City Council OKs $30K Holiday Ice Skating Rink

City Council approved a proposal to spend $30,000 on a Community Park skating rink that would operate during the holiday season.

The skating rink, which will be financed from the city general fund's undesignated fund balance, is expected to generate about $6,000 to $8,000 in revenue.

According to a staff report, the 2,000-square-foot rink would accommodate up to 50 people at a time. Three quotes showed the average cost for the turnkey rental of artificial ice would be $17,000. Additional costs include $7,550 for equipment and supplies, $4,250 for snow and $1,200 for security.

Despite the unanimous approval, leaders did express their concerns about the costs.

Councilman Dave Grosch said he thought the "$10 [admission price] is excessive for 30 minutes" of time on the ice skating rink, and Councilwoman Merrilee Boyack said she hoped the city could find sponsors for the rink.

Deputy Mayor Jim Cunningham, who proposed the idea, said Powegians have his commitment to gain sponsors for the rink.

"We're very much lacking in family entertainment," he said. "I have a sense that this community will embrace this."

Other entertainment, including holiday crafts and a snowplay area, will complete the holiday festivities. The skating rink will operate from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, and noon to 9 p.m. on Dec. 17-19. Admission would be $5 per child and $10 per adult.

In other council business:

• Council approved a resolution to immediately suspend collection of stormwater program charges and have a first reading of the ordinance to repeal Chapter 13.25.
• Council members approved a number of transactions to close the 2010-11 fiscal year.
• Council members authorized staff to apply for the county's Community Development Block Grant issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Council members approved all-way stop signs at the Valle Verde Road and Solera Way/Vinter Way intersection. See a separate story on the agenda item .