04-13-2004 ICE MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Icc tlcena Commission Minutes April 13, 2004 Page 3 ........................... MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HALGREN TO GIVE BECKER/BIG LAKE PRIORITY HOURS IF THEY COMMIT TO THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA FOR TWO YEARS BUT IF BECKER/BIG LAKE DECLINES TO COMMIT, THEY WILL NOT BE GIVEN PRIORITY HOURS. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Ice Rates Arena Manager Rich Czech presented information on area ice rink rates for both prime and non-prime hours. He noted that after reviewing the rates of other comparable arenas, he feels that our rates are at the lower tier of the going rate. Mr. Czech stated that ERYHA is already experiencing a $10 increase this year because the three-year agreement to hold their ice rates at $135 an hour in return for the $30,000 donation for the Olympic bleachers has ended. NIr. Czech stated that he does not feel that the hourly ice rates should be increased at this time, as this would add an additional burden to ERYHA members. Mr. Czech stated that he would like to review the ice rates at the August meeting, as this would give perspective customers time to plan for the increase. It was the consensus of the Commission to review rates at the August Ice Arena Commission meeting. Construction of the Barn Floor/Used Boards Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that on November 10, 2003, the City Council approved the replacement of the Barn's floor and dasher boards and on February 23, 2004, the City Council also approved the replacement of the condenser and the installation of a backpressure regulator in the Olympic plant. City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that the entire project will cost approximately $460,000 of which half will come from NSP Reserves and the other half from Liquor Store Reserves. Mr. Czech indicated that the removal of the old boards is the responsibility of the Arena and there is still a question of what to do with the used boards. Mr. Czech stated that until a decision is made, the boards could be put on pallets and stored at the Public Works facility. Discussion took place regarding what to do with the used boards. Mr. Czech stated that the boards could be dismantled, reused, or sold. It was the preference of the Commission to keep the boards locally if possible. Mr. Czech stated that Elk River Youth Hockey Association has expressed interest in possibly finding a location for the used boards in Elk River; however, state law prohibits the city from donating the boards to non-profit organizations so Youth Hockey would have to go through whatever process the city sets up. Commissioner Madsen indicated that Youth Hockey would like to have somewhere outside for organized practices, as many rinks do not allow organized practices or pucks. Mr. Czech suggested that a possibility would be to give the boards to the Parks and Recreation Commission and have Elk River Youth Hockey maintain the rinks because the Public Works Department does not have time to maintain additional rinks.