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04-08-2008 ICE MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, APRIL 8 2008 TH Members Present: Chair Martin, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners Foss, Malzahn, and Farber Members Absent: Commissioner, Barth, and Page Staff Present: Arena Manager, Rich Czech, Finance Director, Tim Simon, Arena Assistant, Laura Estby 1.Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Ice Arena Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Martin. 2.Consider 4/8/08 Ice Arena Commission Agenda 3.Consider 1/9/08 Ice Arena Commission Minutes MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MALZAHN AND SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 8, 2007 ICE ARENA COMMISSION MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4.Open Mike No Discussion 5.2008 Financial Update Arena Manager, Rich Czech stated that revenue generated from vending machines is down, speculated that having a seating area might help with vending/concession sales. Finance Director, Tim Simon presented 2007 figures including an increase in ice rental, but a decrease in revenue from dry floor events. Overall revenues are up from 2006 and were better than projected for 2007. Discussion took place regarding new expenses versus new revenue opportunities if the expansion takes place. Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that the arena would be in a better position to host tournaments when the expansion is complete. Commissioner Farber suggests that the figure skating program could benefit as well. Commissioner Johnson inquires about what other rinks are doing to make money. Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that we are on track with ice events, however, we need to focus more on dry floor events, suggests gun show, and car show. Rich also suggests increasing the cost of open hockey to $7.00. Discussion takes place regarding vending machines and video games. Arena Manager states that our contract with our current pop/vending company is up in September, and we should re-evaluate at that time. Rich also notes that he will be raising the cost of items in the vending machines over the summer. Commissioners and staff thank Finance Director Tim Simon for his presentation. 6.Lobby Expansion for the Arena / Naming Rights for the Arena Vice Chair Johnson discusses naming rights with commissioner Farber. Farber states that the estimated revenue from the naming rights would be $250,000-300,000. The company that is interested is not currently in a position to give the money, however the interest is still there. Farber also states that the numbers are looking better for the expansion, and that Superintendent Bezek would still like to move forward with the new locker rooms, however we would need to get started on that project soon. Commisioner Malzahn suggests trying to get seed money from company interested in naming rights so that we could draft plans, and possibly try to get the city to match funds? Arena Manager, Rich Czech suggests a payment plan for the company so that the project can get a jump start. Commissioners discuss cost of drawing up plans. Commissioner Malzahn suggests attempting to get funding from Youth hockey program. 7.Replacement of Rink Light Fixtures Arena Manager, Rich Czech will be adding new light fixtures for over the Olympic rink in the Arena’s Capital Improvement Plan for 2009 along with the roof for the Barn side of the Arena.. Rich discussed the difference between using LED and fluorescent lighting. Rich states that he will apply for a grant to assist with the new lighting costs. Commissioners discussed the possibility of using some of the money from the ticket sales fund to help finance the project. Rich indicated that he wasn’t sure how tight the budget would be this year and that the council and staff will have to determine if both projects could be completed in 2009. 8.High School Coaches Wall of Fame Rich Czech, the Arena Manager, noted that hopefully some progress will be made on this front in August, and that Kent Madsen needs to be on board. 9.Ice Rates Rich Czech, Arena Manager opens up the floor to the Commissioners regarding raising the cost of ice. Rich referred to the ice rate study that he and Mike Bauer, the Arena Manager from Rogers, put together to evaluate the rates of other north metro Arenas. Arena Manager, Rich Czech recommended keeping the regular season rates where they were at for one more year and look at the 2009 summer rates at the August meeting. Rich noted that he is concerned with the rising cost of ice rates throughout the metro, we may start seeing participation in skating declining due to the increasing expenses, however with the rising costs of operations funds fees throughout the metro continue to increase. Arena Manager, Rich Czech noted that several adjustments in the Arenas utility equipment has been made to help reduced costs, but noted that added fees to items such as heat to the bleachers may need to be implemented to curtail the rising costs of ice time. Commissioners discuss the rates of other rinks and what other rinks considered prime time hours versus non prime time. MOVED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FARBER TO RAISE PRIME RATES FROM $165 TO $170/HR, TO KEEP NON-PRIME RATES THE SAME, AND TO EXPAND WEEKDAY PRIME TIME TO 10:20PM. MOTION CARRIED 4-1. 2009 summer rates will be discussed at the August meeting. 10. New Zamboni Arena Manager, Rich Czech noted that the new Zamboni should be here in October. Rich is still looking for a sponsor and is hope to have one before the arrival of the machine. Rich noted that before the machine is put into operations, the machine will be highlighted at westbound liquors since the machine was purchased from liquor store funds. Vice Chair Johnson suggests fundraising through the liquor stores. 11. Staff Updates Arena Manager, Rich Czech updated the commissioners on upcoming events, and projects that will take place over the spring and summer months. Some of rd the events include; the craft fair on May 3, the Kids Garage Sale, and the Circus. The Barn has also been ranted out for a roller blade clinic by the high school hockey coach Tony Sarsland. Some of the maintenance items that were discussed were; top ends on a couple of the compressors, painting most of the Arena, center groove in the barn, and general maintenance throughout the Arenas equipment. 12. Other Business None Discussed. 13. Adjournment MOVED BY CHAIR MARTING AND SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON TO ADJOURN MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Ice Arena Commission was adjourned at 7:43pm. Respectfully Submitted, Laura Estby Recording Secretary