Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

July Club Meeting

Valley RC Flyers Club Meeting Minutes

Date: July 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Valley RC Flyers Field
Presiding: President Scot Genoch

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Attendance

Dean Hoffmeyer, Kim O’Neill, Ryan and Max Johnson, Steve Faeth, Roger Genoch, Scot Genoch, Joe Heilman, and others present.

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Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Dean Gary was unable to attend but provided the following report:

Checking: [Redacted]
Savings: [Redacted]
Total: [Redacted]

It was noted that approximately $700–$800 in Fun Fly prizes has already been paid for.

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Membership Update

Membership is approximately 60–61 members, including associate, senior, and youth memberships. A prospective member with children was recently contacted at Gateway and provided club information.

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Safety Stations

The club discussed repairing/replacing pilot safety stations before the Fun Fly. Several are still usable, but at least one is in poor condition. Members agreed to try building at least two new stations.

Work session planned: Friday, July 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM, tentatively at Joe’s garage.

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Insurance Renewal

The club was unsure whether the insurance renewal has been received. This will be carried forward to the next meeting or board meeting.

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Training Program / QR Code Sign-Up

The club discussed placing training sign-up QR code posters around the field during the Fun Fly. The QR code directs interested visitors to a form so the club can follow up.

Training timing will depend on the number of sign-ups. If only a few people sign up, they may be invited to a club meeting or connected individually with instructors. If interest is high, the club may schedule one or more dedicated training nights after the Fun Fly.

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Club Trainer Aircraft

The AeroScout has been repaired and tested successfully. It is ready for use as a club trainer. Some switch labeling may need to be adjusted for clarity.

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Jiffy John / Portable Restroom

Joe made temporary repairs to a cracked roof using Flex Seal tape. A more permanent solution may be needed. The club discussed contacting the vendor about a replacement roof, seasonal rental, or possible used unit purchase.

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Clubhouse Painting

The club discussed possible painting of the concrete clubhouse/shelter walls. There was no formal vote. General consensus was that normal maintenance does not necessarily require a vote. If pursued, the north, south, and west walls may be considered first. Rodney Johnson had previously expressed interest in possibly helping with a club improvement project.

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2026 Fun Fly Planning

The Fun Fly is scheduled for July 30–August 2, 2026.

Food

Joe has reserved the food vendor. Menu details will be discussed at the next board meeting. Feedback included interest in having side options such as potato salad or coleslaw.

For Thursday and Friday, the club discussed simple food options such as burgers, hot dogs, chips, water, and possibly pop. Scot plans to coordinate basic supplies.

Registration

Pre-registration will be used again. Registration should open soon, with a Wednesday cutoff before the event. Envelopes will be prepared in advance to make check-in quick and easy.

Prizes

Several prizes have already been secured or are in progress, including:

90mm Viper
P-47 Razorback 1.2m BNF
AeroScout BNF with radio
P-51 Mustang BNF
Micro Scrappy 800mm BNF
UMX 30mm Viper
FMS item
Extra 300 airframe donated by Paul Johnson
Jersey Modeler gift certificate
Balsa USA merchandise
Beanie Graphics gift card
Possible BVM donation
Expected Gateway Chevrolet cash donation
Possible Ultimate Transportation donation
Additional items through Totally RC Hobbies

The club would like to have approximately 10 aircraft prizes if possible.

Promotion / Advertising

The club discussed using Facebook advertising to promote the Fun Fly and training sign-up opportunity.

Motion: Scott Genoch moved to approve up to $200 for Facebook advertising.
Second: Dean Hoffmeyer.
Result: Motion passed without objection.

Pilot Events and Awards

The club discussed bringing back pilot gaggles and awards similar to last year. Possible categories include EDFs, high wing, warbirds, weird/wacky aircraft, and fun awards such as “That’ll Buff Out,” “Showstopper,” and “Air Hog.”

Skydivers / EAA

Joe has contacted the skydivers and EAA, but responses have not yet been received. Additional follow-up may be attempted.

PA Equipment / Golf Cart

Brian Rust is expected to provide PA equipment again. The golf cart situation is still uncertain.

Portable Restrooms / Wash Station

Dean Gary has arranged rental of the Jiffy Johns and wash station.

Volunteers

Volunteers will be needed for registration, prizes, announcing, food, parking, and general event support.

Parking Lines

The club discussed whether to paint parking lines again. Lines may be useful, especially for trailer parking. The club may need to determine equipment availability.

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Light Poles / Power Stations

Dean Hoffmeyer acquired two 30-foot light poles. The club discussed using them for field lighting and possible power distribution along the flight line. Possible locations include near the entrance and near the far garbage can.

Andrew may prepare an electrical quote. The club will revisit the topic after cost information is available.

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Neighbor Outreach

The club discussed inviting nearby neighbors to the Fun Fly and possibly providing lunch tickets as a goodwill gesture. This may help build positive relationships and encourage neighbors to watch over the property when members are not present.

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Field Maintenance

Steve Faeth has reportedly been filling low spots. Three additional low spots were mentioned for review. Fall work may include filling holes and spreading grass seed on bare areas before winter.

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Outside Facility Use Request

A local car audio/stereo group asked about using the field/parking area for an event in exchange for a donation. After discussion, the club decided not to pursue the request due to concerns about noise, neighbors, and fit for the facility.

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Delta Wing Club Project

The delta wing combat/project build will likely be tabled until September, after the Fun Fly and possible August training activities. The club discussed using foam airframes with members purchasing their own electronics. Joe may 3D print motor pods or related parts.

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Indoor Flying

Steve Faeth provided tentative indoor flying dates beginning in November and running through March, generally the first Saturday of each month.

The Fargo Parks Sports Center has tentatively reserved March 13, 2027, likely as a courtesy based on last year’s schedule. Joe may also explore the possibility of using the dome again.

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Fun Fly Cleanup Day

A pre-Fun Fly cleanup day is scheduled for:

Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM

Planned work includes trimming, emptying garbage, cleaning up tree growth, general site cleanup, and possibly replacing loose or damaged electrical outlets if Andrew is available.

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Upcoming Regional Events

Known upcoming events include:

Paynesville Fun Fly: July 10–12
Red River Valley RCers Fun Fly/Homecoming: July 11
FM Skylarks Red River Valley Championships: July 24–26
Valley RC Flyers Fun Fly: July 30–August 2
Fergus Falls Fun Fly: August 15
Perham/Screaming Eagles Fun Fly: August 22
Paul Bunyan RC Waters and Wheels: August 28–29
Alexandria Fun Fly/Swap Meet: September 19, tentative

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Refrigerator Discussion

The club discussed possibly replacing or upgrading the existing refrigerators. A used commercial refrigerator was located for $400, but concerns included age, R12 refrigerant, serviceability, lack of freezer, and transport/storage condition. The club will continue looking for possible donated or discounted options.

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Battery Discharger

The club discussed building one or more battery dischargers for damaged or abandoned LiPo batteries at the field.

Motion: Approve up to $100 for parts to build battery discharger equipment.
Result: Motion passed.

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Starlink / Internet

Starlink was discussed again as a future option for cameras, security, and possible field connectivity. The cost was estimated around $55 per month for certain plans. No action was taken. This may be revisited next year, especially if power poles or other infrastructure are added.

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Action Items

Build at least two new pilot safety stations — Responsible: Club members — Deadline: Before Fun Fly (July 30, 2026)
Attend safety station work session — Responsible: Interested members — Deadline: July 17, 2026, 6:00 PM
Confirm insurance renewal status — Responsible: Board — Deadline: Next meeting
Set up QR code training sign-up posters — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Adjust AeroScout switch labeling — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before training use
Contact restroom vendor regarding roof/replacement options — Responsible: Joe — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Consider clubhouse painting project — Responsible: Interested members (possible Rodney Johnson) — Deadline: TBD
Finalize Fun Fly food menu — Responsible: Board — Deadline: Next board meeting
Coordinate basic food supplies — Responsible: Scot — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Open pre-registration and prepare envelopes — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Secure additional prizes — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Execute Facebook advertising campaign — Responsible: Scott Genoch — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Follow up with skydivers and EAA — Responsible: Joe — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Confirm PA equipment availability — Responsible: Brian Rust — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Determine golf cart availability — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Recruit and assign volunteers — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Decide on and possibly paint parking lines — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Prepare electrical quote for light poles — Responsible: Andrew — Deadline: TBD
Invite neighbors and arrange goodwill outreach — Responsible: Club — Deadline: Before Fun Fly
Review and address field low spots — Responsible: Steve Faeth / Club — Deadline: Fall 2026
Prepare delta wing project materials — Responsible: Joe — Deadline: September 2026
Explore dome availability for indoor flying — Responsible: Joe — Deadline: Before winter season
Participate in cleanup day — Responsible: Club members — Deadline: July 25, 2026, 9:00 AM
Continue search for refrigerator options — Responsible: Club — Deadline: TBD
Build battery discharger equipment — Responsible: Ryan Johnson — Deadline: TBD

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Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned.