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04-13-2010 ICE MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, APRIL 10"', 2010 !}~Prcd~~ Tvl~nu~ ~ti~ uJczS ,~ri I (3, ~,olt1 Members Present: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners Malzahn, Foss and Barth Members Absent: Chair Martin, Commissioner Gumphrey (Gumphrey held up in another meeting per Lori J.) Staff Present: Arena Manager Rich Czech, Arena Assistant Laura Estby, Finance Director Tim Simon 1. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and nonce thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Ice Arena Commission was called to order at G:08 p.m. by Vice Chair Johnson. 2. Consider 4/13/10 Ice Arena Commission Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER FOSS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MALZAHN TO APPROVE THE APRIL 13TH, 2010 ICE ARENA COMMISSION AGENDA. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consider 1/13/10 Ice Arena Commission Minutes MOVED BY COMMISSIONER BARTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FOSS TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 13TH, 2010 ICE ARENA COMMISSION MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4. Ooen Mike No Discussion 5. Arena Financials Finance director Tim Simon notes that overall was a good year, financially. Ice rentals were above projected income and above 2008 totals. Revenue for recreation programs was down, however, the expenditures to run them were also down. Utilities expenses were significantly under what was projected. Arena Manager, Rich Czech notes the drop in utilities was due to several factors including raising the ice temperature, lowering the water temperature needed for making ice and that the humidity levels were adjusted. In addition the arena had an energy audit completed by Centerpoint. Czech also notes that we need to look at the hours that the recreation programs use when considering how much money they made. 6. Office of Energy/Security Grant Arena Manager Czech notes that we are in a waiting game with regards to the grants. We were awarded the full amount ($87,065.00) that we requested to complete all three projects. The last communications with the State Office of Energy Security were that they wanted to know how we would be disposing of the old lights, boilers, etc. Tim Simon has answered their questions, and now we are waiting for the next step. Czech states that he would like to start the projects as early as mid-May. Compressor Vessels/A S.M.E. Certification Vice Chair Johnson asks where we are not in compliance. Arena Manager Czech states that he is looking for clarification on the definition of a vessel. We have always passed inspections in the past, and wants to know if rules have changed, or why these particular vessels need to be tagged. The cost would be $5,000 per unit X 4 units if it needs to be replaced. The insurance company suggests replacing the units as it would be cheaper than having them tested. Vice Chair Johnson inquires if our insurance could be withheld if we are not in compliance. Commissioner Malzahn suggests that Arena Manager Czech contact our previous insurance company to see if there is are new rules, or what their perimeters for inspecting were. 8. Indoor Air Oualitv for Ice Arenas Arena Manager Czech notes that the regulations for Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide have been the same since the 1970s. However Representative Rick Hanson is trying to change the standards, including requiring continuous monitoring via electrical systems at ice level. However, no monitoring devices have been approved to use. At this point, if arenas are all electrical (Zamboni's and edgers) then they would not be effected. Vice Chair Johnson notes that at this point, since we do have a gas edger, we would only be effected by at $350 fee until 2013 when we would have to be in compliance. Arena Manager Czech states that a new edger would cost approximately $6100. He also notes that the requirements are still changing daily and that he will keep the commission posted with new developments. 9. Ice Rates A list, provided by Arena bfanagex Rich Czech, of some of the northwestern metro Arena's proposed ice rates fox the 2010-2011 season were reviewed by the Arena Commission. Arena Manager Czech noted the Arena's rates as $170.00 prime time and $145.00 non-primetime. Mr. Czech noted that the Prime Time Ice Rate has not been increased fox the past 2 years, while the building has been in need of more repairs as it gets older to keep the building operating efficiently and safe. Mx. Czech recommended that the prime time ice rate fox the regular season (September-Mid March) be increased by $5.00/an hoax- bringing it to $175.00/hour while keeping the non-prime rate at the current level. It would still put us below the average of $181 for the Northwest Metro azenas. Commissioner Malzahn inquired if Youth Hockey was aware of the proposed increase. Mr. Czech states that he had contacted the treasurer, and in addition, the Youth Hockey President also receives a commission packet. Commissioner Malzahn notes that he heard from the Youth Hockey President Lyle Slawson and he urges us to keep the rates the same for one more year. He states that they have been considering purchasing ice at other arenas if our prices increase, including Fogerty and Princeton. Vice Chair Johnson notes that the reason that we have held the rates the past two years was in lazge part due to Youth Hockey. Commissioner Barth notes that while the school would like to see the rates stay the same as well, considering the fact that the rate has stayed the same for the past two years, he believes that a $5/hr increase is fair. Arena Manager Czech notes that the reason that Ice is cheaper at Fogerty is due to the fact that it is subsidized by gaming, as well Princeton having built a new sheet is having trouble selling their ice. Commissioner Malzahn relates that Slawson considers this Youth Hockey's time of need, and brings up the fact that they helped finance the bleachers several years ago. Malzahn also inquires as to when the change would take place. Arena Manager Czech notes it starts with the new season, in September Commissioner Malzahn asks if we could meet in the middle and have it start effective January 1 s`? Arena Manager Czech notes it is possible. Vice Chair Johnson notes that due to the absence of Jerry Gumphrey and Chair Martin that the issue should be tabled until August. (Commissioner Barth leaves) 10. Other Business Vice Chair Johnson inquires about the Wall of Fame. Arena Manager Czech notes, that he will check with Kent to see if any progress has been made. Arena Manager Czech notes that the August meeting will need to be rescheduled due to primary elections. The official form will be sent to Chair Martin and the commission will be informed of the change. Commissioner Malzahn requests that the Commission packets be sent sooner as he did not feel he had enough time to review. 11 Adjournment MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MALZAHN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FOSS TO ADJOURN MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 3-0 The meeting of the Elk River Ice Arena Commission was adjourned at 722pm. Minutes Prepared by Laura Estby ,. / ^/ l Tina Allard, City Clerk ~~~~ Martin, Chair