07-27-2010 ICE MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Arena Manager Rich Czech notes that last year, the rates were increased $5/hr, and traditionally, we only raise rates every other year. Due to our desire to stay competitive with other rinks, and to give relief to our customers, he suggests keeping the rates the same for the next year. Already, he notes, we are seeing a decrease in summer programs, and he fears that we will out price our customers and that we will see a decrease in new players due to the cost. Czech also states that the Becker/Big Lake district is very close to breaking ground for their own arena, which could also cause us to lose customers. Chair Martin opens the floor to the Public which includes Lyle Slawson, the President of the Elk River Youth Hockey Association, and Paul Paige, the Vice President. Slawson agrees with Czech that we need to keep rates the same for next year. He notes that they were taken off guard by the increase last year, and when rates increase, they are forced to either buy fewer hours, or raise their rates. Slawson states that despite the increase, they purchased the same amount of hours this year as last- and that their biggest expenditure is ice time. Discussion takes place regarding additional sources of revenue for Youth Hockey. Commissioner Malzahn notes that Arena Manager Czech has suggested keeping rates the same, and that the arena’s biggest customer agrees. He wants the record to reflect that he is in favor of the rates remaining the same-as he has to leave. Discussion takes place regarding scholarships for kids to be able to pay their Youth Hockey fees- in the past local businesses have helped.(Commissioner Gumphrey Arrives) COMMISSIONER BARTH MOTIONS TO KEEP RATES FLAT. FOSS SECONDS THE MOTION. APPROVED 5-0. 7. Lighting Replacement for Olympic Rink Arena Manager Rich Czech states that this was included in the CIP for 2010, in addition to being part of our submission for the stimulus funding. Because we still are unsure how much LGA we will receive we cannot be sure what will stay in the CIP, more information should be available by our next meeting. If we receive money from the stimulus package, we will like have to call a special meeting to get the ball rolling. Commissioner Humphrey inquires as to the cost of the lighting. Arena Manager Czech notes that the 2007 estimate was $70,000 but states that we could probably do some additional research to find better pricing.