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: Minutes of Finance Committee Meeting, September 19 Page two publicity would outweigh the financial gain in charging, . Committee had requested documentation for need of additional part-time employees for rinks.,.Buckley distributed copies of a survey done by the Mounds View Park and Recreation Department, showing other cities' ratio of manpower to sheets of ice. Highest ratio was 1/2 person per sheet of ice, lowest was Arden Hills, with 1/5 man per sheet of ice. Hottinger asked if rinks are used to capacity; would it be possible to maintain fewer number of rinks after peak season? Buckley stated that "on and off" maintenance of a rink is not feasible; regular maintenance is essential in order to use at all. Rundquist and Evans asked what he expects to accomplish with additional help -- Buckley stated he would expect rinks could be cleaned more rapidly, and the quality of ice improved. Committee had questioned apparently large increase in Code #380, electric utilities. 1985 estimate is a clerical error ~t $1,175; should be $2,035. 1986 proposed budget amount provides for 10% increase in utility rates. In further discussion of total cost of skating rink maintenance, Mertensotto stated that this is a "big ticket" item; questioned if the amount of parti- cipants justifies the expenditure; recommended looking into ways to control these costs -- could we get volunteers to help maintain rinks -- would be in favor of a fee for use of ice rinks. He would like to see some of these monies diverted into providing winter recreational activities of varied types, (i.e. cross country skiing, sliding). Rautio stated that, as Finance Committee liaison to the Parks and Recreation Committee, she had scrutinized this budget closely, as well as other portions of the Parks budget; felt it was realistic and well-prepared; was surprised at the amount of questioning it received; felt strongly that the small amount of revenue garnered from fees for use of rinks would not justify the adverse public reaction that would pe generated. Sather noted that if charges were made for use of rinks, standards of maintenance would have to be upgraded; if a team is paying to use ice, it would expect it to be freshly flooded and groomed. Mertensotto asked if thought had been given to providing other winter sports activities, such as cross country skiing. Buckley stated he would look into this; results of survey currently being conducted may possibly show an interest in the Village's providing other types of winter recreation. . It was moved by Mertensotto, seconded by Rauenhorst, that the Finance Com- mittee recommend to the Parks and Recreation Committee that they look into providing winter activities of other types, and, in the process, study methods of lowering cost of maintaining ice skating rinks. Motion carried, (Rauenhorst, Evans, Mertensotto, Nesset, Rautio in favor, Rundquist and Hottinger abstained.) Committee questioned why Mounds View hockey rink is scheduled for first priority in clearing and flooding; Buckley stated this is a misstatement; is amonR the first -- high priority.