The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Viking Valley Association was held on May 10, 2026 at 12:30 pm in the Upper Clubhouse. Board Members present were: Michelle Sullivan (Lot #1826) – Board President, Dan Weidmaier (Lot #309) – 1st Vice President, Dave Schaefer (Lot #1227) – 2nd Vice President, Christina Lindsay (Lot #429) – Secretary, Tom Rice (Lot #343) – Assistant Secretary, Robert Walton (Lot #217) – Treasurer, Dave Daniel (Lot #231) – Assistant Treasurer.
Michelle called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm. Tom made a motion to move into Executive Session to discuss legal matters, third party contracts and employee matters. Robert seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Tom made a motion to open the meeting to the public at 2:00 pm. Dave Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion passed. There were 15 members in attendance.
Michelle read our mission statement: Lake Viking is a private lake aspiring to preserve our community and environment for future generations. The pledge was led by Brian Holcomb, Lake Director. A moment of silence was held for Debbie Hower, and all lake members who have recently passed away, and the prayer was offered by Dave Daniel.
Tom made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 12, 2026 board meeting. Dave Daniel seconded the motion. Motion passed.
There was no report for the Handbook Committee.
Dave Schaefer reported for the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee met on Thursday, May 7, 2026 and reviewed the April financials, noting a slight dip in dues but commending Brian for capital expenditure savings. A $114,454 gain in the Morgan Stanley fund brought the balance to $2,099,665. Discussions continued regarding the implementation of the motion previously passed in 2023 to change annual dues and assessments collection to align with the fiscal year of January through December. Capital project reviews led to a recommendation to accept Table Rock’s $69,100 bid for solar storm sirens and the acknowledgment of a necessary $70,000 replacement for a 1987 fire tanker. The committee has approved Peter Almenoff (Lot #458) as a new member. Dr. Almenoff has been a member for 25 years, he was a surgeon for the VA before moving into the administrative side. Recent retirement allows him to give more time in service to the Association. Tom made a motion to approve Peter Almenoff to join the Finance Committee. Dan seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Jack Bowers reported for the Strategic Planning Committee. The committee met on Friday, May 8, 2026 to review several key recommendations, including emergency sirens, a replacement fire department tanker, upgrading playground equipment and an office building replacement. The committee recommends replacing the current office building rather than upgrading it due to its manufactured structure. Details about this will continue to be discussed and then presented to the board at a later date. The committee recommends the Table Rock storm siren system, noted for its solar power and battery backup which provides lake-wide coverage with lower maintenance costs. Additionally, the committee supports acquiring a used fire department tanker truck within the $70,000 to $100,000 range and has outlined a plan to rehabilitate the playground by sandblasting existing equipment, removing outdated items, and adding new features like benches and a combination structure to improve both functionality and aesthetics. Special recognition was given to Felicia Roth for her significant efforts on these projects.
Dan reported for the Activity Committee. The committee hosted a successful Cinco De Mayo party on Saturday May 2, 2026 at the clubhouse with approximately 70 members in attendance. The event was supported by donations from the Crash Cart Cantina and Frank Armanees (Lot #62).The Yard Dogs band will be performing on June 6, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and all members are welcome to attend. Additionally, a reminder was issued that the Painting Party originally scheduled for May 23, 2026 will be rescheduled for a later date.
Robert reported for the Building Committee. The committee reported the approval of 11 permits, including 1 for a house. Efforts continue to refine the use of the HOALife system by implementing a spreadsheet to track and process all requests. Members submitting property requests are reminded to pay close attention to the “Site Plan” portion of the form, ensuring that the project location is clearly marked in relation to property and easement boundaries. Additionally, the committee encourages the use of uploaded photos to clarify project details and reminds all members to adhere to the building rules outlined in the handbook.
The committee brought a handbook rule change to the board for approval. The first one concerns removing sidewalk width restrictions. Robert read the current rule:
Boat ramps and walkways: Boat ramps may be no wider than 12 ft. Concrete, if used, shall not extend more than 8 ft. into the lake. Walkways shall be no wider than 48 inches, and may extend all the way to the water’s edge.
Robert read the proposed rule:
Boat ramps and walkways: Boat ramps may be no wider than 12 ft. Concrete, if used, shall not extend more than 8 ft. into the lake. Walkways may extend all the way to the water’s edge.
Tom made a motion to approve this handbook language change. Dan seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The next handbook rule change the committee brought before the board was concerning adding garages to the list of structures allowed on lots with homes. Robert read the current rule:
Lots with a home: Other than the home, allowed structures are limited to storage sheds, shelters, decks, docks, fences, patios, and gazebos—each of which requires an approved Building Permit.
Robert read the proposed rule:
Lots with a home: Other than the home, allowed structures are limited to garages, storage sheds, shelters, decks, docks, fences, patios, and gazebos—each of which requires an approved Building Permit.
Tom made a motion to approve this handbook language change. Dan seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The committee presented a request for Lot #580 seeking a side property line easement exception to facilitate a septic system permit. Tom moved to pass this exception. Dan seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The committee also brought forward a request from Lake Viking Marine for a shoreline easement exception for a new building permit. The board noted that the current building sits 23 feet from the water, shorter than the standard 25-foot requirement, and the Marine requested the new structure maintain that same historical footprint. Tom moved to approve this exception. Dan seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Dennis Schlaiss (Lot #1080) reported for the Fire Department. He introduced himself as the Interim Fire Chief. He held a discussion about the replacement tanker truck, and the need to replace it.
There was no report for the Campground Committee.
Robert reported for the Lake Committee. The Lake Committee reported the completion of roadside property inspections around the lake, resulting in 23 letters being sent to owners requesting corrections within the next 30 days. Observed violations included old limb piles, trash accumulation, and missing or illegible lot numbers. The committee advises members with faded signage to replace them with printed numbers capable of withstanding weather and sunlight to ensure property identification remains clear.
Dave Schaefer reported for the Infraction Committee. The committee met on Saturday April 25, 2026 and reviewed a total of 13 infractions, upholding 8 and dismissing 5, with total fines assessed at $700. The majority of violations concerned failures to maintain silt fences.
Bret Bush (Lot #324) reported for the Dredge Committee. Dave Daniel reiterated the importance of silt fences, emphasizing the critical importance of ongoing silt fence maintenance to ensure members remain in compliance throughout their projects. Mr. Bush shared that dredging operations are currently underway; since pond one has reached capacity, the pipe has been moved to pond two. He noted that the filtration process is proving effective, with water returning to the creek clear after passing through the silt ponds. To date, approximately 25,000 cubic yards of material have been moved, and while the dredge has experienced several breakdowns, no operational time has been lost as the missed hours are being added to the end of the rental agreement.
Mr. Bush reported for the Fishing Committee. The Family Fishing Festival is scheduled for May 23, 2026 and is open to everyone, with entry fees set at $15 for adults and $10 for children. The competition will cover five species including bluegill, perch, catfish, bass, and crappie, with $50 prizes awarded in each category. Participants will be given buttons that must be visible in photos submitted for fish length verification. In addition to the category prizes, there will also be a silent auction. The committee has approved Donnie Moss (Lot #449) and Steve Valentine (Lot #361) to the committee. Tom made a motion to approve these members to join the committee. Dave Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Brian Holcomb gave the Managing Director’s Report. The Maintenance Department reported a productive period, having commenced dredging operations and mowing of all Association properties. Crews repaired several signs and performed comprehensive maintenance on boat docks, including repairs, washing, staining, and painting. Additionally, all Maintenance and Fire Department vehicles were serviced, while beach sand was raked and gravel was groomed on Duck, Decoy, Deer Run, and Bluegill. The Maintenance team also worked on Gulfstream and Indian Court. Four tons of cold patch were used to fill potholes, and shoreline weeds were sprayed at various community areas.
The Safety Department issued 8 warnings and 8 infractions, stickered 119 watercraft, performed 7 hot washes, and responded to 4 medical calls. Safety assisted with a floating dock that was detached by storms and a disabled pontoon boat near the dam. They launched the safety boat and updated the camera systems for the parking lot and office. Safety organized the Fire Department training room and began training 3 summer employees. They assisted with the removal of a camper from Campground 1, removed advertisement signs and unapproved real-estate signs, and helped a guest with an inoperable vehicle. Safety also provided support to members regarding septic alarms, potential leaks, building permits, and infraction inquiries.
The Office reviewed and processed invoices, prepared bank deposits, and managed payroll. Targeted reminders for past-due infractions and new member fees were sent out and proved successful in capturing outstanding payments on these small invoices. The office ordered supplies, prepared and processed deeds, answered customer phone calls, emails, and walk-ins. They prepared financial documents for the Finance Committee and Campground Committee and summarized fuel usage for Safety and Maintenance. Operational changes included shifting the employee pay period to Sunday through Saturday to better accommodate weekend and holiday scheduling for the Safety Department and reduce overtime. In addition to onboarding 3 summer employees the office continued auditing newspaper accounts, scanning historical building permits, and printing new handbooks. Digital updates included updating the website and HOALife portal with relevant documents including the committee list, the updated handbook, and the lots for sale list. The office coordinated with Safety and Maintenance to maintain a list of lots mowed by contract mowers as well as a list of lots the Association has been asked to mow. They posted several announcements on Facebook and through HOALife, and created and posted two tutorial videos for HOALife about how to save the login link and how to use the portal once you have logged in.
We hired 3 summer employees for Safety. Jack McGuren is currently employed full-time at the Kansas City Downtown Airport; Axel Kenzy graduated at Gallatin High School on Friday; and Collin Mason graduates today at Pattonsburg High School.
The pool will open on Friday, May 22, 2026. The pool walls and floor are severely stained by algae, and after multiple cleanings the stains remain. Maintenance will paint the pool floor and walls this week, and we will fill it after the paint cures. Maintenance and Safety have been stripping paint off of the brick wall and volunteer members plan to repaint the wall.
Regarding HOALife updates, members were reminded that boat sticker requests must be submitted exclusively through the portal. The transition to electronic building permit applications has been successful over the past two months, and effective July 1, 2026, the office will no longer accept paper requests for real estate signs. Members are further reminded that while boat titles and registrations have been migrated from Condo to HOALife, all guest and pet information will need to be updated by the members into HOALife. Those experiencing technical issues are encouraged to view the available tutorial videos or contact the office for assistance.
This month we sold 2 lots for $34,323.
Trash expense for Rapid Removal during April 2026 is $1,659 less than in April 2025, and savings for the first 10 months of the contract, July 2025 through April 2026, is $28,959 less than the expense during the same months last year.
Unimproved lot owners who want to access the dumpsters at Maintenance must pay a $25 gate access fee. Gate access was removed from unimproved lots that were not paid on or before May 1, 2026. Please contact the office if you need to pay the trash permit fee.
Regarding the Clubhouse septic system, the Missouri Department of Health has received responses to all their questions, and the Association continues to wait for a final decision from the department.
Tom made a motion to approve the April 2026 financial statements. Dave Daniel seconded the motion. Motion passed.
During Board Discussion the topic of purchasing storm sirens was discussed. The storm sirens from Table Rock were recommended by both the Finance and the Strategic Planning committees earlier, and the board agreed with their assessment. It was reiterated that 2 of these new sirens will provide the same coverage as the 3 outdated units. The board would still like to encourage members to get warnings on their cell phones, so please watch for an announcement from the office detailing how to sign up for that service through the county. Tom moved to approve the purchase of the storm sirens from Table Rock. Dan seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The next item in board discussion was regarding a replacement of the 1987 tanker truck for the Fire Department. This is an urgent need because critical components, like the braking system and so much more, are no longer functional. To maintain compatibility with mutual aid partners and support existing equipment, including the 1985 grass fire truck and the 1985 pumper truck, the department is seeking a replacement tanker with at least a 2,000-gallon capacity, air brakes, and fuel injection. Recognizing that the market for used fire equipment is limited and moves quickly, the board authorized the Fire Department and Brian to begin shopping for a suitable unit with a maximum price of $100,000. Under this approved process, Brian will update the board as options are found, and will receive permission for the specific purchase. This will ensure that the board maintains accountability while allowing for the agility needed to secure a vehicle in a competitive secondary market. If a tanker truck is purchased with Board approval between meetings, the item will be placed on the next Board meeting agenda for public discussion and a formal vote to ratify the purchase decision.
Tom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 2:55 pm. Robert seconded the motion. Motion passed.
A sign-in Attendance Sheet is on record at the Office for reference. Let the record show that these minutes are a record of the business transacted at this meeting and are a sampling of the discussions. Comments and discussions are not reflected in whole or as actual quotations in the minutes, nor do they reflect all comments by members.
Respectfully submitted by Christina Lindsay
Secretary, Board of Directors
Viking Valley Association
