Ice Arena Authority

OS/25/2012 14:05 85088'38583 GOLDBLATT BOKOFF LLC PAGE 01/05 NORWICH ICE RINK AIJTHORITY MINUTES FROM SPECIAL FINANCIAL MEETING June 12, 2012 Authority Attendance: Mike Goldblatt, Cheryl Ritacco, Mike Schennerhorn and Pete Desaulniers Absent: Rick Wolak Guest: .Jim Sanca and Roger Moss Meeting was called to order by Michael Goldblatt at 6:36 pm, a quorum was present. Pete Desaulniers explained that this special finan.cial meeting was called to discuss operations, staffing and contracts. Discussion took place regarding summer schedule at the Rink and the validity of closing during the months of July and August. Jim Sanca expressed the lack of elite programs run by the Rink to justify opening year round. Authority members feel there is a responsibility to the public to offer year round access and programs, in particular public skate, in a city-owned venue. Pete Desaulniers made a motion to maintain year-round operations and not closing for extended periods of time. Mike Schermerhorn seconded it. After no further discussion took place, motion was approved unanimously. Pete Desaulniers presented the Authority a proposed document outlining Authority and Rink management responsibilities and discussion took place. fJ,.f(i~ The Authority ""ill: Provide quarterly operational and financial reports to the City Council Provide necessary training to Rink employees. Currently there is an immediate need for training in marketing/PR and customer service. Approve budgets submitted by Rink management Rink Management will: Create budgets for the fiscal year. Budgets should cover operational costs of Rink and provide for capital improvements OS/25/2012 14:05 8508898583 GOLDBLATT BOKOFF LLC PAGE 02/05 Recommend staffing with final approval by the Authority. It was noted that Rink management needs to better supervise and manage staff. Pete Desaulniers made a motion to eliminate the Finance Director position effective June 30, 2012. Cheryl Ritacco seconded. Discussion took place. The position. has been targeted by City Council for the past year as a possible elimination. City would handle all Rink finances. After no further discussion, motion was unanimously approved. Day-to-day operations such as vendors/pro shop/snack bar, rink maintenance and group communications pertaining to ice availability will be the responsibility of Rink management. The Authority has asked that all contracts be brought to their attention and to include them in. the approval process. An official process needs to be established for future contract presentation and review. Currently u.nder consideration is a contract between the Rink and Rob Francis and Yulia Borissova for weekly ice rental during the months of July and August. Mike Schermerhorn made a motion to accept the contract for the period of .July 9, 2012 - August 247 2.012 for ice rental Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9 - Ham. Cheryl Ritacco seconded it. After no further discussion took place, motion was approved unanimously. A top priority for the Rink and the Authority is to work with Norwich residents and surrounding communities to foster stronger, more positive relationships. The current negative publicity and feelings tbat are surrounding the Rink need to chan,ge and naysayers need to become ambassadors. Ways to change perception need to be discussed and acted upon. With a motion by Mike Schermerhorn and seconded by Cheryl Ritacco the meeting 'was adjourned at 7:55 PM. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Ritacco