Loading...
08-03-2004 ICE MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER ICE ARENA COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2004 Members Present: Chair Martin, Commissioners Halgren, Johnson, Malzahn, Polston-Rork and Tveite Members Absent: None Staff Present: Arena Manager Rich Czech, Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz, and Recording Secretary Jessica Miller 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 6:35 p.m. by Chair Martin. 2. Consider 08/03/04 Ice Arena Commission Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 3, 2004 ICE ARENA COMMISSION AGENDA. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of 04/13/04 Ice Arena Commission Meeting Commissioner Halgren made a minor change to the April 13, 2004 minutes. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK TO APPROVE THE APRIL 3, 2004 ICE ARENA COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WITH CHANGE. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Open Mike No one appeared for Open Mike. Review 2004 Financial Information and 2004 Budget Ice Arena Manager Rich Czech presented Arena financial summaries for 2003 and 2004 along with budget information from 2004 and a draft budget for 2005. Mr. Czech noted that the 2003 budget had to be adjusted over $64,000 to account for the floor repairs in the Barn. Mr. Czech stated that the ice rental amount should be near the $355,000 that was budgeted. He stated that the 2005 budget indicates a deficit of $66,850, excluding the capital outlay, which is an increase of approximately $20,000 from the 2004-budgeted amount. He noted that ice rentals are projected to increase but most of the other revenue sources are expected to remain the same or decrease. Ice Arena Commission Minutes August 3, 2004 Page 2 Commissioner Halgren questioned the outcome of the Becker/Big Lake discussion on ice rental. Mr. Czech stated that he spoke with the Becker/Big Lake Athletic Director Dwight Lundeen and he indicated that they would agree to sign athree-year commitment with our Arena. 6. Barn Floor Update/Old Boards Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that the concrete for the Barn floor has been poured and the installation of the boards is scheduled to begin August 9 and will take about two weeks to complete. He indicated that once the board installation is complete, a major cleaning of the Barn will be done and some of the rubber mats that were removed during construction will be reinstalled. Mr. Czech indicated that Elk River Youth Hockey is not interested in using the old boards. Discussion took place on what should be done with the old boards. The Commission expressed interest in keeping the boards local if possible. Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz stated that the boards could be advertised locally first and then advertised broader if necessary. The Commission expressed interest in holding a special meeting to review any bids received in order to make a recommendation to the City Council on which bid to accept. Mr. Czech was going to check with Finance Director Lori Johnson as to the bid rules and contact all Commission members with that information. School District Bleacher Paytnent Ice Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that in 2001 the Arena installed bleachers, heat, and an additional amplifier to the P.A. system in the Olympic rink. The total project cost was $83,000, of which Elk River Youth Hockey agreed to pay $30,000; the School District agreed to pay $30,000; and the city funded the remaining amount. The School District funds came from an additional $1.00 per ticket fee added to all High School Hockey games. Mr. Czech stated that the balance of the School District's contribution is $3,860.00 and that he would like to continue adding this $1.00 to the ticket price even after the balance of the bleachers is paid. This money could be used to pay for other improvements such as showers in the locker room and a lavatory for coaches and referees. Mr. Czech stated that he spoke to School District Athletic Director John Barth and he would support continuing the additional $1.00 fee but stated that the final decision would be that of the School Board. Mr. Czech will put together a priority list of projects that could be completed with this money and he will contact Mr. Barth to get on the School Board agenda. Ice Sales Us~ee Arena Manager Rich Czech reviewed the draft ice usage schedule for the 2004-2005 season. He stated that a majority of the hours are set but there may be minor changes before the season begins. Ice Rates Mr. Czech stated that at the Apri104 meeting, the Commission decided to hold off raising ice rates but wanted to review the 2005 ice rates at the August meeting. Mr. Czech reviewed a survey that he received listing other Arena's rates as well as Elk River's. Discussion took place and it was the consensus of the Commission to leave the ice rates the same and revisit Ice Arena Corrunission Minutes August 3, 2004 Page 3 this issue at the April 2005 Commission meeting to look at increasing them for the 2005- 2006 season. 9. Shooting Area Arena Manager Rich Czech indicated that the shooting area should be ready for use by mid- September. He stated that he has contacted other rinks that have shooting areas to find out what policies they have set up. He noted that the number one problem that rinks have is vandalism but noted that many of these rinks do not have checkout procedures in place. Mr. Czech stated that he would like to schedule the shooting area like ice is scheduled, either by associations or by teams and only allow individuals to use the area when accompanied by a parent. Commissioner Malzahn noted that the shooting area could be a distraction when a game is taking place. Mr. Czech stated that the shooting area would not be in use during Varsity games when admission is charged. Commissioner Tveite stated that he didn't believe the Arena should enter in to any long- term agreements until after the shooting area is open for a while. It was discussed that any agreement should include a waiver and the rules and regulations of the shooting area, including mandatory helmet use. Mr. Czech recommended that a nominal fee be charged to use the shooting area to recoup some of the costs associated with maintaining the area. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TVEITE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK TO ACCESS THE FOLLOWING FEES FOR 2005 FOR USE OF THE SHOOTING AREA: $300.00 PER YEAR TO ALL YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATIONS AND HIGH SCHOOLS FOR UNLIMITED USE OF THE AREA; AND $20.00 PER HOUR FOR OTHER USERS. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. It was noted that all users will need to schedule the area with the Arena similar to how they schedule ice time. 10. Hockey Player's Pictures in Rink Commissioner Halgren stated that the display of pictures in the rink needs to be discussed as there are many former Elk River players that have made great accomplishments and whom should be recognized. Mr. Czech stated that the current pictures hanging in the lobby are 10x14 with oak frames, which are large enough to catch the eye yet not too large. It was stated that uniformity of the pictures is a key issue and that one company should be selected to make the frames to achieve this uniformity. Mr. Czech stated that the current frames are made by Mike Jackson of Franklin Builders and he does a very nice job. Mr. Czech stated that the player could be directed to Mr. Jackson or the Arena could purchase the frame and bill it back to the player. The Commission felt it would be best to direct the player to Mr. Jackson and for the pictures to be brought to the Arena ready to be displayed. Ice Arena Commission Minutes August 3, 2004 Page 4 Discussion followed regarding what qualifications should be met to have a picture displayed in the Arena. It was the consensus of the Commission that in order to have a picture displayed in the Arena the player must have played at one of the following levels: ^ College -must have lettered at Varsity level ^ European Professional Hockey ^ National Hockey League (NHL) Affiliated Minor League Hockey ^ NHL The Commission felt that these requirements promoted college as well as showed accomplishment. It was questioned if there should be limitations to the number of pictures one player has displayed. It was discussed that due to the cost of the pictures and the fact that there is ample display space, that no limitations would be set on the number of pictures at this time. 11. Boards and Commission Policv Commissioner Tveite, the Ciry Council representative on the Commission, provided a brief overview of the discussion that took place regarding the new Boards and Commissions Policy. He stated that the new polity was approved at the August 2, 2004, City Council meeting. He noted that each Commission member will be receiving a Boards and Commissions Handbook soon. 12. Staff Updates Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that the Arena is looking at adding another dry floor event in 2005 which will be a hunting and camping show. Mr. Czech stated that it has not yet been decided if the show will be held in the spring or fall and that he hopes to talk to some possible vendors to see which season would be best. 13. Other Business Commissioner Malzahn stated that Elk River Youth Hockey revenue has declined by $10,000 from pull tab sales each of the last four years. He stated that this loss of income for Youth Hockey could become a larger issue as fees for Youth Hockey members can only be raised so much. Commissioner Malzahn indicated that Commissioner Madsen has resigned as the Youth Hockey representative to the Commission as he no longer has a child in Youth Hockey. He stated that Youth Hockey is looking for a replacement and should have one by the spring meeting. Commissioner Malzahn noted that the search for a new Commissioner would be simplified if Elk River residency was not a requirement. Ice Arena Commission 1~Iinutes August 3, 2004 Page 5 Commissioner Malzahn stated that the Blue Line Club would like to hold a youth night on December 11, 2004 when Elk River plays Centennial. Mr. Malzahn stated that the Club would like to hold it this night because they would like to see a large crowd. Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that the Centennial game is expected to draw a large crowd and that the Arena may lose too much money in ticket sales if the youths are let in for free. Commissioner Halgren agreed that too much money would be lost in ticket sales if youth night were held that night. Commissioner Tveite also agreed that too much money in ticket sales would be lost and suggested that the youth night be planned for a different night against another competitive team. It was the consensus of the Commission to have Mr. Czech work with Youth Hockey and the Blue Line Club to find a good date to hold this event. 14. Adjournment There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HALGREN 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 8:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~ Jessica Miller Recording Secretary