Friends of Rippey Meeting
September 24, 2017
7:30 pm at Rippey Library Community Room
The Friends of Rippey meeting was called to order by President Mary Weaver at 7:30 pm. Those present were Mary Weaver, Rick and Mary Liebich, Dale and Nancy Hanaman, Jean Borgeson, Sharon Ulrich, Kevin and Mary Hick.
The minutes from our last meeting were read. Jean Borgeson moved to approve the minutes, Mary Liebich second the motion and it carried.
Sharon Ulrich gave the treasurer’s report. There is $2,022.25 in the Rolling Hills Bank and $18,190.64 in the Peoples Trust and Savings Bank. Mary Weaver told the group that Peoples Bank employees have a policy that they can wear jeans on Fridays if they donate $5 to a nonprofit organization, so they have picked FOR / ballpark fund to donate to. That produced $175! Sharon reported that we have paid for the plaque on Velda’s bench, paid Hulgan’s Plumbing for the ball park sinks and drain replacement. Hastings has also been paid for the engraving of the black marble slab of the school. The money we raised from the Town and Country Band concert in Rippey was intended to go to “Team Velda” relay for life team, but the team raised so much (they were 3rd biggest donation in Greene County) so decided to have this money go to the ballpark. No further discussion on treasurer’s report. Mary Liebich made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, Nancy Hanaman 2nd the motion and it carried.
Mary Weaver reported there has been some vandalism at the monument. There were 8 lights broke off. Mary W. called the police to report this damage and it was filed. There was discussion as to if city insurance would cover this damage or if FOR will pay for it, unknown at this time. There has also been vandalism at the ballpark concession stand. The window on south side of that building has been tampered with, not broke into.
Mary W. reported we did not put a shower in at the ballpark with bathroom update because it was felt there would not be much demand/use for it. There is $1,150.00(Friends of Rippey having to return ¼ of it) left of grant money intended for ballpark repair/update. Plans are to get estimates to replace the external bathroom doors as they are in bad shape. The question was asked if we should make a handicap accessible bathroom at the ballpark. It would be almost impossible to make the current restrooms handicap accessible, but can consider another one, maybe closer to grandstands. This would require a lot more money, but good idea. The work on the bleachers was done by John McConnell and he still needs to put a door on storage area under bleachers and a door on the announcer’s box.
Mary W. reported that Sarah Kilgore is maintaining the website and face book page. She is doing a good job! Jean Borgeson helps her when needed.
We continue to get orders for bricks at the memorial. Mary W. was contacted by the class of 1956 and they all want a brick, so Mary W has ordered 12 more bricks at this time. Mary W inquired as to if the time capsule is in place at the monument. Rick L. said he would inquire and report back to the group.
The FOR benefit for Adam Brubaker was very successful! Adam’s family was very appreciative of the effort and amount raised to help them get a van they need.
It was reported a new community member by the name of Mel Murken is very interested in doing some work on the ballpark. He used to be a coach at East Greene and has an interest in it. He even suggested trying to get a team together! Possibly look at Greene County Fund options to help with some of his ideas.
Next item on agenda was election of officers. There was discussion at this time as to how active FOR wants to be. Do we consider becoming inactive and just maintain the website and ballpark interests? After some discussion a motion was made by Dale Hanaman: The FOR organization will be focusing on supporting ballpark projects, maintain Rippey Consolidated School Memorial Park, Rippey Library and other community needs as they arise. Rick Liebich seconds the motion and it carried. Dale Hanaman resigned as Vice President. Sharon Ulrich moved to accept Dale’s resignation, Jean Borgeson second the motion. Jean made a motion to eliminate the Vice President position and maintain the same slate of officers. Dale second the motion, it carried. Officers are: Mary Weaver: President; Sharon Ulrich: treasurer; Mary Hick: secretary.
It was suggested we update the e-mail list for FOR members to those that want to be more active. Then use this e-mail as a means to communicating events/activities. Mary Weaver said she would update the list and use it for communication.
Dale recommended we set an annual meeting date at this time. After looking at a calendar it was decided to set if for September 23, 2018; 4th Sunday in September. President Mary W. will call other meetings as needed throughout the year.
Floor was open for other agenda items or discussion. None at this time.
Rick L. made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Nancy H. 2nd the motion and it carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Hick
Secretary