02-14-1994 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 meeting, a motion was made and approved to deed land over to the City or EDA, which ever was appropriate, for the proposed ice arena. President Gongoll stated that a fund-raiser was held February 11, 1994, and a kick-off dinner is planned for March. President Gongoll explained that plans call for the completion of the feasibility study in April 1994. Advertisement of the revenue bond issue, the preliminary plan and design for the facility, and selection of the construction management firm is also planned for completion in April. He further explained that the new ice arena has been scheduled to open in December 1994. President Gongoll noted that Elk River's Athletic Conference has overlooked the fact that the existing ice arena, with a capacity of 800, is too small to serve their needs. Commissioner Duitsman questioned the need for an Olympic-sized ice sheet. Marly Glines stated that the last four ice arenas built in Minnesota have all been Olympic size. Joe Nathe stated that it is true that some of the new Olympic size arenas are college level. Mr. Nathe stated that he felt it would be an advantage for Elk River's program by helping them playa faster game with more finesse and less hitting. Tony Sarsland, head hockey coach, indicated that he felt the larger ice sheet promotes skill in the players and that he felt that Elk River's players are at a disadvantage playing on a small ice sheet and then playing an away game on a large sheet. Commissioner Duitsman recommended that the City's Finance Director, Lori Johnson, interview the four ice arena feasibility consultants whose names were listed in the agenda packet. Commissioner Farber added that he felt Commissioner Dwyer and President Gongoll should be involved in the selection process. Commissioners Holmgren and Duitsman agreed that Commissioner Dwyer would provide an unbiased opinion and Commissioner Gongoll's expertise would be helpful to answer questions regarding the ice arena itself. Commissioner Dietz acknowledged the hockey team members present at the meeting for the great job they did this season. Commissioner Dietz emphasized that the proposed ice arena will be an asset that the whole community can utilize including boys' and girls' hockey, figure skating and other recreational activities. Marly Glines noted that the facility could be used for open hockey: soccer, in-line rollering, and indoor walking, as well as outdoor walking around the outside of the building. Marly asked if it would be possible to survey major ice arena contractors such as Bor-Son, Opus, Kr(1us-Anderson, etc. to obtain a recommendation for a firm to do the feasibility study. COMMISSIONER DUITSMAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE A COMMITTEE COMPRISED OF FINANCE DIRECTOR LORI JOHNSON, COMMISSIONER DWYER AND PRESIDENT GONGOLL, TO INTERVIEW AND RECOMMEND A CONSULTANT TO COMPLETE A