10-24-00 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE S SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 Discussion ensued regarding tracking actual usage of the ice rink. Mr. Winkel responded that the maintenance crews would be able to determine use from ice shavings during their daily sweeping of the rink; and Ms. Holmes responded that she would be willing to survey the neighborhood as well. Staff recommends that, based on last season's final rink numbers, Cummings Park pleasure rink be eliminated, due to it being hard to maintain, and safety issues regarding the dangerous location down slope from the hockey rink. MOTION: Crassweller moved and Messerly seconded a motion to recommend to the City Council that the pleasure rink at Cummings Park be eliminated, due to safety concerns. The motion carried unanimously. Committee member Speggen expressed concern that the rinks be monitored to prevent hockey players from overriding pleasure skaters during public skating times and due to the elimination of the pleasure rinks. Staff also sought direction on the issue of ice rink rental during public skating time. Staff provided current program policy during public open skating was that one (1) hour maximum could be reserved during public skating at no charge. Staff provided additional comments regarding concerns of residents and rink attendants; additional practice time for hockey teams and research with other area cities. Staff reported on their research with the cities of Roseville, Shoreview and Vadnais Heights regarding rentals during public use times. Staff reported that none of those three cities allow rentals during public use times. City staff recommends that, with the exception of two (2) hours per week for local hockey association use, no rentals be allowed during public use time. MOTION: Krenn moved and Zilmer seconded a motion to recommend to the City Council that staff be directed to no rentals be allowed during public use time, with the exception of two (2) hours per week for local hockey association use, and that adequate signage be provided stating City policy at the appropriate rinks. The motion carried unanimously. Staff also sought direction on the rental fee of $25.00 per hour for ice rinks. Last season's policy was that all rentals (after hours) required a rink attendant on duty at a rental fee of $25.00 per hour to cover staffing and lighting. Staff recommended that this policy remain status quo. MOTION: Crassweller moved recommendation to the City Council that the ice rink rental fee be increased to $35.00/hour. After further discussion, Mr. Crassweller withdrew the motion.