The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Viking Valley Association was held on August 9, 2026 at 12:30 PM in the Upper Clubhouse. Board Members present were: Michelle Sullivan (Lot #1826) – Board 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. Board Members not present were: Dan Weidmaier (Lot #309) – 1st Vice President
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. Dave Daniel 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 43 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, and the prayer was offered by Dave Daniel.
Tom made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 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 committee reviewed the July financial documents with no questions and adjusted the new monthly variance report parameters to analyze only expenses exceeding $10,000 and 10%. The Morgan Stanley portfolio gained $3,323 in July, closing with a balance of $2,153,520. To ensure continued oversight of specific company holdings, the committee scheduled a formal portfolio review for October with their Morgan Stanley portfolio manager and analysts. The committee finalized details for four upcoming October membership votes. Vote #1 will ask members to approve the 2027 budget and annual dues and assessments. Vote #2 proposes the creation of a By-Law to align the membership year with the fiscal year, changing it from the current May 1 – April 30 cycle to a calendar year of January 1 – December 31. If approved, members would pay for only eight months in 2027 (May 1 through December 31, 2027), effectively reducing their 2027 dues and assessments by one-third. Vote #3 will request a one-time special assessment to replace the Association office. This one-time fee will be less than the one-third discount gained from the fiscal alignment, resulting in a net savings for members in 2027 while still funding the office replacement. Vote #4 will present By-Law revisions recommended by the Association’s legal counsel for consistency with current Missouri law and to ensure the Association’s governing documents remain legally compliant. The committee expressed gratitude to Office Manager Yvonne Erickson for her ongoing hard work accumulating data and analysis for the 2027 annual budget project. The committee also thanked Brian and the staff for successfully completing the storm sirens installation project. One Association lot sold for $2,000, and a final first-year savings tally of $41,692 was achieved by switching trash services. The septic project remains on track for year-end completion despite state delays. Customer Service Associate Donita Green successfully collected $5,903 in unpaid membership debt and was commended for her continued success with the collection project. Michelle and Dave Schaefer both expressed sincere appreciation for all Association employees. They emphasized that the following under-budget projects represent a collective, lakewide effort by the employees, committees, members, and the board. The list includes the pool renovation, safety and fire department building renovation, office technology upgrade, replacement of community area signs, and the purchase of a new track loader, new tractor, maintenance work boat, three vehicles (including one shared by safety and maintenance), a fire department tanker, and maintenance snowplow equipment. Additional successfully funded improvements include the replacement of outdated storm sirens, two new brush cutters, installation of buoys and buoy lights, upgraded video equipment at the safety building and office, community area dock renovations, clubhouse septic project which is currently pending for Fall 2026, and employee raises.
Jack Bowers (Lot #476) reported for the Strategic Planning Committee. The committee announced that current member John Cox (Lot #521) is moving and will no longer be on the committee. The Board expressed its sincere gratitude to Mr. Cox for all of his hard work and dedication. During its recent meeting, the committee continued developing the five-year strategic plan, which includes the proposed new office rebuild. Finally, Mr. Bowers expressed appreciation to Felicia Roth for her outstanding efforts in driving the committee’s various projects forward. Mr. Bowers said there is one opening on the committee, so please reach out if you are interested.
Tina Daniel (Lot #231) reported for the Activity Committee. The recent cornhole tournament was highly successful with 32 participants in attendance. The $10 entry fees were fully pooled and redistributed as prize money to the top three finishers: Denver Lybarger (Guest of a member) won first place (83 points, $160), John Bodnar (Lot #3092) secured second place (82 points, $96), and Randy Roberts (Lot #3026) took third place (80 points, $64). Three new pergolas were purchased for the pool area. Two have been fully constructed and put out for use at the pool, while the third will likely be relocated to the playground due to poolside space constraints. The recent Patio Party featuring live music from the One Way Out band was well-attended and went smoothly. The fall garage sale is scheduled to take place on September 12, 2026.
Richard Woodruff (Lot #98) reported for the Building Committee. The committee held two meetings this month to review 14 permit requests, with one request currently pending. A total of $2,200 was invoiced for projects including garages, repairs, driveways, decks, docks, and sheds. Additionally, the committee recommended revisiting the current rules regarding dumpsters. They proposed requiring a securable top on all dumpsters rather than a surrounding fence, noting that this change would significantly improve both litter and animal control within the community.
The committee brought a Handbook rule change before the board for approval. The current rule on page 31 reads:
Patios (concrete or sand-based): Patios made of concrete or other hard surface material must be no closer than 25 ft. from the waterline as measured at full reservoir; closer than 25 ft. requires an easement exception. Sand-based patios must be no closer than 6 ft. from the waterline as measured at full reservoir.
The proposed final language reads:
Patios (concrete or sand-based): Patios made of concrete or other hard surface material must be no closer than 10 feet from the side property lines. Exception to side easements needs approval and all sand based patios must incorporate some sort of erosion control when within 6 feet of the waterline.
Mr. Woodruff explained that the proposed handbook change was brought before the board due to an increasing number of patios, firepits, and similar structures being built close to the water. Tom clarified that any members building past the established lake easement boundaries do so at their own risk. Tom moved to accept this language change in the handbook. Dave Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Dennis Schlaiss (Lot #1080) reported for the Fire Department. The department’s new tanker truck has arrived and is currently parked outside for members to see. Full time Safety employee Tyson Martin was selected as the new Assistant Fire Chief. He will provide consistent on-site availability for the department. Mr. Schlaiss reported that six personnel successfully responded to a recent boat fire. In response to an inquiry from Tom regarding the equipment used to extinguish the flames, Mr. Schlaiss clarified that the crew utilized both the pumper truck and the grass truck. Mr. Schlaiss was also asked if fire equipment is currently kept on the safety boat, and he confirmed that the department is actively working on implementing that. Finally, during a brief discussion regarding the placement of fire hydrants, Brian shared that a map showing all locations is available at the fire department.
Christina reported for the Campground Committee. The committee met with approximately 30 people in attendance to continue budget discussions surrounding full-time campers. The committee brought a handbook language change before the board for approval. Christina read the current rule:
FEES: See the inside back cover of Handbook for fees. Full-time campers defined as those using their campsite for more than 21 days in a given month MUST notify the Campground Manager or Association Office, and the member will pay an additional $65.00 per month camp fee. An infraction will be issued to members not reporting as full-time.
Christina read the proposed rule:
FEES: A member using their campsite for more than 21 days in a given month, who is not otherwise classified as a full-time winter camper under the FULL-TIME WINTER CAMPING section below, MUST notify the Campground Manager or Association Office prior to the end of the calendar month and will pay an additional $150.00 per month camp fee. An infraction will be issued to members not reporting as full-time. Any member who receives three (3) or more infractions in a calendar year shall have their camping unit removed from the Campground at the member’s expense.
FULL-TIME WINTER CAMPING: A member shall automatically be classified as a full-time camper if the member stays a total of thirty (30) days or more during the period of November 1 through March 1. They will be required to pay full-time camping fees for the entire year, as follows: $325.00 per month for November, December, January and February, and $150.00 per month for March through October. These amounts will be reviewed annually by the Campground Committee. The number of full-time winter campers shall be limited to a maximum of fifteen (15).
Camper Titling & Occupancy: The camping unit must be titled in the name of the Member, and the Member must be the person residing in the camping unit. A guest of a member may not reside in the camping unit in lieu of the member.
Christina clarified that the handbook currently states that the water will be turned off in the winter, and the campground will start enforcing that. The water will likely be turned off by Nov. 15 at the latest, depending on weather. Christina clarified that the limit of 15 full-time winter campers is due to electricity bills as well as the septic system. There is no limit to summer full-time campers.
Discussion continued among members asking questions like what the definition of a day is. Will it be from certain hours to certain hours, or would it be if you show up at all on any given day. Christina stated that the committee is still finalizing those specific parameters and will share defined terms once ready. Discussion included the idea of having individual meters so every camper pays for their own meter, but it was noted that the utility company will not allow meters to be placed under individual names. Michelle clarified that the campground was never originally designed to serve as a full-time residential area. Tom made a motion to approve the handbook rule change. Dave Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion passed. In conclusion, Flint and Mary Hibler (Lot #1152) announced that they are stepping down as Campground Managers. The Board thanked them for years of dedicated service. Mary clarified that they will stay on the Campground Committee, and will help transition the new manager into the role.
Robert reported for the Lake Committee. When property compliance letters are sent out, owners are given a 30-day window to make the necessary corrections. From the previous month’s lakeside inspections, 10 letters were sent out regarding missing lot numbers on docks, resulting in three infractions being issued. Additionally, five letters were issued for shoreline maintenance and one for an unresolved brush pile. The committee successfully closed six letters regarding brush piles, though two of those properties resulted in infractions. Finally, one letter for a missing 911 address was closed with an infraction issued, and one letter regarding junk in a yard was successfully closed.
Dave Schaefer reported for the Infraction Committee. He reiterated that Mr. Cox is moving and will no longer serve on the committee. The Board thanked Mr. Cox for all of his service. Dave Schaefer emphasized that committees are always looking for volunteers and encouraged any interested members who are willing and able to help to join. Members were reminded that property owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their hired contractors properly maintain silt fences and follow compliance rules during construction. Finally, the committee expressed its gratitude to Safety Manager Jason McTheeney and the Safety Department for their hard work and ongoing efforts.
Bret Bush (Lot #324) reported for the Dredge Committee. The committee discussed removing a small weir that is currently holding back water on a neighboring property, which will return the area to the natural flow of the creek. At the Garney tract, sediment has been dipped out using the long reach, and the bank is currently being stabilized with rock. The team successfully installed 600 feet of silt fence, and Dave Daniel expressed sincere appreciation to Mr. Bush for personally putting it up. He also noted that Maintenance Manager Rusty Hendricks assisted the effort by dumping silt behind the work area to build a retaining wall. Additionally, the committee is discussing using the Garney area to construct a large silt retention pond for future dredging, rather than simply pushing dirt back against the hillside and reconstructing the original weir. During the discussion, the question was raised about the cost of this proposed silt pond, and Mr. Bush provided a preliminary estimate of $40,000. Finally, the committee noted that they are actively working on next year’s budget.
Mr. Bush reported for the Fishing Committee. The committee discussed the current strategy for stocking fingerlings, noting that approximately 80% of fish stocked in the spring are lost because larger fish eat them. To improve survival rates and maintain the population, the committee is discussing buying larger fingerlings moving forward. Regarding lake habitats, new fishing structures have been placed in the same three locations as last year to further enhance those areas. Tom clarified that updated maps showing these structures are available at the Association office. During the discussion, the catch-and-release policy for yellow perch was brought up. It was clarified that the committee is evaluating the data and the members may be able to start keeping yellow perch of a certain length starting in 2027.
Brian gave the Managing Director’s Report. The Maintenance team mowed lots and focused on cleaning up trash after the recent holiday. Road maintenance efforts included applying 75 tons of cold patch to roads. At Community Area 20, teams successfully repaired the driveway and the shoreline. The crew also straightened all lake buoys and addressed storm damage by clearing fallen trees and stray limbs. The team dipped Garney cove and armored (rocked) 600 feet of shoreline. Specialized road and beach maintenance included raking gravel surfaces on Decoy, Deer Run, Duck, and Mooney, and raking sand at all community beaches. Additionally, the team installed five new signs. Operations concluded with routine equipment maintenance, which included servicing the skid steer, tractor, and work boat, as well as washing all work trucks.
The Safety department processed 147 member requests to add guests to HOALife accounts, issued 43 warnings, 40 infractions, and sent three 30-day compliance letters on behalf of the Lake Committee. Safety also stickered 90 watercraft, conducted 11 zebra mussel hot washes, and towed 6 watercraft. Patrolling efforts accounted for 3,493 miles on land and 55 hours on the water, which included 31 hours of water patrol during the July 3 to July 5 holiday weekend. Emergency responses included 12 medical calls and two fires, one of which was located in a maintenance yard trash dumpster. Following a medical 911 call, the team successfully replaced the adult AED pads, inspected all department AEDs, checked vehicle oxygen tanks, and restocked medical bags. Administrative and facility tasks involved inspecting the clubhouse following private rentals, monitoring the pool for unapproved guests, and posting 19 approved building permits at member lots. Daily operations concluded with securing the pool, clubhouse, and main office. The team also assisted with community upkeep by picking up roadside litter, removing unapproved real estate and political signs, and helping the Maintenance crew clear debris after storms. Following the holiday weekend, staff used a backhoe to pack down full maintenance yard dumpsters. Equipment and infrastructure maintenance included repairing the PA system in the Ford Maverick, servicing the safety boat as well as changing the propeller and propeller hub, and installing a siren and replacing the windshield in the Ford Escape. The department also handled setup and breakdown duties for the monthly Board meeting, cleaned the fire training room for committee use, and attended the Fire Department meeting. Finally, staff filled the hole left behind by the old Beach 1 storm siren, assisted Maintenance with loading and hauling the old sirens from Beach 1 and Roe Court to the maintenance yard, responded to a waterline break, and successfully trained a new Safety team member.
The office successfully processed the sale of one Association lot for $2,000, managed ongoing Clubhouse rentals, and processed incoming deeds. Financial and billing operations included invoicing full-time campground members, reviewing and processing invoices, preparing bank deposits, and running full staff payroll, including hours tracking, IRA matches, and ADP journal entry reviews. Collection efforts were highly successful, with an attempt to collect $6,103.09 in past-due accounts and successfully recovering $5,903.09. Additionally, staff provided the Safety department with a list of suspended trash accounts from Rapid Removal and continued working to resolve past-due Lake Viking News accounts. The Lake Viking website was updated with the current committee and lots for sale list. Handbooks were revised, printed and bound and are available for pickup. Staff also managed daily customer service by assisting walk-in members and answering phones and emails. The office kept the official minutes during the monthly Board meeting, posted announcements on Facebook, and distributed communications through HOALife. Environmental compliance tasks included preparing and submitting the monthly campground sewer lagoon measurements to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Staff prepared financial documents for the Campground and Finance committees, and prepared the year-over-year and year-to-date Budget vs. Actual variance explanations with a $5,000 and 10% threshold for the Finance Committee. The office prepared a past due account list and invoiced late charges, reconciled and applied Venmo payments and fees for the Pancake Breakfast, as well as worked on the 2027 annual budget, and continued scanning historical building permits.
Administrative duties involved reconciling Venmo payments for the Pancake Breakfast, beginning work on the 2027 annual budget, and scanning historical building permits. Committee support included preparing financial documents for the Campground and Finance committees, as well as compiling year-over-year and year-to-date Budget vs. Actual variance explanations with a $5,000 and 10% threshold. For community communications, the Lake Viking website was updated with current committee and lots-for-sale lists, while handbooks were revised, printed, bound, and made available for pickup. Daily customer service was maintained by assisting walk-in members and answering phones and emails. Finally, staff recorded official minutes during the monthly Board meeting, posted Facebook announcements, distributed communications through HOALife, and met environmental compliance by submitting monthly campground sewer lagoon measurements to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The new Fire Department tanker arrived at Lake Viking on Friday, July 17, 2026. The new storm sirens were installed on July 28, 2026.
Concerning Clubhouse Septic, the Missouri Department of Health verbally accepted Tom Fritt’s proposal to have 2 smaller aerobic treatment units that can be run one at a time or both should the flow increase to the level the state is concerned about. Tom sent a revised drawing to the department on July 30, 2026. These changes will increase the final cost of equipment and installation, but we remain hopeful that a permit will be issued in the coming weeks, and the contractor believes he can start the project this fall. Blackout dates for clubhouse rentals to accommodate for the septic installation are September 1 through December 31, 2026.
Terry Nibarger (Lot #657) gave recognition to Safety and the Fire Department for their quick response on a medical call. There was a medical call to the Lake Viking Church, where a woman’s heart had stopped. Safety and the Fire Department got there in time to make a difference and the woman is okay now. The Board plans to give life saving awards at the annual meeting related to this incident.
Tom made a motion to approve the July 2026 financial statements. Dave Daniel seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Board Discussion opened with a Handbook rule change concerning Trash Rules for Commercial Activity at Z lots. Michelle read the current rule on page 54:
TRASH DISPOSAL
Each lot with a house or commercial building must pay for trash service to the trash removal company providing the service approved by the Association. Full-time residents will pay for 12 months of trash service and weekend or part-time residents will pay for 6 months of trash service (April 1 – Sept. 30). Billing and collection of the fees for trash service will be handled by the company providing the service. Signs are posted at each dumpster site stating who may use them.
All trash put out the day prior to scheduled pick-up date must be placed in a container with a sealable lid securely closed.
The Office will maintain a current listing from the Trash Service Provider to verify member has contracted service if required. Compliance reviews will be conducted and members failing to maintain service will receive an Infraction Ticket. Unimproved lot owners have the option to remove their trash with them upon leaving, or pay a $25.00 fee for the membership year to have their PIN activated for use at the Maintenance gate which will allow them access to an Association dumpster. Members with a Campground spot can utilize the Campground dumpster, and they can also have their PIN activated for use at the Maintenance gate without paying the $25 fee. Unauthorized use of the Association’s dumpsters will result in an infraction ticket. Maintenance yard dumpsters are the only approved dumpsters for members with contracted service, or unimproved lot owners who purchase a trash stamp.
Michelle read the proposed rule:
TRASH DISPOSAL
Residential Trash Service: Each lot with a house must pay for trash service to the trash removal company providing the service approved by the Association. Full-time residents will pay for 12 months of trash service and weekend or part-time residents will pay for 6 months of trash service (April 1 – Sept. 30). Billing and collection of the fees for trash service will be handled by the company providing the service.
All trash put out the day prior to scheduled pick-up date must be placed in a container with a sealable lid securely closed.
The Office will maintain a current listing from the Trash Service Provider to verify member has contracted service if required. Compliance reviews will be conducted and members failing to maintain service will receive an Infraction Ticket. Unimproved lot owners have the option to remove their trash with them upon leaving, or pay a $25.00 fee for the membership year to have their PIN activated for use at the Maintenance gate which will allow them access to an Association dumpster. Members with a Campground spot can utilize the Campground dumpster, and they can also have their PIN activated for use at the Maintenance gate without paying the $25 fee. Unauthorized use of the Association’s dumpsters will result in an infraction ticket. Maintenance yard dumpsters are the only approved dumpsters for members with contracted service, or unimproved lot owners who pay the $25 fee. Signs are posted at each dumpster site stating who may use them.
Commercial Trash Service: Each lot with a commercial building shall maintain trash service during periods of operation. The business owner may select the trash collection provider of their choice. Trash containers must be of sufficient size and capacity to properly contain all waste generated by the business between scheduled collections, and the containers must be kept in a screened enclosure hidden from public view. Overflowing trash or the accumulation of waste outside of approved containers is prohibited and will result in an infraction.
Tom moved to accept this handbook rule change. Dave Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Board Discussion continued with a handbook rule change concerning airstrip rules and regulations. Michelle read the current rule on page 50:
AIRSTRIP RULES & REGULATIONS
1. Lake Viking Airport is a private airstrip and is only for the use of members and their invited guests.
2. Use of Lake Viking Airport is subject to Missouri Recreational Use Statute, sections 537.345-355.
3. According to the aforementioned statutes, Viking Valley Association assumes NO liability for damage to persons or property.
Michelle read the proposed rule:
AIRSTRIP RULES AND REGULATIONS
All aircraft operations shall comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes the Missouri Recreational Use Statutes found in RSMo Section 537.345 through 537.355 affirming Viking Valley Association assumes no liability for damage to persons or property.
The airstrip, taxiways, and airport movement areas are reserved exclusively for aircraft operations. Aircraft operations on the airstrip are restricted to Association members, their authorized guests, and other persons with prior approval from the Association. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests while using the airstrip.
Vehicular traffic on the airstrip, taxiways, and airport movement areas is prohibited except for Association-approved vehicles engaged in airport operations, maintenance, or emergency response. Members should contact the Association Office to obtain approval prior to driving a vehicle on the airstrip.
Members shall keep the airstrip, taxiways, and safety areas free of vehicles, equipment, debris, and other obstructions. Recreational use of the runway, taxiways, and airport movement areas, including driving, parking, cycling, ATVs/UTVs, golf carts, and similar activities is prohibited.
No construction, fencing, landscaping, vegetation, or other improvements shall create a hazard to airport operations or obstruct established approach or departure paths.
All aircraft are restricted to the airstrip. Planes are prohibited from water landings or takeoffs on the lake. Helicopter landings or takeoffs from residential lots, commercial lots, or community areas are prohibited except for emergencies or with prior approval from the Association.
The Association shall have the authority to issue Airport Operational Advisories and temporarily restrict or close the airport when necessary for maintenance, safety, weather, construction, or emergency conditions. Members shall comply with all published Airport Operational Advisories.
Any accident, incident, damage to property, injury to persons, unsafe conditions or vehicles traveling on or across the airstrip shall be reported to Safety as soon as practicable. Member violations of these rules will result in an infraction. Non-member violators will be reported to local law enforcement authorities for trespassing. Incidents involving damaged property may result in reimbursement for the cost of the damages.
Discussion about this rule involved a concern about members who need to do pre-flight safety checks of the airstrip and need to drive on it to make sure there is no debris. Tom clarified that the purpose is to stop pass-through traffic, not safety checks before flights. The discussion also included that people’s GPS route them onto the airstrip, so the Association is hoping additional signs will stop people from driving on the airstrip as well. Tom made a motion to approve this handbook change. Dave Schaefer seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The next item for Board Discussion was a handbook language change about the location of lot numbers on docks. Michelle read Section “e” of the rule found on page 53.
e) All docks must have lot number displayed on the lower right side of dock, as viewed from the water and reflective signage would be most prudent.
Michelle read the proposed rule:
e) All docks must have the lot number displayed at a prominent location on the dock that can be viewed from the water. Reflective signage would be most prudent.
Dave Schaefer motioned to approve this handbook language change. Dave Daniel seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The last item for Board Discussion was Tract A near the boat dock lots.
The Board wanted to provide information to membership about Tract A, which is the Community Area between the boat dock lots and their respective boat docks.
A realtor had two of the lots listed for sale, and a prospective buyer asked whether a walking path could be constructed on Tract A from the boat dock lots to the boat docks. The Lake Manager reviewed the original plat maps to determine whether any special exceptions or provisions applied to Tract A and found the plat map includes a note indicating Tract A, which is landlocked and has no public access, is jointly owned by the owners of the 14 boat dock lots. The Board determined that the appropriate course of action was to notify the affected lot owners of the plat map note, and the Association’s legal counsel agreed with this approach. The Association presented the following options for the boat dock lot owners to consider:
1. The Association could deed Tract A to the boat dock lot owners, who would then retain ownership and be responsible for its future maintenance.
2. The Association could deed Tract A to the boat dock lot owners, who could then deed the property back to the Association for the Association to retain ownership and assume future maintenance responsibilities.
3. The Association and the boat dock lot owners could work together to amend or otherwise change the note shown on the plat map, allowing the Association to retain ownership and assume future maintenance responsibilities.
The Board acknowledges that other options may also be available. Discussions are ongoing as the group of boat dock lot owners works together to determine the appropriate next steps.
Tony Gronniger (Lot #2281) raised concerns regarding the proposed changes to Tract A, stating that the land should remain unaltered given its long-standing history. He noted that the Association has never paid property taxes on Tract A or other community areas, making any adjustments unnecessary. Mr. Gronniger expressed worry that deeding the land out would strip it of its community area status and urged the board to leave it alone. The board thanked him for his input, clarifying that they must address these boundary matters once they are formally brought to light. They reiterated that the issue surfaced because a real estate agent is actively trying to sell affected lots. Another member, who owns a boat dock lot, agreed with keeping the area undeveloped as dedicated green space. Ultimately, the board requested that the affected lot owners meet privately to discuss potential resolutions and present a unified solution for board approval, emphasizing that this agenda item was only intended to notify membership of this ongoing matter rather than to open the floor for dialogue.
Guest time was scheduled for Caroline Casals (Lot #348) to appeal a dog bite infraction. Mrs. Casals was not present at this meeting.
Guest time continued with Salvatore Paris (Lot #135) with a request to change the location of a no wake buoy in his cove. Mr. Paris compared the opening of his cove and buoy placement to other coves and noted that boats make sharp, dangerous turns around the corner, endangering children and docks in his cove. Michelle and Dave Daniel acknowledged his safety concerns but noted that buoy placement relies on case-by-case judgment, adding that a previous board reviewed and set all lake buoy locations in 2020. Tom noted that there is not a standard criteria for buoy placement on private lakes in Missouri. Michelle emphasized that the board prefers to address reckless operator behavior through rule enforcement rather than changing buoy placement in response to reckless behavior, holding behavior to policy and rules, rather than changing policy and rules to behavior. She advised Mr. Paris to report unsafe drivers directly to the Safety Department. Dave Schaefer noted that records from 2020 showed Mr. Paris previously thanked the board for a buoy change in that exact area, and the board noted that no accidents had been reported in that cove since the buoy was moved to its current location. The board took no action on the request.
Following this, a member asked how many times someone can be on guest time, and not show up before they can no longer be on future agendas. Michelle clarified that no current rule prevents it, though it was noted members could propose a rule change. The discussion continued about the dogs with members stating safety concerns with the dogs still being present, as well as being off-leash. Jason confirmed that the Association has already directed the owners to remove the dogs and stated that the Safety Department will follow up with them.
Michelle reminded the membership that the next board meeting is Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM, with executive session starting before the meeting at 12:30 PM.
Tom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 4:03 PM. Dave Schaefer 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
