08-11-2009 ICE MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ICE ARENA COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY OF ELK RIVER
TUESDAY, AUGUST I IT ~6:OOPM
.~c~C~
Members Present: Chair Martin, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners Foss, Malzahn,
Gumphrey
Members Absent: Commissioners Larson, Barth
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 6:02 p.m. by Chair Martin.
2. Consider 8/11/09 Ice Arena Commission A eg nda
MOVED BY VICE CHAIR JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MALZAHN TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 11Tx
ICE ARENA COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consider 4/14/09 Ice Arena Commission Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON TO APPROVE THE APRIL 14Tx, 2009 ICE
ARENA COMMISSION MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No Discussion
5. 2009 Financial update
Finance Director, Tim Simon states that 58% of the year is done, and that
overall revenues are down mainly in recreation programs. Operating
expenditures (utilities) are also down from last year. Concession sales are
down buy net profits have increased. Simon also notes that the "other income"
section of his report reflects the $1 in high school game ticket sales that is set
aside. At this point, that fund has about $40,000.
6. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Arena Manager Rich Czech notes that we will not receive word until
September if any of the projects that we submitted under the Federal Stimulus
Package will be approved. Czech also states that if we need to submit a grant
proposal, that we should consider hiring a professional.
Finance Director Tim Simon notes that the start process for the stimulus
package has been postponed until September 15t for cities with populations
under 35,000.
Commissioner Malzahn notes that we should research larger cities who have
already been approved for the stimulus money to see if their grant requests are
available for review as it should be public information.
(Commission moves on to #7 however, this issue is then revisited)
MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER GUMPHREY TO SEND
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE COSTS
FOR A PROFESSIONAL GRANT WRITER. SECONDED BY VICE
CHAIR JOHNSON. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7. Renovating the Barn's Roof
Arena Manager, Rich Czech states that work on the roof is approximately 1/3
completed. He suggests that when it is completed, that he will inquire if the
fire department could soak the roof so that we could check for leaks.
At this point he notes that there have not been any underlying issues found, but
that he suspects if any are discovered, they will be on the interior of the Barn.
8. Lighting Replacement for Ol r~npic Rink
Arena Manager Rich Czech states that Voss Lighting will have an estimate by
the end of the week. He suspects they will recommend "Super 8" fluorescent
lighting (50-60 fixtures) as well as lighting around the perimeter for the
walking track. However, he notes that we will need to wait to see if we receive
federal funding before proceeding, though he is optimistic as the lights have a
2-3 year payback time. In addition, these lights can be turned on in "banks" so
that we only use the lights we need to save additional money. Finally he notes
that we can also receive a $45 fixture rebate.
Vice Chair Johnson suggests that we incorporate new lighting for the Barn into
the estimate as well as the stimulus proposal. He also suggests using money
from the bleacher fund towards the project.
Chair Martin inquires about the status of the project if we do not receive federal
funding.
Arena Manager Czech states that money from the bleacher fund as well as
money that was saved from the barn roof could be used, however it would have
to be approved by the council.
9. Alumni Hockey Game
Arena Manager Czech notes that this has been postponed to next year due to
lack of interest, and for the success of the project we would need to have
sponsors.
Commissioner Gumphrey suggested moving the game to hockey season, and to
consider using a silent auction as a way to make additional money.
Chair Martin notes that interest may increase if we make the teams co-ed.
10. Ice Rates
Arena Manager Rich Czech states that Monticello and Rogers have prime rates
of $175, and that Rogers does not decide summer rates until December. Czech
also notes that Princeton has begun construction on another sheet of ice,
however he doesn't foresee that it will cause a loss in revenue to our arena.
Finally, he states that we will hold our prime rates until next year, so that we
can review how other rink's rates fluctuate.
MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER FOSS TO HOLD PRIME
RATES UNTIL NEXT YEAR. SECONDED BY MALZAHN. MOTION
CARRIES 5-0.
11. Chuck a Puck Fundraiser
Arena Manager Rich Czech states that he is working with Finance Director, Tim
Simon, The League of Minnesota Cities, and the City's Attorney to update our
policies. Should the school district continue the event, they would be liable in
case of injury. Our responsibilities, he notes, are to prevent injuries due to
inadequacies in our own facility.
Commissioner Malzahn notes that because the City also profits from the hockey
games, that they could be co-sued in case of injuries. He states that the arena
needs an indemnification clause to protect them.
Arena Manager Czech also states that he spoke with the absent Commissioner
Barth, and that Barth had gotten approval from the Superintendent to raise the
cost of adult hockey tickets to $7, with $1 still going into the bleacher fund.
Czech notes that the Rogers Activity Center receives more of the revenue from
ticket sales than we do, which he doesn't feel is fair, since we are in adjacent
school districts. He suggests meeting with the RAC manager with Finance
Director Tim Simon to go over their contract sometime in late August or early
September.
12. Zamboni Advertising
Arena Manager Rich Czech notes that the secondary Zamboni has an advertising
contract that amounts to $2600/year for 5 years.
13. Wall of Fame Updates
Arena Manager Rich Czech states that the project has been turned over to
Kent Madsen, and that at this time will feature only players and not coaches.
14. Staff Updates
A. Arena Manager Rich Czech notes that the kids consignment sale
in May was a success, and that there will be another one in
August, which brings in $1300 in revenue. He also notes that
we are trying to put together a Dodgeball tournament in
September, and that we have the possibility of hosting a
broomball tournament in April.
B. Czech notes that Skills Plus and Breakaway numbers are down,
however European Edge has had great numbers, which may
have impacted the other clinics. He states that the Breakaway
Bantam Jamboree was a success.
C. Czech notes that projects are on track, including mats, new
urinals, painting and compressors.
15. Other Business
Arena Assistant Laura Estby notes that research is being done for the possibility
of adding advertising monitors in the men's bathroom above the urinals. Czech
notes that he has had interest from Blink Bonnies and Jimmy Johns.
16. Adjournment
MOTION MADE BY COMMSSIONER MALZAHN TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FOSS. MOTION CARRIED AT
7:29PM 5-0.
~r
Minutes P epared ley ur~Estby
Tina Allard, ty Clerk
L~L~ - "
Dale Martin, Chair