The Friends of Rippey met in the large community room at 5:30 P.M. on November 2, 2020. 11 persons were present. Masks were worn, and 6 feet of social distancing was implemented.
Mary called the meeting to order. The last meeting was held in September of 2017, so the minutes were omitted.
Sharon gave the treasurer’s report: $1178.43, at Rolling Hills Bank (this account is used for Alumni and Web site costs), and $33,954.79 at People’s Trust. Mary broke out that $19,033 was in the Sesquicentennial account, plus the $725.00 (another donation Monday) for the Saturday evening meal, $461.00 for I REMEMBER RIPPEY books, and $15.00 for a wooden block MY HEART BELONGS IN RIPPEY. This is $19,758 for the sesquicentennial fund and $15,397 for the Friends of Rippey.
Discussion focused on the financial requests coming to the Friends of Rippey. Regarding the potential for alumni gatherings for the future. The last class, Class of 1962, will hold its 60th celebration in 2022. The Alumni may discontinue after that date, or move to an All Rippey Building gathering. $400 will be retained in the funds to me made available to assure the Rippey Alumni gathering.
Discussion followed on the following potential expenses:
Flip chart replacement from the 100th celebration: Dan Brubaker has found replacement plastic covers that will cost about $300, rather than replacing the entire chart at $3000. Friends of Rippey will absorb this expense.
The Library will be paying for the digitization of the Rippey Booster, rather than the Friends of Rippey. This cost will be $642.00. The years are from 1919-1923.
Mel Murken brought several estimates for safety improvements of the ball field and the Grandstand. Total estimate is $12,180.00. Friends of Rippey will address the City Council about the City contributing funds to aid in these safety improvements.
Mel does have a commitment letter from John Linden, Commissioner, Mid-Iowa Baseball League, to play up to 10 ball games in Rippey the 2021 summer; 4-7 evenings, and 2-3 Sundays. Field rental agreed to is $50.00 to be paid to the City, with the concession stand proceeds going to the Friends of Rippey. The need for using the Public Address system, and the lights will be an additional cost. The Mid-Iowa Baseball League is not interested in the PA system or the scoreboard. The charge for the lights will be assigned to the Mid-Iowa League. The P.A. and the scoreboard will need to be available for the Ball game during the sesquicentennial.
The 150 plus 1 date for the celebration will be planned for July 31st.
A Christmas gathering and the BRR ride festivities and meal were discussed and placed on hold, dependent upon the pandemic at those times. A subsequent meeting will be called as more information is gained about the ball park safety improvements, and the pandemic.
It was determined to have a curb side meal on December 12 composed of ham balls, green beans, and cheesy potatoes, and a desert. This will be a fundraiser for the needed ballpark safety improvements.
Current officers of the Friends of Rippey, Sharon, Mary H. and Mary W. would like to be relieved of their leadership duties after the sesquicentennial activities. Future discussion will occur about disbanding the accounts of the Friends of Rippey, and closing the entity, or having new leadership.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M.
Summary minutes,
Mary Weaver
Nancy Hanaman, Mel Murken, and Mary Weaver met with the Rippey City Council on Monday, November 2. Estimates of costs for the ball field safety issues were presented. Amicable questions and discussion followed. The Friends of Rippey will seek funds from the Louie Dreyfus funds for the field, as well as the Greene County Community Foundation, for the Grandstand, but be aware is a scarcity of funds in both of these entities.
The City Council will review their budget and provide feedback to the Friends of Rippey.