Ice Arena Authority

NORWICH ICE RINK AUTHORITY MINUTES FROM SPECIAL MEETING HELD November 8, 2012 Authority Attendance: Mike Goldblatt, Cheryl Ritacco, Pete Desaulniers, Stephanie Davis, and Mike Meakem Absent: Patrice Jaskiewicz, Joann Beguhl Guest: Mia Sanca, Roger Moss Meeting was called to order by Pete Desaulniers at 7:05 pm, a quorum was present. Storm Report Mia Sanca reported that there was no power loss at the rink during Superstorm Sandy. Staff was prepared for this emergency should it have occurred. Executive Session It was agreed that there was no business that warranted executive session. Correspondence Cheryl Ritacco made a motion to receive communications from Theresa Barrows; Stephanie Davis seconded it. The motion was passed unanimously. Behavior Policy Action Based upon behavior exhibited by Marcie Vinciguerra during the public comment period of the Norwich Ice Rink Authority regular meeting on October 25, 2012, this special meeting was called to discuss disciplinary action and adoption of polices to discourage inappropriate behavior at the Norwich Ice Rink. Mike Meakem commented on his experiences with inappropriate behavior in his years of experience with USA Hockey related entities (Southeastern Youth Hockey, Connecticut Hockey Conference, and New England District USA Hockey). Mike read from USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy which addressed this type of inappropriate behavior. Mike Meakem went on to comment that he had phoned a colleague within USA Hockey (and local rink manager) who determines disciplinary action for violation of the zero Tolerance Policy within Connecticut to describe the events of October 25th. Mike Meakem indicated that based upon this conversation, as well as his past experiences with disciplinary action in youth hockey, he was making made a motion to suspend Marcie Vinciguerra from entering the Norwich Ice Rink for a period of 30 days pending official notification. Mike Goldblatt seconded Mike Meakem’s motion. Pete Desaulniers expressed concern that there was some confusion over whether there was actually a threat of violence exhibited by Marcie, and that he would like to recommend a 14 day suspension. Pete asked Mike Meakem if he would withdraw his motion so that the 14 day suspension motion could be made. Mike Meakem respectfully declined this request. There being no further discussion, the motion to suspend Marcie Vinciguerra from entering the Norwich Ice Rink for a period of 30 days was passed on a vote of 3-2 in favor of the motion. Cheryl Ritacco requested that we look to create a Norwich Ice Rink Behavior Policy customized from the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy. It was agreed that this policy would be drafted and presented at a future Norwich Ice Rink Authority meeting. Mike Goldblatt recommended that this policy include a minimum 30 day suspension for any inappropriate behavior that includes the threat of physical violence or actual violence. Mike Meakem shared his concerns over the amount of time and effort being spent by rink management and the rink authority on a portion of our business that represents approximately 10% of our gross revenues. Pete Desaulniers suggested that a meeting be held with Norwich Ice Rink figure skating organizations leadership to attempt to focus o ur resources going forward. Mia Sanca will look to schedule this meeting in the near future. With a motion by Mike Goldblatt and seconded by Stephanie Davis, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Michael Meakem