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