Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom.
Present: Mike Rankin, Leslie Hind, Sandy Adams, Blair Honeyman, Mike Stappert, Ryan Mueller, Natalie Hill
Absent: Amy Heaven, Blake Larson
Agenda
- Approved as submitted.
Secretary Report
- The May minutes were not yet available, so review of the previous minutes was waived by consensus.
Treasury Report
- No formal Treasurer’s report was given this meeting. Leslie Hind shared two financial notes:
- New State Filing Requirement: A new $80 fee now requires the association to submit financials. Leslie Hind received a postcard and follow-up emails and will confirm whether this is in addition to or replaces the annual fee already paid; more to come. The board discussed the association’s non-profit status and whether it is incorporated; Leslie Hind will verify (likely a 501 designation).
- Apparel Revenue: Thanks to Sandy Adams’s work, the new apparel line is approximately $200 from breaking even, after which sales should be largely profit. Remaining inventory includes hats, beach bags, men’s tank tops, and a few shirts; older long-sleeve shirts are being offered at $10 on Marketplace.
Old Business
- Dumpster Days:
- Leslie Hind reported ongoing difficulty arranging a dumpster through the former Gardner provider (now Eco Waste), which has been unresponsive. A contact has since confirmed the order is set. Some suggested other companies that handle large dumpsters. Leslie Hind will follow up and decide.
- New Resident Welcome Basket Program:
- Blair Honeyman has about 7 welcome bags assembled and ready but has received no recent move-in notifications. A newly sold home on Lake Road 11 was noted. Mike Stappert will alert Blair Honeyman when they arrive. Mike Rankin will email the Lake Road reps to remind them to report move-ins (and move-outs, so Sandy Adams can update the Facebook page).
- Lake Updates from Leslie Hind:
- Dying Water Lilies / Willows: The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks contacted Leslie Hind after fishermen reported dying lilies and willows on the south end. The state will sample on Friday to determine whether the cause is spraying, a pollutant, or runoff. Leslie Hind’s Facebook post asked whether anyone sprayed; no one has come forward. If spraying is confirmed, a formal investigation and fine would target whoever is responsible, not the association. Mike Rankin cautioned that spraying the lake can carry a roughly $25,000 fine and possible imprisonment.
- Possible Runoff Sources: Mike Stappert raised the nearby quarry (Apex) and a new development behind the police department near 167th as possible runoff contributors. The state has inspected the quarry twice and does not consider it a current threat but will return; a new development near 167th drains toward Apex and on to the lake, and the state required minimal silt control there.
- Silt Fences / Erosion: Leslie Hind observed about three new lakeside homes under construction without silt fences. County regulations require only 4 feet of grass from the lake and no silt fence, leaving exposed soil. The board discussed that its’ current capacity has little ability to enforce stronger erosion controls. The newer development near Ryan Mueller did install a silt fence and gravel road, which the board viewed positively; the county required the secondary road for emergency lake access in case of flooding.
- Meeting Schedule:
- Discussion of setting a standing meeting day was tabled. Leslie Hind has an ongoing Wednesday conflict (possibly resolving with a job change), Natalie Hill has Tuesday/Thursday event conflicts, and Ryan Mueller has an every-other-Monday commitment. Mike Rankin will send out options around June 1 and aim to set a long-term plan at the June meeting.
- Task Force / CID:
- The petition has been sent to the county for review; the county is supportive and requested additional information before it goes back out. Leslie Hind met with a county contact about possible state funding for new corporations and residents over a certain age, with more information to come.
- Messaging strategy: The board discussed misinformation regarding the task force’s project. Mike Stappert, recommended capturing the negative talking points and addressing them directly. The team currently leans in favor of informational posts (e.g., an FAQ answering common questions) followed by smaller, individual conversations; an optional Zoom Q&A with typed questions was also raised. Ryan Mueller clarified key points: the association will never be a formal HOA (which would require 100% buy-in or a new development), and any new entity formed via a CID would have no authority over residents’ yards or property — only the equivalent of the city’s existing limited authority. Mike Rankin noted strategies being pursued to mitigate liability and protect individual residents.
- Action item: Natalie Hill suggested a direct Facebook post clarifying the HOA question; the board agreed communication is the priority and discussed posting an FAQ directing further questions to Ryan Mueller.
New Business
- 4th of July Boat Parade Planning:
- Natalie Hill is leading planning for the 250th anniversary parade and proposed a “Happy 250th America” boat theme. Proposed changes from last year: move to Facebook voting (limited to verified lake residents/property owners), and announce and deliver winners the following day to allow proper photos for social media and to keep families free on the 4th.
- Boat Numbers: To avoid last year’s difficult pull-up to the committee boat, numbers will be distributed at the dock or in advance. Leslie Hind offered to coordinate pickup the week before (e.g., around July 1), and Natalie Hill offered to deliver numbers to residents’ homes.
- Facebook Voting Eligibility: Sandy Adams continues vetting the Facebook group (address, email, and dues status) and will remind residents that joining must happen before the 4th and is limited to those who live here and own property. This will be stated in the parade promo.
- Prizes & 250th Celebration: The standard prize budget is about $500 per event, with the 4th of July typically higher. Natalie Hill will research prizes and bring cost estimates to the June meeting. Sandy Adams can source crystal trophies and will look into a small “250 years of America” flag residents could display at home. The board discussed spending roughly $500 of GLA funds on a special 250th touch — such as a floating giveaway item tossed from the committee boat during the parade — noting the bylaws authorize such spending.
Adjournment
With no further business, Mike Rankin closed the meeting; the next meeting will be scheduled in early June.