08-19-2003 ICE MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ICE ARENA COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER PUBLIC SAFETY — POLICE CONFERENCE ROOM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2003
Members Present: Chair Martin, Commissioners Johnson,Tveite, Madsen, Halgren, and
Jackett (6:17 p.m.)
Members Absent: Commissioner Aro
Staff Present: Rich Czech,Arena Manager;Pat HIaers, City Administrator;Jessica Miller,
Recording Secretary
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 08/19/2003 Ice Arena Commission Agenda
COMMISSIONER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 19, 2003 ICE
ARENA COMMISSION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER MADSEN SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Minutes of April 1 2003 Ice Arena Commission Meeting
COMMISSIONER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 1, 2003 ICE
ARENA COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. COMMISSIONER MADSEN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
5. Review 2003 Finance Information and 2004 Budget
Ice Arena Manager Rich Czech presented 2003 and 2004 budget information. Mr. Czech
stated that the revenues for 2003 will end up very close to what was budgeted. He noted that
the Zamboni battery needs to be replaced this year and will cost approximately$6,000 that
was not in the budget for 2003. Mr. Czech stated that the admission figures should come in
close to what is budgeted for 2003 but may vary depending on what the newly formed
Rogers teams bring in for attendance. The Commission discussed the projections for 2004
revenues and expenditures.
Commissioner Jackett arrived (6:17 p.m.).
COMMISSIONER HALGREN MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE 2004 ICE
ARENA BUDGET AS PRESENTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR
tee Anna Commission Minutes
August 19,2003
Page 2
APPROVAL. COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
6. Ice Usage Update
Arena Manager Rich Czech reviewed the actual ice usage from September 2002 through
March 2003 and the tentative ice usage from September 2003 through March 2004. Rich
noted that many of the hours for March are not scheduled yet because the groups did not
want to be locked into ice time they may not need. It is anticipated that as the season begins,
the groups will begin to buy ice time for March which will add an additional 175-200 hours
to the total number of hours sold for the season.
Mr. Czech noted that the school district is now beginning the majority of their afternoon
practices at 2:50 p.m. instead of 3:10 p.m. This allows more primetime hours to be available
for rent because the last hour of the night is twenty minutes earlier than last season.
City Administrator Pat IQaers asked when open skating time had been set aside. Mr. Czech
stated that time will be set aside for open skating on Sundays when the schedule permits.
7. Rink Floor of the Barn
Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that the Barn floor is in need of being replaced. He stated
that the chance of the floor giving out in the fall when the ice is being installed is getting
higher every year and if this were to happen the arena would lose revenues due to lost ice
rental time. Rich indicated that he would like the Commission to have a plan in place for the
floor's replacement.
City Administrator Pat Klaers indicated that there should be money available in 2005 from
the government buildings reserves if the Council chooses to designate it for the floor
replacement. Mr. Klaers stated that another possibility would be to do internal loans (by way
of using the liquor store funds and/or NSP reserve) and replace the floor in 2004 because
there is no telling if the floor would last until 2005. Mr. IQaers expressed concerns about lost
ice time if the floor were to break during the skating season.
The Commission discussed the options of having partnerships in this project, raising ice
time rates, and adding surcharges to ice hours. After discussion, it was the consensus of the
Commission to look at having the city fund this project alone and save the partnerships for
other projects.The Commission also decided against raising ice rates or adding surcharges to
pay for the project.
Mr. IQaers questioned if the City Council approved the floor replacement for 2004,would
that be enough time to have the project completed by fall of 2004. He stated that there is
money set aside in equipment reserves for the ice arena and these funds could be used to
begin preliminary work (i.e. soil borings, etc.).
COMMISSIONER HALGREN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY
COUNCIL THAT FUNDS BE ALLOCATED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF
THE BARN FLOOR IN 2004 BUT THAT IN THE MEANTIME, FUNDS BE
ALLOCATED TO BEGIN PRELIMINARY WORK ON THE PROJECT.
Ice Arena Commission iv[tnutes
August 19,2003
Page 3
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
8. Beverage Contract
Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that the beverage contract with Bernicks Pepsi expires in
September. He stated that he has been negotiating with Bernicks and is not entirely pleased
with what Bernicks is offering. He noted that in the last contract with Bernicks, two
scoreboards were negotiated. Mr. Czech stated that he may contact Viking Coke and see
what they are willing to offer.
Commissioner Halgren questioned if the arena switches to Viking, would the scoreboards be
the arena's to keep. Mr. Czech stated that the Bernicks contract was written so that if the
arena chose to buy out of the contract, the scoreboards could be purchased with the fee
lowering every year and this year there would be no cost.
9. Staff Updates
Arena Manager Rich Czech provided the Commission with an update on new city hall and
arena phone numbers, advertising, summer projects, and the dryfloor activities.
10. Other Business
Commissioner Madsen stated that the Youth Hockey meeting is Wednesday,August 20,
2003 and at that meeting a new Youth Hockey representative may be appointed to serve on
the Ice Arena Commission. He stated that Commissioner Aro no longer lives in Elk River
and no longer has a child in the league.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Park Ice Arena Commission adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Miller
Recording Secretary