06-27-2011 ICE MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ICE ARENA COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY OF ELK RIVER
MONDAY, JUNE 27th, 201 14:30 PM
Members Present: Chair Martin, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners Foss, Niziolek,
Gumphrey
Members Absent: Commissioner Barth, Malzahn
Staff Present: Arena Manager Rich Czech, Arena Assistant Laura Estby
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 4:37 p.m. by Chair Martin.
2. Renovation Update
Chair Dale Martin notes that he has spoken with the Elk River Youth Hockey
Board, in which he highlighted the CIP projects that are in the near future, and
the opportunity to renovate the arena. He also presented them with figures that
the Arena Commission would like to see for financial commitments to help
with the project. He states that the board receptive, but they wanted to get a
full picture of their financials first.
Chair Martin also is working on meeting with the Blueline club to talk about
the project and possible financial commitments.
Vice Chair Johnson states that the school district is in the same position, they
are interested, however they want to see what happens with their legislative
funding before making any commitments.
Arena Manager Rich Czech states that Finance Director Tim Simon is
working on putting together estimated costs per household for the project.
Chair Martin hands out paperwork that he has presented(or will present) to the
major usergroups outlining how much money the Commission would like to
see annually to support the project.
Vice Chair Johnson notes that the Commission will not have anything firm to
present to the City Council for the July 11 cn worksession.
Chair Martin notes that he will follow up with Paul Paige from Elk River
Youth Hockey, but that for a financial commitment of this magnitude, they
may wish to take an online poll or vote from their members.
Elk River Figure Skating Club President Brad Hansen states that the Club is in
full support of a renovation, provided it isn't just putting a bandaid on the
current building. He notes they have already discussed it in their board
meeting, and had estimated a $3,000-5,000/yr commitment.
Chair Martin said he will continue talks with Matt Westgaard from the Girls
Booster Club and try to get letters of commitment from all of the major
usergroups, but that he suspects Youth Hockey will not commit until the
School District does.
Commissioner Gumphrey notes that the council will be looking for firm
commitments, and suggests putting off the meeting with the City Council until
August(3rd Monday), as hopefully we will have more commitments then. He
states if there are no commitments, there will have to be a referendum.
Arena Manager Czech suggests moving scheduled arena commission August
meeting earlier so that we can see where we are at before the City Council
meeting.
Commissioner Gumphrey inquires to the annual cost to have a player in youth
hockey
Arena Manager Czech states that it depends on the level of the player, as well
as if they are in-house only or on a travel team, and if they participate in
tournaments.
Elk River Figure Skating Club Board Member DeAnn Givens estimates it is
between $1200-$1500/annually.
Chair Martin will inform major usergroups about the change to August for our
meeting with the City Council.
Arena Manager Czech commits to speaking with Superintendant Bezek to find
out when they should know about their state financing. He also notes that he
has talked to Coach Wesloh, and that while he was interested in the project, he
expressed concern about the additional cost to the players. Czech suggests
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adding incentives, i.e. Free use of meeting room, etc to groups we are seeking
financial commitments from.
Arena Manager Czech agrees to remove the Arena Commission from the July
City Council Agenda, and add them to the August one. He also will look into
conflicts with moving our regularly scheduled arena commission meeting in
August to the 1 sc Tuesday of the month. He will also try to get more financial
breakdown information from Finance Director Tim Simon.
Chair Martin agrees to get in touch again with the major usergroups to try to
get a financial commitment from them by August.
Vice Chair Johnson thanks the Elk River Figure Skating Club for being on
board both verbally and financially.
3. Adiournment
MOTIONED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FOSS TO ADJOURN. MOTION CARRIED 5-0 AT
S:IOPM
Minutes Prepared by
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Tina Allard, Ctty Clerk ,
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Dale Martin, Chair