Ice Arena Authority

NORWICH ICE RINK AUTHORITY MINUTES FROM MEETING HELD JANUARY 15, 2009 Authority Attendance: Mike Schermerhorn, Doug Barlow, Cheryl Ritacco, and Rich Wolak Absent: Mike Goldblatt, Judy Deglin and Dean Pfeifer Guest: Jim Sanca Meeting was called to order by Michael Schermerhorn at 6:20 pm, a quorum was present. Minutes from November 2008, submitted by Cheryl Ritacco, were read and approved. Motion to accept made by Doug Barlow; seconded by Rich Wolak. Public Comments Letter sent in commending Rink by Denise Mello from Lebanon (see attached) Correspondence There was no correspondence Reports Manager Jim Sanca reported on the following: • Nutcracker on Ice took place in November. Ticket sales were successful. • The Rink will host a Wizard of Oz show during the month of March. • Special holiday public skate was held December 26 and January 2. Attendance was good. • Norwich residents will skate for free on public ice on the first Saturday of every month. • For the second year in a row, The Rink won a trophy at the winter parade – “Best Theme Float – It’s a Wonderful Life.” • Learn to skate started January 11 with 279 participants, 50 more than same time last year. The Rink is hoping to break the 300 mark with late registrants. • New programs being offered during the upcoming months: Bernie Cassell Hockey Skills and Adult Freestyle sessions. • High school hockey season has started. St. Bernards and St. Thomas More call The Rink their home.  • The Rink announces it will be the site of three youth hockey state tournaments in March as well as a ladies tournament during the same month. • Rink is contemplating shutting down around the 4th of July holiday for maintenance. • Jim Sanca reported on utility usage. Gas bill was very high due to a 37-day cycle as well as adjusting/maintaining a consistent temperature in the rink. All utilities were up due to the extended cycle. • Making up for the absence of NFA hockey income has been an increase in ice rental from St. Thomas More and St. Bernards, youth hockey and locker room rentals. Old Business Doug Barlow has been speaking with NFA Athletic Director, Gary Makowicki about the future of an NFA hockey team. Gary feels that NFA will have the numbers to create a team in 2009-2010. Gary is still considering a co-op program with another school. Talks have begun with Stonington High School. New Business There was no new business Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:20pm. Motion to accept made by Rich Wolak; seconded by Doug Barlow. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Ritacco