01-14-2009 ICE MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ICE ARENA COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY OF ELK RIVER
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14`h, 2009
Members Present: Chair Martin, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners Barth, Foss,
Malzahn
Members Absent: Commissioner Gumphrey
Staff Present: Finance Director Tim Simon, Arena Manager Rich Czech, Arena
Assistant Laura Estby
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 6:04 p.m. by Chair Martin.
2. Consider 1/14/09 Ice Arena Commission A eg nda
MOVED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMSSIONER MALZAHN TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 14tH,
2009 ICE ARENA COMMISSION AGENDA. THE MOTION
CARRIED
5-0.
3. Consider 8/6/08 Ice Arena Commission Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER BARTH AND SECONDED BY VICE
CHAIR JOHNSON TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 6, 2008 ICE ARENA
COMMISSION MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No Discussion
5. 2008 Financial Update
Finance Director Tim Simon stated that the City has a balanced budget,
however we are unsure about the amount of Local Government Assistance
that we will receive in 2009. As a result, all City Departments were asked to
bring budget items to the table that can be postponed until we know how
much aid we will have. The Ice Arena presented the addition of a window in
the seating area of the arena, as well as the roof in the barn. Discussion took
place regarding the safety concerns about putting off the roof another year, as
this has been an issue for several years. Arena Manager Rich Czech stated that
an engineer will need to be brought in to evaluate the roof as it is to see if the
project can be put off due to the structural condition of the roof, and to see if
the plan to add another layer to the roof as opposed to stripping it off and
starting new was feasible. In addition, an engineer could help determine if a
patch could be put on the roof in the event that the new roof is not completed
this year.
Finance Director Tim Simon notes that the Skating Academy has brought in a
lot of revenue this year. Arena Manager Rich Czech notes, that the revenue
may still not equal what the cost would be to sell the ice to a different
customer.
Commissioner John Barth introduces the possibility of generation more
revenue with skate sharpening. Arena Manager Rich Czech states that a new
state of the art sharpener can cost between $25,00-$30,00. In addition, it
would also require much more sophisticated training of staff to be able to
utilize it properly. Czech notes that perhaps when the lobby is expanded, this
is an issue that we can revisit in the future.
Commissioner John Barth introduces complaints he has received about the
temperature in the arena. Consensus among the commissioners is this issue
has been addressed previously, and to heat the building further is cost
prohibitive. Arena Manager Czech states that the arena has been cutting back
on the heat in an effort to conserve energy costs, but suggests that if the
commission would like to step the heat back up, that he is willing to work
with them. Czech also notes that he is researching the possibility of having a
pay heating machine so that customers can pay for heat while they are using
the arena.
6. New Zamboni
Arena Manager Rich Czech states that he is very happy with the new Zamboni,
and notes that the fact that it is electric means that we do not have to worry
about pollution. He also notes that he has an advertiser for the old Zamboni,
however this will have to wait until April when the ice is melted off of the barn
as we need to have two running Zams all of the time during this busy season.
7. Alumni Game
Arena Manager Rich Czech states that he would like to try to put together an
alumni event for this summer, and if it is successful, try to repeat the effort
every 5 years. Vice Chair Ron Johnson suggests that this could be a good fund
raising effort for Youth Hockey.
Staff Updates
Arena Manager Rich Czech notes that the possibility of a gun and knife show
as a dry floor event is still in question. The event organizer is not sure that he
wants to pursue an event in Elk River as he has two successful shows in
Anoka.
Commissioner John Barth also notes that the arena would also have to work
with the city to bring weapons across school property.
Chair Dale Martin questions why security cameras needed to be installed.
Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that it is helpful to monitor when damage
is being done to the rink. Currently six cameras are in place, however, Czech
wishes to add one to the hallway in the Olympic and one in the front entry.
Czech also notes that it has been helpful in noting that some coaches are not
enforcing the helmet policy in the shooting area. Commissioner Malzahn
suggests making an announcement over the loud speakers in the barn when
helmets are not being used.
Vice Chair Johnson inquires about the program that was implemented
allowing frequent customers to the arena having the option of selling
advertising for fundraising. Arena Manager Rich Czech noted that tri-fold
brochures were created, printed and distributed to Youth Hockey and to the
Skating Academy, however, no advertising has been sold at this point to our
knowledge.
9. Other Business
Commissioner John Barth suggests the commission's approval for a
broadcasting program that has been presented to the high school. The Webcast
America company would provide all of the equipment necessary for free as
long as they have the option to sell advertising. In exchange, the school would
form a club that would narrate and stream video of games live on the web, as
well as in archival form.
MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER BARTH TO ALLOW THE
WEBCAST AMERICA COMPANY TO PROVIDE MOTION CAMERA
AND TO INSTALL AN ANTENNA IN THE ARENA TO PROVIDE
THE CAPABILITY OF WEBCASTING LIVE AND ARCHIVAL
VIDEO OF HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY GAMES. SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MALZAHN SUBJECT TO PLACEMENT
APPROVAL OF ANTENNA LOCATION BY ARENA MANAGER.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
10. Adjournment
MOTIONED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON, SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FOSS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Minutes P ared by a by
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Tina Allard, City Cl/er
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Dale Martin, Chair