City Commission Hears From Pat O’Donnell Civic Center Board
IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Friday, January 29, 2010 - The Pat O’Donnell Civic Center Board met Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at 5:30 PM, at the Ironwood Public Safety Building, downtown Ironwood, Michigan.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM. The City Commissioners was present to meet with the board to discuss Civic Center issues, and see where everything stands regarding goals and how’s the Center is doing. The Commissioners were: Mayor Bob Burchell, Gemma Lamb, Kim Corcoran, William Lucius, and Rick Semo. City Manager Scott Erickson was also present.
Civic Center Board members present: Joe Metzger, John Kasieta, Chuck Lutzer, William Lucius(also Commissioner), John Lorenson, Paulette Clemens, and John Grotberg.
Present for the press were Lou Bonagura and Arvo Toolanen, Ironwood info and myself, representing Superior Chronicle.
The docket was approved. The Minutes from January 6, 2010 were approved.
Scott Erickson commended the Board for the updates and improvements and custodial work of the facility.
John Kasieta shared an idea about drilling their own well, saving money in the long run. The well would cost between $15,000 to $20,000 to drill a well.
Chuck Lutzer said the current ice machine cannot support summer ice.
The door in the front part of the building is too small, and needs to be enlarged.
John Lorenson explained that the Civic center is run by volunteers on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. The clubs are there those nights. They hope to one day hire a manager again, and must work up by small steps. John asked the Commission if grants are available to help with “Green” technology, for things such as solar panels.
William Lucius said capital improvements must happen to attract people to the Center.
The debt to be paid off for the Civic Center is $27,000, and will be paid off in a ceremony sometime next month, during an event at the Civic Center. In answer to the Mayor, Joe said the debt was approximately $150,000. The debt is being paid off two years early.
The Board will appeal to the community to see what events and shows they would like to see. John Kasieta would like to see a Polka Festival.
The clubs are charged $109.00 per hour for the ice time, and more could be charged during the summer, if summer ice were an option.
Water prices have gone up a large degree, being billed from the township now. It now runs about $7,000 per year just for ice making.
The Mayor was told the way to lower the water prices would be to ask the township to lower the prices.
More things than ice activities need to be offered to maximize the usage.
To fix the cooling and water system (using existing cooling and coils system), will be approximately $50,000. It is unknown if the current system would support summer ice. The committees that will be formed will be tasked with finding out figures and necessary information regarding this, and other issues.
The Commission was asked whether the Civic center could be under the city’s umbrella, with the Chamber of Commerce. Scott Erickson will ask the Chamber.
Calls coming to the Center are not answered during the summer, missing engagements. It was suggested that calls could be forwarded to the City during the summer. Scott Erickson said that would be feasible.
A D.J. during open skating was mentioned by Joe Metzger.
The EDC (Economic Development Corporation) may be an option for funding, and it will be looked into.
Workshop Concluded
Old Business
A) Polar Bear Hockey Contract
Paulette Clemens will make sure Todd gets the original contract, with Paulette and Joe keeping a copy. It was previously misplaced.
B) Polar Bear Hockey Proof of Insurance
A copy is to go to the City.
C) Payment Received from Polar Bear Hockey Concessions
Proof needs to be obtained to make sure it was received.
New Business
William Lucius volunteered to rewrite the rental agreement for the Circus, being held Thursday, April 29, 2010. All in favor.
No action to be taken now on Joe Rimkus’ booking of the Civic Center for the 2011 Home Show. Motion to table issue passed unanimously.
Polar Bear Hockey Bantam District Tournament. February 19, 20, & 21, 2010.
Seven teams come in for this event, and the showcasing of the Civic Center was discussed. It is desired to use volunteer power. Cleanliness is the biggest issue, as well as snow removal. John Lorenson said it is imperative to make sure the place is being kept clean. It was suggested that someone skilled be there to sharpen skates.
Date For Craft Show
It was agreed to table this issue until the next meeting.
Wireless Router
All were in in favor of purchasing a wireless router to accommodate internet service.
Committees were formed: promotions and marketing, and maintenance and capital improvement; including the public, to speed up the improvement process. Scott Erickson said interested people can call the Memorial Building to get contact information about joining a Committee. All were in favor of permission being granted for committees to meet outside of Board Meetings, for organizational and directional purposes. Paulette Clemens will be on Promotions and Marketing, Chuck Lutzer on Maintenance and Capital Improvement, John Kasieta on Maintenance and Capital Improvements, John Grotberg on Maintenance and Capital Improvements, and William Lucius will be on the Promotions and Marketing Committee, John Lorenson on Promotions and Marketing, Chuck Lutzer will be on Maintenance and Capital Improvement.
Public Comment: None
Next Meeting
February 24, 2010, at 5:30 PM., at the Ironwood Public Safety Department.
Meeting Adjourned
