Loading...
04-13-2004 ICE MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004 Members Present: Chair iViartin, Commissioners Halgren, Madsen, Nlalzahn, Polston-Hork and Tveite Members Absent: Commissioner Johnson Staff Present: Arena Manager Rich Czech, City Administrator Pat Klaers, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller 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 04/13/04 Ice Arena Commission Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK TO APPROVE THE APRIL 13, 2004 ICE ARENA COMMISSION AGENDA. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3.A. Consider hlinutes of 8/19/03 Ice Arena Commission Meeting MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MADSEN TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 19, 2003 SPECIAL ICE ARENA COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3.B. Consider Minutes of 11/6/03 Ice Arena Commission Meeting MOVED BY COMMISSIONER HALGREN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 6, 2003 ICE ARENA COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Open Mike No one appeared fox Open Mike. Election of Officers MOVED BY COMMISSIONER HALGREN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE TO ELECT DALE MARTIN AS CHAIR FOR 2004. MOTION CARRIED G-0. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER HALGREN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE TO ELECT RON JOHNSON AS VICE CHAIR FOR 2004. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Ice Arena Commission Minutes April 13, ?004 Page 2 ........................... MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MADSEN TO ELECT DAVE HALGREN AS SECRETARY FOR 2004. MOTION CARRIED G-0. Review 2001 Operating Finances. Current Information on 2002 Financial Status and Proposed 2003 Budget Ice Arena Manager Rich Czech presented budget information for 2003 and 2004. Mr. Czech stated that the Barn was scheduled to have ice by the third week in September and due to the problems in the floor, the Barn was not operational until November 8. This caused the Arena to lose approximately $33,000.00 in ice sales and another $4,269.33 in programs that had to be cancelled. Mr. Czech noted that if not for the income loss from lost ice sales and programs due to the Barn starting later and the expense to repair the Barn floor, the Arena's net income loss would have been close to what was estimated in the budget. The Commission and City Administrator Pat Klaers commended Rich Czech and his staff for doing a great job working with the ailing Barn floor and for making the necessary repairs to keep it going through the winter. Review Ice Usage_ Demand. and Ice Rates Ice Usage Arena Manager Rich Czech presented ice usage details for the last three years. Mr. Czech noted that he believed if the Barn floor had been in operation on time the Arena would have exceeded 4,000 hours of ice rented this season. Demand Mr. Czech stated that last year was the first year for the Roger's High School programs and they will be looking at expanding this year. The boys are looking at increasing their hours from one hour a day to two hours a day and the girls from one hour a day to one and a half hours a day. Mr. Czech explained that in order to accommodate these additional hours the Arena would have to displace another customer or customer's hours. It was discussed that Becker/Big Lake may be the logical customer to let go as they are looking at moving their programs to Monticello if Monticello builds a rink this year. This would free up about 80 hours, which would take care of the increase in demand from the Roger's High School programs. It was noted that it would be nice to establish a long term working relationship with Rogers, but it's hard to overlook a good long-term customer like Becker/Big Lake. Mr. Czech stated that if Becker/Big Lake is released and Rogers builds their own rink, that this would leave 450 hours of ice to be rented which would be difficult to do. Commissioner Madsen questioned if we could require a longer commitment from Becker/Big Lake than we have in previous years. It was discussed that if Big Lake/Becker would commit to two years that it may be in the best interest of the Arena to keep them and Rogers High School and reduce Rogers Youth Hockey hours as needed. Icc tlcena Commission Minutes April 13, 2004 Page 3 ........................... MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HALGREN TO GIVE BECKER/BIG LAKE PRIORITY HOURS IF THEY COMMIT TO THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA FOR TWO YEARS BUT IF BECKER/BIG LAKE DECLINES TO COMMIT, THEY WILL NOT BE GIVEN PRIORITY HOURS. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Ice Rates Arena Manager Rich Czech presented information on area ice rink rates for both prime and non-prime hours. He noted that after reviewing the rates of other comparable arenas, he feels that our rates are at the lower tier of the going rate. Mr. Czech stated that ERYHA is already experiencing a $10 increase this year because the three-year agreement to hold their ice rates at $135 an hour in return for the $30,000 donation for the Olympic bleachers has ended. NIr. Czech stated that he does not feel that the hourly ice rates should be increased at this time, as this would add an additional burden to ERYHA members. Mr. Czech stated that he would like to review the ice rates at the August meeting, as this would give perspective customers time to plan for the increase. It was the consensus of the Commission to review rates at the August Ice Arena Commission meeting. Construction of the Barn Floor/Used Boards Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that on November 10, 2003, the City Council approved the replacement of the Barn's floor and dasher boards and on February 23, 2004, the City Council also approved the replacement of the condenser and the installation of a backpressure regulator in the Olympic plant. City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that the entire project will cost approximately $460,000 of which half will come from NSP Reserves and the other half from Liquor Store Reserves. Mr. Czech indicated that the removal of the old boards is the responsibility of the Arena and there is still a question of what to do with the used boards. Mr. Czech stated that until a decision is made, the boards could be put on pallets and stored at the Public Works facility. Discussion took place regarding what to do with the used boards. Mr. Czech stated that the boards could be dismantled, reused, or sold. It was the preference of the Commission to keep the boards locally if possible. Mr. Czech stated that Elk River Youth Hockey Association has expressed interest in possibly finding a location for the used boards in Elk River; however, state law prohibits the city from donating the boards to non-profit organizations so Youth Hockey would have to go through whatever process the city sets up. Commissioner Madsen indicated that Youth Hockey would like to have somewhere outside for organized practices, as many rinks do not allow organized practices or pucks. Mr. Czech suggested that a possibility would be to give the boards to the Parks and Recreation Commission and have Elk River Youth Hockey maintain the rinks because the Public Works Department does not have time to maintain additional rinks. Ice Arena Commission Minutes April 13, 2004 Page 4 .............................. Commissioner Polston-Hork stated that she will bring this issue forward for comments at the April 14, 2004, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Capital Improvement Plan CIP Arena hTanager Rich Czech provided the Commission with an update on the city's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). He stated that the Arena still has some larger items in the CIP but that these needs would need to be weighed against other needs within the city. 10. Parks and Recreation Director Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that the city is in the process of hiring a Parks and Recreation Director. l~Ir. Czech stated that this is a new position for the city and part of the person's responsibility will be to develop park systems and facility, which includes the Arena and supervision of the Arena Manager. 11. Sho,oting_Area Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that the area on the south end of the Barn where the bleachers have been removed has become a prime area for kids to gather for a pick up game of floor hockey or tag. NIr. Czech indicated that the pucks and balls sometimes fall along the main hallway and the area is not very safe due to the low railing overlooking the rink. Mr. Czech stated that discussion has taken place that Elk River Youth Hockey may use this area for a shooting area and other customers have expressed interest in using this area for stretching and other dry floor activities. He noted that this area would be better served by the customers if the Arena schedules it. Mr. Czech stated that the shooting area could be set up on his scheduling program and scheduled like ice. Mr. Czech indicated that a cyclone fence has been installed and removable shooting panels will be installed. The removable panels will allow the area to be used for activities other than shooting. A few sections of the used Barn boards and plexie glass will be used to secure the area as well as make it a safer place to use pucks. Mr. Czech stated that the fee structure for the area has not been established. The fees need to be established to cover the cost of maintenance on the area and so customers are responsible for the area. The fees could be a one-time fee or on a per hour basis. City Administrator Pat hlaers stated that the city's insurance issues need to be reviewed. It was noted that Elk River Youth Hockey members would have insurance that would cover them while using the shooting area. 12. Staff Updates Arena Advertisement Mr. Czech stated that North Memorial did not renew their advertisement on the Zamboni and a couple of other advertisers have been lost. Mr. Czech noted that a new advertiser is AMCAP mortgage. Ice Arena Commission iVlinutes April 13, ?004 Page 5 Commissioner Halgren questioned if Allina would be interested since they are growing in the community. Nir. Czech received a contact name from Commissioner Halgren and he stated that he would contact them. Summer Projects Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that in addition to the construction of the Barn's floor, the Arena staff has a few more projects they will be working on this summer. One project will be to level the sand in the Olympic rink. Some minor repairs to the boards as well as general maintenance to other parts of the Olympic rink will also be made. The new condenser and backpressure regulator will also be installed at this time. All work must be completed by June 1 so the ice will be ready to go by June 6. Some other projects include: installing rubber matting in the remaining locker rooms, applying a fresh coat of paint in several areas of the rink, detail cleaning, new siding on the outside of the Barn, waterproofing parts of the Barn roof, and completing the shooting area. Dryfloor Mr. Czech stated that the summer dance has been cancelled due to the construction of the Barn floor. He also stated that the Jose Cole Circus will take place on April 21, about a month earlier than usual, also due to the floor's construction. The Spring Craft Fair will be held May 1 and 2 prior to the construction. Mr. Czech stated that antiques have been added to the spring craft fair hoping to add more interest to the show as attendance at the craft Fairs have been steadily decreasing, not only at our craft fairs but at other fairs as well. He stated that the Arena is looking at expanding the advertising for these events. The Fall Craft Fair will be held September 18 and 19. 13. Other Business Commissioner Halgren stated that he would like to have a thank you note sent to Guy Varty on behalf of the Ice Arena Commission thanking him for the donation of pictures to the Arena. Commissioner Halgren stated that Mr. Varty was one of the original founders of Youth Hockey and he took pictures he had taken from the first two years of the Youth Hockey program and had them blown up and framed at Mikols Studio at his own expense. Mr. Varty also worked to identify a majority of the children in the photos. Arena Manager Rich Czech has the pictures hanging in the Olympic rink. Commissioner Madsen stated that there are some photographs of former Youth Hockey members that went on to play college hockey in the rink but that there are many more that the Arena needs to get. He stated that Mr. Czech is looking for direction on how to rank and set up the pictures. Mr. Czech stated that he would like all of the pictures to be framed the same size for uniformity. This issue will be brought back for discussion at the August Ice Arena Commission meeting. Ice Arena Commission 1~Iinutes April 13, ?004 Page 6 Commissioner Madsen stated that Elk River Youth Hockey is looking at adding another trophy case to the Arena and inquired if there would be room. Mr. Czech stated that it would be difficult to find room for an additional case. Commissioner Madsen stated that Elk River Youth Hockey is interested in having a bulletin board outside of the Arena that they have a key for. NIr. Czech stated that he believes the board would get vandalized outside. Commissioner Madsen stated he has safety issues with the orange fence that is up in the southeast corner of the Olympic Rink. He stated that kids running around are able to run right through the fence. Commissioner Madsen questioned if stairs could be constructed. Mr. Czech stated that stairs are too expensive but that staff would look into welding some pipe tubing between the rails. 14. Adjournment There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MADSEN TO ADJOURN THE MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA COMMISSION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park Ice Arena Commission adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~ Jessica Miller Recording Secretary