  • Proposal to add 3 ~25 ft taxiways to west side of runway to facilitate staging of aircraft without interfering with takeoff and landing
  • Does cause more effort for mowing but not a deal breaker
  • Maybe don’t have to be 25’, shorter is OK
  • One suggestion was to make the fabric three pieces wide instead of three, then just mark off the taxi or staging area with paint or tape.
  • This adds to cost
  • Since the quoted fabric is 15’ wide instead of the 16’ we have now, we should look into wider fabric rolls and maybe that will help with the staging area as well as cover the current fabric completely.
  • Will ask Dean G to check on the fabric width options

6. FlyCat EDF Raffle

David Tsen donated a Hobby King Black Hawk 70mm EDF (with retracts and receiver).

  • The tickets were sold
  • Winner drawn - Brian Rust

7. Rusty Thumbs

  • Prize budget $750.00
  • Food - we checked and the local scout troop with the concession trailer is only licensed to serve in Cass County.
  • We will just do something ourselves.
  • Field Clean Up - likely May 23, 2026 weather permitting

8. Adjournment

The meeting concluded and members transitioned to indoor flying.

February 28, 2026

Board Meeting

Valley RC Flyers

Board Meeting Minutes

Organization: Valley RC Flyers Club Board Meeting
Location: Deaner’s Diner
Date: (February 28th meeting)
Time: 8:00 am
Recorder: Ron Landman

 

1. Attendance

Present: Scot G, Dean H, Ron L, Ryan Johnson, Ryan Jordet, Andrew O, Kevin M, Landon, Nickolas M

Absent:
Joe H, Dean G

2. Treasurer’s Report

  • Savings: $REDACTED
  • Zeffy $REDACTED
  • Total referenced balance: $REDACTED
  • AMA charter renewal completed by Joe and Ron
  • Indoor facility rental confirmed and paid to Fargo Park District

3. Indoor Fun Fly (Two Weeks Away)

Event Details

  • Rental time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Event time: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Concessions confirmed
  • Tables, chairs, and signage handled
  • No simulator this year
  • Business cards may be distributed (Tyler to confirm availability)

Insurance

  • Need to confirm if a letter of coverage is required by the Parks Board
  • Ron to verify with Joe

4. Prize Budget & Purchases

Indoor Event Budget

  • Additional $500 prize budget approved

Big Sky Hobby Partnership

Jeremy at Big Sky Hobby offering 10% discount.

Proposed UMX aircraft options:

  • UMX Eratix (~$139)
  • UMX Ultrastick (~$109.99)
  • UMX Altrix (~$90 + $18 for lights)

Discussion Result:

  • Likely purchase: Eratix + Altrix (with lights)
  • Consider including batteries instead of purchasing three aircraft
  • Estimated total including shipping: ~$400

Dean to contact Jeremy and finalize.

Additional Sponsorship Outreach

  • Twisted Hobby (pending response)
  • Flex Innovations (Mason coordinating via Eric Bittman)
  • Possible donation: Profile Edge 40–20
  • Dean (Total Hobby RC) may donate truck and planes for raffle/demo

5. Contest Planning (Indoor)

Contests discussed:

  • Carrier Landing
  • Pylon Race
  • Limbo
  • Combat
  • Musical Chairs
  • Obstacle Course (limited due to gate transport issue)

Decision:

  • List all contests as possibilities
  • Adjust based on participation and interest
  • Obstacle course may be dropped due to logistics
  • Proposal: Award raffle tickets instead of physical prizes
  • Suggested: 5 tickets per contest winner
  • Approved approach: Combination of recognition + raffle tickets

Prizes

  • Main prize (Avanti Jet 80mm) via raffle board (numbered 1–50, spun electronically)
  • Remainder of prizes by raffle tickets stuffed in boxes

6. Printed Materials

  • Update sponsor list
  • Include QR code for digital access to event flyer
  • Print limited physical copies

Ryan to finalize document with Joe.

7. Runway Replacement

  • Levi Heller (civil engineer) consulted
  • Current material choice deemed best option
  • Slight potential savings through contractor but not worth logistical complexity
  • 50 ft lengthening plan discussed (50 ft to the north, preferred for only a single transistion)
  • Plan to:
    • Mark area
    • Apply weed killer
    • Avoid disturbing soil excessively
    • Fill low spots with sand
  • Purchase previously approved; Dean to confirm order status

8. Field Improvements & Equipment

Safety Barriers

  • Some aging and storm-damaged
  • Consider:
    • Adjustable or fold-flat design
    • Permanent stations
    • Possibly only deploy during events

Bleachers

  • Interest expressed in small (2–3 tier) bleachers for events
  • Monitor for donation or discounted options
  • Potential $1,000 estimate

Taxiways

  • Proposal: Add 2–3 taxi strips (25 ft each)
  • Would:
    • Improve safety
    • Reduce interference with runway operations
  • To be evaluated during runway upgrade

9. Fence & Spring Cleanup

  • Minor fence repair needed (clips and straightening sections)
  • Spring cleanup to be scheduled before first fun fly

10. Shelter Improvements

  • Ceiling installation remains incomplete
  • Materials already on site
  • Plan for small volunteer workday in spring

Pest Issues

  • Asian beetles were severe last year
  • Essential oil deterrents suggested
  • Monitor for recurrence

11. Restroom Discussion

  • Current portable toilet aging
  • Consider:
    • Seasonal rental instead of ownership
    • Additional unit for large events
  • Permanent septic deemed unfeasible due to flooding and environmental regulations

12. Electrical Improvements (Long-Term)

  • Consider trenching conduit for:
    • Fence lighting
    • Night flying light towers
  • No immediate action taken

13. RV Camping

  • High camper turnout at last event
  • No plans to provide electrical hookups
  • Space currently adequate but nearing practical capacity

14. Concessions

  • Major electrical issue at last event due to lightning damage
  • Emergency repair performed morning of event
  • Discussion of outsourcing food to Scout troops or youth organizations
    • Would reduce volunteer workload
    • Ron to investigate options

15. Equipment & Financial Planning

  • Lawn equipment functioning well
  • Recommendation:
    • Build larger savings reserve for emergency mower replacement ($5k–$10k potential)
    • Consider gradually transferring funds to savings

16. Future Prize Planning ($750 Budget Approved)

  • Rusty Thumbs event
  • Annual Fun Fly event
  • Consider:
    • Aircraft
    • Tools
    • Chargers
    • Battery accessories
  • Monitor vendor sales for best opportunities

17. Additional Business

  • Detroit Lakes donation approved: $100
  • Nitro fuel discussion (limited current interest)
  • No bulk fuel order planned at this time

18. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned following completion of discussion.

© 2026 by Valley RC Flyers

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