Meeting Minutes

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.