08-06-2008 ICE MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ICE ARENA COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY OF ELK RIVER
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6T", 2008
Members Present: Chair Martin, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners Barth, Foss,
Malzahn, Paige, and Farber
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Finance Director Tim Simon, Arena Manager Rich Czech, Arena
Assistant Laura Estby
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 6:03 p.m. by Vice Chair Johnson
2. Consider 8/6/08 Ice Arena Commission A enda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER MALZAHN AND SECONDED BY
COMMSSIONER FARBER TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 6TH, 2008
ICE ARENA COMMISSION AGENDA. THE MOTION CARRIED
7-0.
3. Consider 4/8/08 Ice Arena Commission Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FOSS TO APPROVE THE ARPIL 8, 2008 ICE
ARENA COMMISSION MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
4. Open Mike
No Discussion
5. 2008 Financial Update
Finance Director Tim Simon stated that the budget is proceeding as scheduled
except for the utilities. Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that in addition,
enrollment for Youth Hockey, Skating Academy, Skills Plus and Breakaway
are all down Rich suggests contacting Big Lake to see if they still needed ice
time, as they had inquired in the past.
6. Summer Ice Rates
Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that based on available information on
ice rates at other rinks, he doesn't believe that $145 is unreasonable, however
he expresses concern with out pricing our customers. Vice Chair Johnson
motions to raise the prime rates to $145 and to leave the non prime rates at
$115, and also to give Rich negotiation rights. Commissioner Malzahn notes
that it needs to be clarified that negotiation rights refers to Rich's right to
"deal" with the price of ice. Commissioner Paige requests the possibility of
preferred rate status based on the number of hours bought per year or the
percentage over all ice bought. Chair Martin suggests keeping this line of
dialogue open.
MOTIONED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FARBER TO CHANGE SUMMER ICE RATES TO
$145 FOR PRIME AND TO KEEP RATES AT $115 FOR NON PRIME,
WITH NEGOTIATION RIGHTS FOR ARENA MANAGER RICHARD
CZECH. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
7. Liquor Store Event
Finance Director, Tim Simon notes that for an event to take place at the liquor
store, insurance might be needed. In addition there would be space constraints.
He suggests trying something along the lines of the taste of Elk River, perhaps
at a restaurant. Chair Martin suggests having Youth Hockey spearhead the
event. Commissioner Paige suggests using the golf course. Commissioner
Barth suggests tying the event in with registrations.
8. Replacement of Rink Light Fixtures
Arena Manager Rich Czech notes that the lights have been put on hold due to
the economy. The roof in the barn is taking precedence due to leakage which
could ultimately have structural consequences. It was noted that lighting and
insulation has a 3 year payback. During further discussion it was noted that
the number of building permits has declined from 500/yr to 20.
9. High School Coaches Hall of Fame
Arena Manager, Rich Czech states Kent Madson will continue to seek out the
remaining stats needed. Commissioner Barth suggests contacting Mr. Loftus
to obtain Tony's statistical information. He also notes that Brian Orack from
Zimmerman makes the.displays for the Hall of Fame exhibits in the High
School. Commissioner Farber suggests asking Steve Rolf as well. Arena
Manager Rich Czech will inform Kent to proceed with pricing, etc and to
present the suggestions to the council. Vice Chair Johnson suggests sticking
only with the head coaches instead of including the assistant coaches.
Arena Manager, Rich Czech discusses possibilities for highlighting the Youth
Hockey Coaches and Skating Coaches, perhaps at a game? Vice Chair Johnson
inquires about the procedure if a coach does not wish to be included in the Hall
of Fame. Commissioner Paige suggests adding a section to the hockey
newsletter highlighting specific coaches.
10. New Zamboni
Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that Waste Management was a possible
advertiser, however they wanted to be considered for the city's bid, and that
decision had already been made. Czech notes his next pursuit will be Randy's
Sanitation, as Great River Energy declined. Vice Chair Johnson suggests
getting Sonics involved. Arena Manager, Rich Czech also suggests
advertising on the Zamboni with panels instead of graphics if we cannot
find a sponsor. Commissioner Barth notes that this might be a better option as
there could be multiple advertisers at one time this way.
11. Staff Updates
Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that the Craft Show continues to sellout
for vendor space, however, it seems that the quality is going down.
Mr. Czech notes that we are waiting to hear from Community Education to see
If the parking lot is available for a car show next year on 6/14/09. Discussion
takes place regarding the Anoka Car Show and the possibility of it moving.
Arena Office Assistant, Laura Estby suggests having a judging system in place
for craft vendors to help improve the quality. Arena Manager Czech states that
since we are only a fair on our own, and not part of a greater community
celebration, that we would have a hard time bringing in that caliber of vendors.
Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that the Figure Skating Show was the
largest it has ever been, with over 95 skaters participating.
Manager Czech notes that the former video machine area is completed except
for the tables, which are awaiting approval from the City Council to use
land fill abatement funds.
Commissioner Farber suggests getting recycled materials for insulation. Arena
Manager, Rich Czech will research the possibilities, and notes that the tables
which are being purchased for the former video machine area are made from
100% recycled materials.
Commissioner Paige suggests looking into working on the acoustics in the
Olympic Rink. Arena Manager, Czech states that $2200 is in the budget for
Acoustic paneling, per the suggestion of Sound Engineer Paul Estby of the
Guthrie Theater.
Arena Manager, Rich Czech confirms for Finance Director, Tim Simon that
The $100,000 budgeted for the new roof also includes insulation. Manager
Czech also notes that security cameras will be part of the budget as well
to assist with vandalism and damage problems.
12. Other Business
None Noted
13. Adjournment
MOTIONED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON, SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FOSS. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Minutes Prepared by Laura Estby
`_~ ~~
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Dale Martin, Chair