Meeting Minutes

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