CC 09-09-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I ~. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I {t I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 9.1996 8 Mr. Kreidler pointed out the National Sports Center Ice Arena will need to remain competitive with other rinks so an increase will probably not happen. He advised that the present rate of $125 per hour is in the middle range of what is currently being charged and by the time the facility is completed, it will probably be at the lower level. Mr. Kreidler stated the proposed National Sports Center Ice Arena will have four Olympic-sized rinks which can be used more productively and will be a one-of-a-kind facility in the country. Councilmember Hicks presented an analogy of a shopping center where each family only has a certain number of dollars to spend and questioned the future financial situation of rinks that will lose business to the new arena. Mr. Kreidler stated there are only 1,100 hours of ice time available during the prime-time period so the Hockey Associations will have to go elsewhere to purchase additional prime-time hours needed for their programs. Mr. Lawrence concurred and added that the hockey season for younger players does not start until the end of December and goes through March. He explained the Hockey Association wants younger participants to start earlier but are unable to do so because there is no ice time for younger players to use. Councilmember Keirn brought up that Colwnbia Arena has major structural problems and will need to redirect some of their ice time. Councilmember Hicks questioned the recently constructed facility at Inver Grove Heights. Mr. Kreidler explained the facility is a two-sheet arena, one permanent and the other under a bubble. Councilmember Hicks stated the cost of $3.8 million included Park Department offices and a senior center, and residents are suggesting such an option be considered. Mr. Lawrence noted there is no seating around the second sheet at Inver Grove Heights but the National Sport Center Ice Arena will have seating around all four sheets of ice and intends to attract State as well as international tournaments. Mr. Fritsinger advised of discussions to deal with adding a second sheet at Shoreview but it was determined that costs would be higher, as indicated tonight by Mr. Kreidler and supported by estimates being presented by the MASC. With regard to the question about the ability to utilize 2,080 ice hours, Mr. Greg Mack, Ramsey County Parks Director, has indicated that the Hockey Association request in 1996 was for approximately 1,500 hours from Mounds View and approximately 550 hours from lrondale; but the Associations received only approximately 1,200 hours from that request. Mr. Fritsinger stated typically, the Hockey Associations can use more hours but Ramsey County can only allocate a certain nwnber of hours and there are approximately 2,400 to 2,600 hours of demand it cannot meet. Councilmember Hicks thanked Mr. Kreidler for his presentation and wished him success in his talks with Ramsey County.