Laserfiche WebLink
Mayor Hosterman voiced her sadness in the outcome but hoped to identify ways to re- introduce <br /> holiday ice in the future. <br /> City Manager Fialho said he has been asked a lot about whether bringing ice skating to the <br /> downtown made financial sense. Notwithstanding that SJAM did not meet their expected <br /> revenues based on attendance, the City holds a number of activities in the community that do <br /> not make financial sense but build community, enhances quality of life, and provides <br /> recreational activities for the public. If the location is right, staff will reintroduce this in the future <br /> and SJAM is committed. Although given current locations available, it is not possible for the City <br /> to host it downtown. He indicated there are other sites such as the Bernal property where there <br /> is no adjacent impact to neighborhoods or in the parking lot of the sports park, but needed is an <br /> active sponsor. The Sharks are motivated by visibility and the ability to draw many people. If a <br /> site becomes available in the downtown, he said staff will bring back the matter and have a <br /> different recommendation for the Council to consider. <br /> Mayor Hosterman opened the item for comment. <br /> Angelina Summers said she spoke to many people today indicating that the matter would be <br /> discussed. The lease agreement was made in April 2009 and it was her understanding that the <br /> skating rink was undecided until the summer of 2009, yet the agreement calls for the location to <br /> be at the southeast parking lot of the library located along Bernal. She questioned why residents <br /> were not told upfront as to where the location would be. She said library employees were not <br /> aware of its location until construction occurred in the parking lot, and complained that the City <br /> assumed responsibility for securing a suitable site at a cost of $1 per year. The City was also <br /> responsible for providing security, personnel, free storage of equipment, and purchase a <br /> sponsorship package from the licensee for three years at a cost of $40,000 per year. She noted <br /> her questions were contained in the letter she forwarded and she asked for an answer to them. <br /> John Carroll said he is surprised at the $50,000 cost to the City, and said his understanding was <br /> that the City would fund upfront costs but revenue from operations was to be used to pay the <br /> City back. He questioned the financial analysis performed, noted there has been additional <br /> interest in SJAM building a facility at Staples Ranch, and said he had questions from as early as <br /> April 1, 2007 that have not been answered. He also noted there was no hockey team present <br /> tonight, he does not see a lot of support, and requested the Council follow staff's <br /> recommendation to hold off until finding a preferred location. <br /> Mayor Hosterman closed public comment. <br /> Mr. Fialho reported that in early 2009, this matter first came before the Planning Commission <br /> who acted on the location of the site and recommended the temporary library parking lot <br /> location to the Council. Staff also brought forward a license agreement through the <br /> recommendation that eventually the City signed onto. The agreement separated out some of the <br /> responsibilities for operating the ice rink. SJAM had responsibilities for purchasing the ice rink, <br /> operating it, and staffing it. The City had obligations to make sure it was safe and secure both <br /> during and after hours, bringing in temporary utilities to the site, and doing marketing jointly on <br /> behalf of SJAM. <br /> The agreement was unanimously approved by the Council, and a month had passed and staff <br /> assessed whether or not to change the location from the library to another location which met <br /> the objectives of the City and the PDA in terms of stimulating economic activity. A decision was <br /> made to relocate it to Delucchi Park. Concerns were raised by the adjacent neighborhood and <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 10 September 21, 2010 <br />