ICESR MEMO 12-05-2003 ELK RIVER ARENA
100 SCHOOL STREET NW
ELK RIVER, MN 55330
(763) 635 — 1141
Fax (763) 635 — 1144
rcz_echlu>ci.elk-river.mn.us
To: Arena Commission
From: Rich Czech
Date: December 5, 2003
Subject: Arena Update
Saying we had a tough time getting ice in the Barn this past fall would be an
understatement. With a reluctance of not giving up, long hours from staff and myself,
technical support from Mark Rodrigo from Commercial Refrigeration, and many prayers
we were able to sustain ice in the Barn. Once we had ice in the Barn, we noticed a couple
of areas where the ice was not setting up as fast as the rest of the rink. This was caused
from pipes being either plugged or restricted. One area in particular where two or three
pipes together were plugged was not setting up at all, causing this area of the ice to have
a dip in it. After trying several different ideas to maintain this area, we decided that
something needed to be done. On November 26th we went back into the floor to try to
remove any impurities from theses three pipes. We were able to get the outside pipes
pretty clean, however we were unable to completely remove all the impurities from the
middle pipe. We felt that since we were able to clean the other two pipes,we could deal
with this pipe being a slow pipe, the refrigerant will still go through the pipe, but not at
the volume it would if the pipe did not have ant restrictions.
Once the system was back on line it looked like we were successful in our efforts,
however over the weekend it looks like the pipe we could not completely clean was
plugged again. The area in question sets up a great deal faster than it did before, but with
the one pipe being plugged this area could be a problem area that we may have to fix
before the season is over. We will be keeping a close eye on this area throughout the
season.
On November 10th the council voted 5— 0 to move forward with the replacement of the
Barn's floor and the installation of new dasher boards in the Barn. The project will begin
next May and should be completed in August.
With the Arena adding new customers and the summer months being busier each year, it
might be a good idea to add an Arena Commission meeting either in late December or
early January. This meeting could be used to discuss the current season as well as the
forthcoming season. By April, the next scheduled Commission meeting, a lot of decisions
are made regarding the budget, summer project, and ice sales. I would appreciate any
feedback from you regarding adding a meeting.
The Arena will be hosting a Skate with Santa Open Skating session. This will be a free
event to the public; the Arena will be accepting non-perishable food items that will be
given to CAER. The event will be held Sunday December 14th from 12:00—2:00pm with
free apple cider and cookies available along with a small gift for all children.
The Volunteer Recognition Dinner is tentatively scheduled for April 22,2004 at the
Blackwood's Banquet and Conference Center. Please let me know if you have a conflict
with this date. Joan Schmidt, the new City Clerk, would like to confirm this date by
December 15`h.