Category: GLA Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom

Present: Mike Rankin, Leslie Hind, Amy Heaven, Ryan Mueller, Mike Stappert, Natalie Hill

Absent: Sandy Adams, Blake Larson, Blair Honeyman

Agenda

• Approved as submitted.

Secretary Report

• Minutes from the previous December meeting were distributed to members by email prior to the meeting.

Treasury Report

• Leslie Hind reported a current balance of $5,894 in Venmo and $27,420 in the bank, for a combined total of approximately $33,314.
• The association currently has 85 members. All dues collection is now complete — the final outstanding members paid within the last two weeks.
• The board discussed the possibility of sending invoices earlier in the season (beginning in November) to accelerate dues collection. Amy Heaven suggested an early-payment incentive structure, such as a lower rate for those who pay before January 1. The board agreed to explore this approach for next year.
• Mike Rankin and Sandy Adams discussed raising the calendar advertisement rate from the current $100 to offset Venmo transaction fees (~$3 per payment). A rate of $125 per ad was proposed. The board agreed to continue the conversation, noting the rate has held steady for six years and a significant increase warrants further consideration.
• The board noted the association holds approximately $32,000 in total assets and discussed potential uses for the reserves, including community improvements such as a restroom facility, monument signage, or cluster mailboxes. The board agreed that major expenditures should be deferred until the question of lake privatization is resolved.

Old Business

  Spillway/Dam Update

• Leslie Hind reported that two companies have submitted bids for the spillway repair. Final pricing has not yet been disclosed, though costs are understood to have increased since previous estimates. The city has not yet signed with a contractor but is still expected to complete the work this year.
• Leslie noted that securing a meeting with the county has been difficult — the process has stretched over a month. She has engaged Tim to assist in advancing the conversation.

  South Development — Lake Road 10 Property

• Leslie Hind reported that the property on Lake Road 10 has been sold. The buyer has not been publicly confirmed, though the developer is believed to be involved. Closing is understood to have occurred around February 24. KP&L and water utilities have been observed on-site.
• Several Lake Road 10 residents had previously expressed interest in purchasing the property. The ultimate buyer remains unconfirmed.

  New Resident Welcome Program

• In Blair Honeyman’s absence, the board noted that the welcome bag/packet program should be reviewed. Mike Rankin asked that Blair follow up with Lake Road Reps to ensure new residents are being identified and welcomed.
• The board will revisit this item when Blair is present at the next meeting.

  Calendar Distribution

• The board discussed reports from members who did not receive their annual calendars. Approximately 325 calendars were printed; the distribution list has around 260 members. Some calendars appear to have gone undelivered by Lake Road Reps.
• Leslie Hind noted she personally followed up with members who contacted her and distributed remaining copies. A board member offered to cross-reference names of those who did not receive calendars against the distribution list to identify gaps in coverage.
• The board agreed to order approximately 350 calendars for next year. Sandy Adams was noted to have input on quantities; the board will confirm with her.

  Spring Resident Meeting — Date Change

• The board voted to move the Spring Resident Meeting from March 25 to April 18, 2026. The change allows the Taskforce presentation to be incorporated into a single combined meeting, and ensures greater board attendance.
• Mike Rankin will send email communications to all members alerting them to the date change. Leslie Hind will post the update on the GLA Facebook page. Blair Honeyman will be asked to notify Lake Road Reps, who can reinforce the message door-to-door while also encouraging membership renewal.
• The board anticipates strong community turnout given the significance of the Taskforce update.

New Business

  Spring Lake Cleanup

• Ryan Mueller proposed a coordinated spring lake cleanup event, picking up where a previous community organizer left off. The concept involves both shoreline trash pickup (on foot) and cleanup from the water using pontoon boats.
• The board discussed ways to boost participation beyond the usual small group of volunteers. Ideas included:
  • Hosting a community breakfast before the cleanup — Chris Cakes pancakes at a central location or a homemade option (breakfast burritos were suggested by Amy Heaven and Natalie Hill).
  • Giving away GLA merchandise (e.g., bucket hats, tank tops) to volunteers who show up.
  • Amy Heaven suggested a decentralized approach where each lake road sponsors its own breakfast and launches cleanup from their own access point.
  • Increasing GLA Facebook presence with live video content to promote participation.
• The board discussed hosting the cleanup around April 11, the week before the Resident Meeting. Mike Rankin noted he will be out of town but offered to help with email outreach beforehand.
• Ryan Mueller agreed to take the lead on coordinating the event, pending confirmation of his availability on that date.
• Leslie Hind will contact Echo Waste (formerly the City of Gardner) to request a donated dumpster for cleanup debris, as they have provided this in the past.
• Amy Heaven volunteered to handle the mailbox cluster research (see Treasury Report discussion), allowing Leslie Hind to focus on Taskforce preparations.

  4th of July Boat Parade

• Natalie Hill will coordinate the 4th of July Boat Parade. July 4, 2026 falls on a Saturday, which the board noted is particularly favorable for a large turnout.
• Amy Heaven noted that this year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and encouraged the parade to reflect the occasion. Shawnna Steele was mentioned as a community member who has reached out with enthusiasm and ideas; Amy suggested Natalie connect with her.
• Leslie Hind will share the events calendar and typical budget breakdown with Natalie Hill. The standard budget has been approximately $500 for major events; Natalie was encouraged to request more if needed.

  Community Beautification — Mailboxes & Signage

• The board discussed using a portion of reserves for community beautification. Two ideas were raised:
  • Cluster mailboxes: Standardized, lockable mailboxes around the lake would improve aesthetics and mail security. Several residents on one lake road have already independently purchased locking mailboxes. The U.S. Postal Service may offer financial assistance for cluster mailbox installations that save carrier time. Amy Heaven will research this option.
  • Monument/entryway signage: Rock or stone entry signs at lake access points were discussed as a way to give the community a more established feel. Natalie Hill expressed strong support for this idea. The board agreed that signage decisions should wait until the lake’s governance direction (privatization) is clearer.
• The board agreed not to commit significant funds to permanent improvements until the privatization question is resolved, citing a past example of a community bulletin board sign that is no longer actively used.

  Property Appearance Concerns

• Natalie Hill raised a concern about debris and clutter along the road. The board acknowledged the issue and noted it has persisted for some time.
• The board discussed that GLA currently has no enforcement authority over individual property standards — such matters fall under county jurisdiction.

Special Events

  Dumpster Weekend — June

• Leslie Hind will confirm the June dumpster weekend dates and coordinate scheduling. The event typically occurs around the second weekend of June.

  Spring Resident Meeting — April 18, 2026

• The combined board business meeting and Taskforce presentation is scheduled for April 18, 2026. The board plans to hold an early April board meeting to finalize preparations. Mike Rankin will coordinate scheduling via text.

Adjournment

• The meeting was moved to adjourn by Mike Rankin and seconded by Amy Heaven.

Gardner Lake Association

Minutes to Monthly Board Meeting

12/8/25

Meeting Called to Order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom

Present: Mike Rankin, Amy Heaven, Leslie Hind, Ryan Mueller, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Blair Honeyman

Absent: Blake Larson

Agenda

• Approved as submitted.

Secretary Report

• The board opted to skip formal review of the November minutes during the meeting. Minutes will be posted by Ryan Mueller following the meeting.

Treasury Report

• Submitted following the meeting by Leslie Hind. Current balances: $4,355.00 in Venmo and $25,345.22 in checking.
• Expenses of $163.74 were paid out to Greta and Amy Heaven for envelopes and gift cards related to the Holiday Light Contest.
• Two calendar advertisers have paid to date. Mike Rankin noted that billing for the calendar year will go out the following week, and that additional early payments had been received. Sandy Adams confirmed that Complete Home Solutions has paid in cash.

Old Business

2026 Calendar

• The 2026 GLA calendar is at the printer and expected to be ready around December 15. Sandy Adams noted the printer may run behind schedule.
• 300 calendars were ordered this year (up from 250 last year, which ran short). Extra copies will be set aside for new residents and may be sold for $5 each; Lake Road Reps were asked to communicate this to residents.
• The board voted to increase the calendar advertising rate from $100 to $150 per year for 2026, noting the rate has never previously been raised and print costs have increased.
• Sandy Adams has 6 new advertisers lined up this year. Mike Rankin will send billing to all advertisers the following week.
• A calendar stuffing party will be organized once calendars are in hand. Supplies are being coordinated: Mike Rankin has plastic door hanger bags, Blair Honeyman has blank label sheets, Amy Heaven has the mailing label template, and Leslie Hind will procure envelopes. All materials will be brought to Sandy Adams’ home for assembly.
• Amy Heaven will update the calendar cover letter from last year for inclusion in the bags. Mike Rankin will send Blair Honeyman Google Docs links to the welcome and directory letters for new residents.

New Resident Welcome Program

• Blair Honeyman is taking over new resident bag assembly from Greta. Each bag will include a calendar, the GLA welcome letter, the directory request letter, and one of Amy Heaven’s Gardner Lake history books. Blair Honeyman confirmed she is down to the last copy of the book and will coordinate with Amy Heaven for additional copies.
• The board discussed compensating Amy Heaven for the cost of books donated to the GLA for new resident bags. Amy Heaven estimated her cost at approximately $12 per paperback copy. The board agreed the book is a valuable part of the welcome program and tabled the topic to determine exact costs and an appropriate reimbursement.
• Leslie Hind noted that approximately 270–280 households are on the lake. 10–15 bags are estimated to be needed for new residents annually.

Board Membership

• Mike Rankin reported that Natalie Hill, who led the Chili Cook-Off, has expressed interest in joining the board as a special events coordinator. The board was unanimously supportive. Mike Rankin will contact Natalie Hill to extend a formal invitation.
• Greta has officially retired from her board role after the current season. The board expressed appreciation for her years of service and her agreement to lead the Holiday Light Contest one final time.

Member Recognition

• The board discussed creating a formal recognition program for departing long-term board members.

New Business

Holiday Light Contest

• The Holiday Light Contest will proceed this year. Greta has volunteered to lead it one final time, coordinating prizes and judging.
• Mike Rankin will send a letter to residents soliciting photo submissions, with a goal of posting entries for community voting by around December 15. Voting is expected to close around December 22–23, with winners announced and prizes delivered before Christmas.
• The board discussed simplifying the prize format going forward, with poinsettias (purchased locally) as a favored option for winners. Leslie Hind will follow up with Greta on the prize plan for this year. The board noted the local flower farm as a potential source and mentioned exploring a possible GLA calendar advertising arrangement with them.
• Ryan Mueller noted that self-submission contests tend to yield very few entries, and that in the past someone has driven around to photograph decorated homes.

Adjournment

The meeting was moved to adjourn by Amy Heaven and seconded by Sandy Adams.

Meeting Called to Order

• Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mike Rankin.
• Location: Olathe Health JCCC Education Center, with Zoom participation viewing available.
• Guest Speaker: Dan Jones, Environmental Manager with APAC, presented first.

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Present and Absent

Present:
Mike Rankin, Ryan Mueller, Leslie Hind, Blair Honeyman
Absent:
Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Amy Heaven

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Agenda

• Approved as submitted.

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Guest Presentation – APAC Quarry Operations

Presenter: Dan Jones, Environmental Manager, APAC.

• Quarry Operations: APAC will resume intermittent mining operations south of the lake to supply materials for the intermodal and data center projects.
• Activities Include:
  • Controlled blasting (anticipated 1–2 times per month).
  • Truck traffic primarily via the northwest entrance using Gardner Road.
  • Reclamation areas to remain vegetated with 150-foot buffers to prevent runoff into the creek flowing toward the lake.
• Environmental Controls:
  • Dust controlled by watering haul roads and maintaining air permits through Johnson County Environmental.
  • Weekly road sweeping planned.
  • Blasting vibrations monitored by Vibratech; limits regulated under federal and state law.
• Resident Protections:
  • Pre-blast home inspections completed for nearby properties; APAC carries insurance for potential damage.
  • Residents may sign up for blast notifications via QR code (posted to GLA Facebook).
• Future Coordination:
  • APAC open to collaborating on lake dredging disposal using their retired pits.
  • Quarry activity expected to begin late March 2026 depending on weather.
  • Truck volumes projected around 25 loads per day at peak.

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Secretary Report

Presented by: Ryan Mueller

• Recap of Spring 2025 meeting:
  • Mike Rankin appointed President; Amy Mueller stepped down.
  • Mike Stafford and others joined the board.
  • Guest presentation on harmful algae mats by state representatives.
  • Discussion of water quality, task force efforts, and volunteer needs.
  • 4th of July and community events reviewed.
• Motion to approve minutes: Moved, seconded, and approved.

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Treasurer Report

Submitted by: Leslie Hind

• 4th of July: Budget $500; spent $490.38.
• Trash Days: $1,460 for two dumpsters; 5.2 tons of waste removed plus 8 truckloads of scrap metal.
• Kayak Race: Grossed $524.27; expenses ≈ $300 → net profit ~$224.
• Apparel Sales: $516.81 collected.
• New Resident Welcome Bags: $385.92 spent on supplies and materials.
• Current Account Balance: $28,922.84.
• Motion to approve Treasurer’s report: Moved, seconded, and approved.

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Old Business

Board Member Updates

• Retirements:
  • Melinda Broward retired due to family health reasons; long-time organizer of community events.
  • Greta Jahraus stepping down after 5 years but will continue volunteering.
• New Board Member: Blair Honeyman welcomed, will assist with social events.
• Open Position: Seeking additional volunteers for activity coordination.

New Resident Welcome Program

• Each new homeowner receives a welcome bag containing GLA information, applications, directories, and a donated signed copy of Amy Heaven’s book.
• 11 bags distributed in 6 months. Program has increased engagement and improved directory accuracy.

Community Calendar

• Annual lake calendar to continue; distribution in January 2026 by road reps.
• Advertising funds fully offset production costs (~$100 per ad).
• Sandy Adams recognized for design and coordination.
• Residents encouraged to submit photos for the 2026 edition.

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Task Force Report

Presented by: Ryan Mueller

Lake Ownership & Spillway Repairs

• Background: City of Gardner reaffirmed intent to divest ownership of Gardner Lake; uninterested in long-term maintenance or capital investment.
• Task Force Goals: Explore options for community ownership or partnership models (e.g., Community Improvement District – CID).
• Survey Results: ~75% resident support for CID concept; discussion ongoing to ensure equitable participation.
• Funding Status:
  • State Grant: $500,000 secured.
  • Johnson County Wastewater: committed $300,000.
  • City of Gardner: responsible for remaining ~$200,000 (potentially from sale of surplus parcels).
• Timeline:
  • Bidding for spillway repair to occur winter 2025–26.
  • Construction planned spring 2026, completion required by 2027.
  • Dam and boat ramp would close temporarily during construction.

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Lake Health Report

Presented by: Leslie Hind

Water Quality & Environmental Updates

• State Oversight: KDHE and county monitoring sediment control from nearby developments.
• Silt Control: Recent violations investigated; additional silt fencing now required.
• Zebra Mussels: Confirmed active infestation; entering 3–5 year “boom and bloom” phase. Residents reminded to wash boats and avoid transporting species.
• Fish Stocking 2025:
  • 3,000 channel catfish
  • 12,000 redear sunfish fingerlings
  • Ongoing blue catfish population monitoring (30+ lb specimens reported).
  • Next stocking/sampling: June 2026 (blue catfish, largemouth bass, gizzard shad).
• Algae Monitoring: KDHE testing throughout summer 2025 found low/non-detect toxin levels.
  • Residents reminded to avoid disturbing algae mats and rinse hands after fishing.
• Bryozoans: Presence indicates high water quality; residents asked to leave them undisturbed.
• Invasive Aquarium Species:
  • “Water weed” and Asian snails likely introduced from aquariums—residents urged not to dump tank contents.
• Golf Cart Reminder: City prohibits golf carts and ATVs on public streets; fines may be issued. Major streets affected would be around Lake Road 3 and 152nd Street.

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New Business

• Discussion of city retention of water rights if lake ownership transfers; city holds a 100-year state-granted withdrawal right.
• Review of storm and flood resilience following 2025 summer storms.
  • Spillway performed as designed; handled approximately 10 inches of rainfall in 12 hours.
  • 1993 flood referenced for comparison.
  • Historical blockage from fish netting noted as cause in prior flood events.

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Special Events

• Fall Chili Cook-Off:
  • Held evening of October 18, 2025 (same day as meeting).
  • Nine chili entries confirmed.
  • $10 per adult, $5 per child; includes raffle and s’mores bar.
  • Event proceeds benefit GLA community fund.

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Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn moved and seconded.

Gardner Lake Association – Minutes to Monthly Board Meeting 9/10/25

Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom.

Present: Ryan Mueller, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Mike Rankin, Greta Jahraus, Blair Honeyman, Amy Heaven, Leslie Hind

Absent: Blake Larson

Agenda – Approved as submitted.

Secretary Report – Minutes from August were submitted by Ryan Mueller prior to meeting and approved as presented.

Treasury Report

• Submitted by Leslie Hind.
• Collected $1,321.08 from the Kayak Race, with event costs of $347.
• Total in all GLA accounts: $29,959.92.
• Thanks noted for apparel sales and recent membership dues.

Old Business

• Resident Information Packets
  • Greta is distributing these to new residents and Lake Road Reps. She will also keep six new resident bags on hand.

New Business

• Mailchimp Text Messages
  • Mike mentioned that Mailchimp, our email platform, may support text messaging. Mike and Ryan will investigate if phone numbers can be added.
• Calendar Events on Website
  • Ryan looked at adding calendar events to the website. Due to technology limitations and security concerns, the team decided to pass on the idea.

Special Events

• Fall Cookoff
  • Scheduled for 10/18 at 4pm
  • Natalie Hill is taking charge of the event. Team is going to discuss theme, raffle, and any board support with her.
  • Preparations to include bonfire and raffles. Greta has items available for raffle baskets.
  • Port-o-potty: Drop off Friday/pickup Monday with typical provider allows for too much vandalism. Options for Saturday/Sunday service discussed. Long-term solutions remain costly ($20–30K). Mike S. to look into Facebook options.
  • Police security for event is being considered but requires insurance.
  • Cleanup after event may be needed.
  • Start time moved earlier to 4 PM with food at 5 PM.
• Fall Resident’s Meeting
  • Scheduled for October. Room is booked. Agenda will include by-laws, taskforce, and lake updates.
  • Amy to provide coffee supplies; Leslie to provide donuts.

Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Sandy Adams, seconded by Amy Heaven. Meeting adjourned at 5:02 PM.

Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom.
 
Present: Ryan Mueller, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Mike Rankin, Greta, Blair Honeyman, Amy Heaven
Absent: Leslie Hind, Blake Larson
 
Agenda
Approved as submitted.
Secretary Report
Minutes from July are not yet available as Ryan was absent. He will gather notes from the team and publish the July minutes soon.
Treasury Report
Current balance: $28,472.42. Thanks extended to Sandy, who has been busy selling apparel and contributing to revenues.

Old Business
Introduction of New Board Member:
The board welcomed Blair Honeyman as a new member.
Merchandise:
The team discussed phasing out current GLA shirts (white and green long sleeves). Options to clear existing inventory will be explored.
Resident Information Packets & Communication:
Greta continues to prepare resident information packets. Current supplies include 24 directories and 12 magnets.
Discussion covered ways to modernize delivery:
Shift emphasis to digital access via the GLA website.
Welcome baskets considered for new residents.
Website updates suggested to include helpful info and an events calendar.
Newsletter revival discussed: Mike will draft an outline, and team members will choose subjects to write on. Final version to be assembled collaboratively in the GLA Google Drive.
Community Cleanup Day:
Scheduled near the Fishing Derby (August 23).
The City of Gardner is expected to handle primary cleanup prior to the event. The board will evaluate afterward if additional volunteer cleanup is needed.
Lake Updates from Leslie
Fish Count: Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) completed a fish count. Carp numbers are strong and fish are looking large; no action needed at this time.
Sewer Issues: Ongoing sewer maintenance trucks remain stationed around the lake (4th consecutive week). With recent flooding, grinder pumps ran continuously, dislodging debris and causing blockages. Several homes appear to have sump pumps illegally hooked to the septic system, which contributed to overload. County crews remain onsite with multiple trucks to manage the issue. Homeowners may face fines if found in violation.
South Development: Leslie has been in contact with county, state, and the developer regarding the south side development. Silt fences and rocks are in place to help with sediment control. Efforts are underway to push the developer to clean up sediment along Lake Road 8.
Zebra Mussels: Leslie requested stories, items, or objects impacted by zebra mussels to borrow for a presentation. In September, the KDWP Mississippi panel will be visiting Gardner Lake, and Leslie has been asked to give a short talk on zebra mussels. KDWP has already been monitoring and conducting experiments at the lake. Photos of the zebra mussel experiment will be shared on Facebook soon.
Taskforce: Ongoing efforts continue to get the city to finalize direction regarding infrastructure.

New Business
Early Warning Weather System:
Jan raised concerns about the lack of a severe weather warning system for the lake area.
The board agreed safety is important, but there are open questions about who would build and maintain such a system.
The idea remains under consideration, and volunteers are encouraged to champion the project.
Lake Siren Coverage:
Discussion reinforced that siren coverage around the lake is minimal, and further outreach with the city may be needed in the future.

Special Events
Fishing Derby:
Scheduled for August 23, 2025. The city cleanup will occur beforehand.
Rock the Docks:
Scheduled for August 31, 2025. Amy Heaven coordinating; one slot (6–8 PM) was still open at time of meeting.
Kayak Race & Paddle Boat Event:
Scheduled for Labor Day (September 1, 2025). Preparations are underway, with water and snacks to be provided. Events include kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and pedal boats. Trophies and raffle prizes planned.
Fall Resident’s Meeting
Room is booked for the October resident meeting.

Adjournment
The meeting was moved to adjourn by Sandy Adams and seconded by Blair Honeyman.

Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM.

Present: Mike Rankin, Amy Heaven, Sandy Adams
Absent: Ryan Mueller

Agenda

• Approved as submitted.

Secretary Report

• Ryan was absent so no minutes were submitted

Treasury Report

• No formal report this meeting.

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Old Business

• Boat Parade:
  • The July 4th parade was a big success.
  • Secret judges worked well; feedback was positive.
  • Suggestion: consider eliminating float numbers next year.
• Board Membership:
  • The team continues to seek a replacement for Melinda Broward.
• Grass Carp:
  • Decision deferred until fall, pending KDWP input on lake needs.

New Business

• Kayak Race:
  • Planning in progress for Labor Day (September 1).
  • Amy, Tracy, and Sandra will coordinate prizes, registration, and logistics.
  • Mike will ensure donuts and coffee are provided.
  • Sandy will display merchandise (possibly tie-dye shirts).
  • Volunteers still needed to provide boats for race turnarounds.
• Community Cleanup Day:
  • Mike will assess cleanup needs and send a promotional email/Facebook post to recruit volunteers.
• Rock the Docks:
  • Amy is preparing the schedule and will design a flyer for promotion.
  • Event is set for August 31, 2025.
• Flood Cleanup:
  • Sandy will put a Facebook survey out to determine community interest in providing a dumpster.
• Warning Siren Request:
  • Jan raised the need for improved severe weather warning coverage.
  • The board will revisit discussion at the August meeting.
• Resident Information:
  • To be discussed at the August meeting.
• Next Board Meeting:
  • Plan to schedule an early August meeting to finalize preparations for Labor Day events.
  • Mike will send a text to the team to select a date.

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Adjournment
The meeting was moved to adjourn by Sandy Adams and seconded by Amy Heaven.

Meeting Called to Order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom

Present:           Greta Jahraus, Amy Heaven, Leslie Hind, Mike Rankin, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Ryan Mueller

Absent:            Blake Larson

1. Call to Order

-The meeting was called to order by Mike Rankin.

3. Treasury Report

-Budget for banners last year was approximately $500; no further purchases expected this year.

-Emphasis on promoting upcoming initiatives rather than additional spending.

-Discussion touched on companies with advertising budgets and local disputes involving property changes.

4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes

-Ryan reviewed the May minutes

5. Upcoming Events and Planning

-Excitement expressed for handling prizes for the 4th of July Boat Parade. The team is working on preparations for the event. Prizes will be great again this year! Inquiry made regarding historical spending on parade prizes.

6. Lake Update

-Leslie provided an update on water testing conducted by the Kansas Department of Water. Results have been good so far this summer.

-Suggestions included adding consistent signage throughout the area, particularly at the bridge and on Lake Road 5.

9. Other Business

-Discussion about organically organizing events, posting signs, creating flyers, and advertising prize information.

-possible tie-dye t-shirt project.

-Leslie mentioned the task force’s ongoing efforts to address community concerns and keep residents informed.

10. Adjournment

-The meeting was moved to adjourn by Amy and seconded by Mike

Gardner Lake Association

Minutes to Monthly Board Meeting

5/7/25

Meeting Called to Order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom

Present:           Greta Jahraus, Amy Heaven, Leslie Hind, Mike Rankin, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert

Absent:            Ryan Mueller, Blake Larson

1. Call to Order

-The meeting was called to order by Mike Rankin.

3. Treasury Report

-Leslie Hind reported a total balance of $28,750.20 in the treasury.

-Only $150 had been spent since the last meeting for room rental.

-35 tickets have been sold for the upcoming cooler raffle.

4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes

-The minutes from the last meeting were not formally reviewed due to the absence of the designated minute-taker – Ryan was out sick.

5. Upcoming Events and Planning

-Lake Road Rep Meeting: Scheduled for June 2, 2025. This meeting will focus on event planning and community engagement.

-Dumpster Weekend: Scheduled for June 7-8, 2025. Leslie confirmed that dumpsters will be placed at designated locations. Reminder to respect the property of the residents hosting the dumpsters and take note of the unaccepted items.

-Chili Cook-Off and Other Events: Discussion on the need for volunteers to take charge of various events, including the Fourth of July celebrations and the chili cook-off. Suggestions were made to reach out to community members for assistance.

6. Water Quality Concerns

-Leslie provided an update on water testing conducted by the Kansas Department of Water. Results are pending, and the department will continue to monitor the lake’s water quality.

-Discussion on the presence of zebra mussels and their impact on the lake’s ecosystem. Residents were advised to avoid swimming in areas with visible algae.

7. Development Updates

-Leslie reported on the potential development of land near the lake, with rumors of townhomes being constructed. The team is investigating further details about the development plans.

8. Community Engagement

-The importance of increasing community involvement was emphasized, with suggestions to create a newsletter and utilize social media for better communication.

-Sandy proposed creating a classified section on the Facebook page for residents to buy/sell items.

9. Other Business

-Discussion on the need for a more accessible website and the possibility of sharing administrative responsibilities to ensure timely updates and maintenance.

-Leslie mentioned the task force’s ongoing efforts to address community concerns and keep residents informed.

10. Adjournment

-The meeting was moved to adjourn by Amy and seconded by Mike

Meeting Called to Order by Mike Stappert at 9:00 AM at the Johnson County Community College Olathe Health Education Center and via Zoom

Present:           Ryan Mueller, Amy Heaven, Leslie Hind, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Melinda Broward

Absent:            Greta Jahraus, Mike Rankin, Blake Larson

Board Roles: Mike Rankin was unanimously selected to be the next GLA President after Amy Heaven stepped down in the Fall.

Mike Stappert, a new Board member from Lake Road 11, opened by expressing appreciation for the hard work of the GLA Committee and encouraged residents to invite friends and neighbors to future meetings.

Agenda Overview

Mike outlined the agenda, which included a Special guest speaker from KDHE.

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Officer Reports

Secretary’s Report

• Minutes from the last meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve by Donna Pierce, seconded by John Messina.

Treasurer’s Report

• Financial updates were shared.
• Motion to approve report by Sandy Adams, seconded by Pete Adams

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Special Presentation: KDHE Water Quality and Algae Update

Guest Speaker: Ben Growcock – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

Presentation Overview:
Ben addressed a newly discovered form of harmful algae in Gardner Lake—benthic cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae mats. His detailed explanation included:

• Algae Type & Characteristics:
  • Benthic cyanobacteria grow on the lakebed and can attach to rocks, plants, or docks.
  • During warm months, the mats can produce gas and float to the surface, appearing suddenly.
  • These mats can persist year-round and become a health concern when disturbed.
• Health & Environmental Concerns:
  • Exposure (especially to pets or children) can lead to illness through skin contact or ingestion.
  • Identification is difficult since these mats may mix with harmless algae or plants.
• Statewide Context & Monitoring:
  • KDHE has tracked planktonic algae (the “pea soup” type) since 2010.
  • Discovery of benthic types at Gardner Lake in late 2024 prompted the creation of new protocols in 2025.
  • KDHE’s bloom season runs from April to October, and monitoring is complaint-driven for public-access waters.
• Next Steps for Gardner Lake:
  • Gardner Lake is now actively monitored by KDHE.
  • Residents are encouraged to report unusual algae growth.
  • KDHE will continue providing updates and advisories through official channels.

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Old Business

1. Community Engagement

• Emphasis on improving attendance and neighbor involvement.
• Discussion included suggestions to promote meetings and increase participation.

2. Water Quality Monitoring

• Continued collaboration with KDHE on testing and public advisories.
• Review of how blooms were detected and reported in past seasons.

3. Social Event Coordination

• Acknowledgement of the effort needed to plan and host annual events.
• Volunteer recruitment was mentioned as a priority for sustaining these activities.

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New Business

1. Community Ownership Exploration Task Force

• The GLA task force is still investigating the possibility of local ownership of the lake. The survey did not have a strong response and so the team is looking into alternative plans.
• Goals include improving community control over decision-making, especially around health, access, and environmental care.
• Early-stage research is underway; updates will follow in future meetings.

2. Lake Health Update

• Leslie provided comments on continued lake quality tracking.
• Concerns included runoff, wildlife impacts, and resident-reported changes in water clarity and odor.
• Recommendations included proactive shoreline maintenance and seasonal cleanups.

3. Questions and Concerns from Residents

• Open discussion invited community members to share additional concerns.
• Topics included algae sightings, pet safety, lake access points, and signage during health advisories.

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Social Events Report

Special Events

• Melinda gave a preview of upcoming community events for summer and fall.
• Mentioned events included a 4th of July celebration, Fall potluck, and a potential movie night by the water.
• Emphasized the need for volunteers to help plan and set up each event.

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Raffle

• A cooler raffle was held at the end of the meeting.
• Tickets are available through Venmo or Leslie Hind.

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Motion to Adjourn

Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Burnettand seconded by Tracy Kerth.

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Meeting Called to Order by Mike Rankin at 4:00 PM on Zoom

Present:           Ryan Mueller, Amy Heaven, Leslie Hind, Mike Rankin, Sandy Adams, Mike Stappert, Blake Larson

Absent:            Greta Jahraus, Melinda Broward

Board Roles: Mike Rankin was unanimously selected to be the next GLA President after Amy Heaven stepped down in the Fall.

Agenda: No agenda prepared for this meeting.

Secretary: Ryan presented the minutes from the previous meeting and they were approved as submitted.

Treasury: Leslie presented the finances. Currently $2,303 in Venmo account plus $26,047 in the bank account for a total of $28,350.10 for the GLA. We have collected $1970.41 from 85 members. Recent expenses include Zoom for $172.65, Light Up the Lake Contest for $248.06, and Calendars for $880.25. $1600 has been collected for calendar advertisements, leading to a net profit of $719.75 for the project. A huge thank you to all of the advertisers! There are 2 outstanding invoices for advertisers.

Old Business:

-Spring Meeting Planning: The team reviewed topics to be discussed at the Spring Meeting including the taskforce, by-laws, and social events. The meeting will be at 9:00AM on 3/29 at the Johnson County Community College: Olathe Health Education Center by the Olathe Medical Center.

Old Business:

-Calendars: The team will order more calendars next year as we ran low. Apologies to any GLA members that did not get one. A special thanks to the Lake Road Reps for distributing the calendars! The team also discussed opportunities to add more advertisers next year.

-Merchandise: There is extra inventory that the group discussed strategies on how to reduce. Ideas included trying to sell to larger Gardner area, giving away to GLA members who volunteer to help around the lake. Leslie confirmed that the merchandise project has overall been profitable to the group. Mike said he will put out a survey to gauge excitement of some new ideas. Suggested new items included: bucket hats, beach bags, flags, wind socks, sport fishing shirts.

-By-laws: Ryan reviewed the latest updates. Vivian Levin, Sandy, and Ryan all met as a subcommittee and discussed potential improvements to the minutes after discussions that came up in the Fall meeting. The group has found some improvements that can be made to further clarify the scope of the GLA and limits of its authority. Because of this, the draft by-laws will be shared at a future date hopefully for a vote in the Fall.

-Taskforce: The team briefly discussed the survey results that the taskforce distributed. It showed an unclear direction with less than 70% support and so next steps will be further discussed at the Spring Meeting.

-Raffle: A very awesome floating cooler was donated by The Dock Box Guy and will be raffled off at the Spring meeting. Make sure you are there to enter the raffle! Check Facebook for a QR code to enter early! Raffle tickets will be $10 each The meeting was moved to adjourn by Amy and seconded by Mike