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I ~. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I I i' I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 9. 1996 5 Councilmember Hicks inquired why the Irondale registration has not increased more significantly. Mr. Kreidler stated he cannot explain why Irondale numbers are stagnant. Councilmember Hicks questioned whether there is actually an increased need for additional ice hours. Kurt Lawrence, 4516 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, informed the Council that this may be the result of scheduling five-year-old hockey participants enrolled in the lrondale Program to practice at 6:00 a.m. in East Bethel. He stated he knows of one family who decided they could not have their child follow this schedule so they removed the child from the hockey program. Mr. Lawrence explained this is the situation with the lrondale program because there is no ice time available. He pointed out a need also exists for ice time for the girls hockey program which is growing greatly. Councilmember Hicks inquired regarding the rationale for requesting $500,000 from Ramsey County rather than $1 million. Mr. Kreidler explained the southern rink was approved at one time but not constructed. Now, the city of St. Paul indicated it would provide $1 million if matched by Ramsey County. Plus, the Highland Park rink qualified for the Mighty Ducks Legislation grant so they will have $2.5 to construct their rink. Mr. Kreidler advised there were some discussions held last week about a $1 million request, but Ramsey County is concerned that construction of two new rinks will dramatically affect its ability to sell ice at County rinks. Therefore, they only want one built, not two. Mr. Kreidler informed that the proposal is to construct a total of four rinks at the National Sports Center. The cities of Blaine and Coon Rapids have indicated they will each buy one rink and the Mounds View and lrondale Hockey Associations want to be the partner for the third rink. It is anticipated that the city of Brooklyn Park will take the fourth rink. Councilmember Hicks pointed out the Mounds View and lrondale programs only used 1,100 hours last year and inquired regarding their ability to utilize 2,080 hours per year. Mr. Kreidler pointed out that in 1993 they were able to purchase additional ice time at Columbia Arena and it was easily utilized. He stated he does not believe it will be a problem to use 2,080 hours of ice time per year. Councilmember Hicks stated he understands the Hockey Association's suggestion tonight that there is no request for financial support; however, the requested guarantee for City support is different in concept than principal, and he believes it is actually what the City is being asked to do. Mr. Kreidler agreed that if all of the 2,080 hours of ice time is not used, technically, the City would be responsible for that cost but the Hockey Associations will establish an escrow account to protect the cities from that possible contingency. Mr. Kreidler stated he does not believe this will occur but the escrow fund will be established to satisfy the City. Councilmember Hicks inquired regarding the use of the requested $500,000 from Ramsey County. Mr. Kreidler reviewed anticipated financing ofthe proposed National Sports Center Ice Arena via contribution of four participants and bonds sold by Anoka County. To be financially feasible, the four participants must guarantee the purchase of 2,080 hours of ice time per year. The Mounds View and Irondale Hockey Associations would have to guarantee 2,080 hours.