A) CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Hugh Mason.

Members Present: Mary Feindt, Fred DiMartino, John Kurtz, Hugh Mason, Jeff Porter, Dan Barron, Mayor Russell and Jeannine Wallace (arrived 5:45 p.m.)
Members Absent: John Taylor
Staff Present: City Planner Gerry Harsch and Street Superintendent John Martin

B) APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was approved as submitted.

C) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. October 22, 2001 Special Joint Meeting Minutes and
October 22, 2001 Regular Meeting Minutes

Motion made by Mary Feindt and seconded by Fred DiMartino to approve the minutes as presented. Motion adopted unanimously.

E) PUBLIC INPUT, NOT RELATED TO OTHER AGENDA ITEMS

F) NEW BUSINESS

G) OLD BUSINESS

1. Ice Rink in East Park

Street Superintendent John Martin was present to give the Board background information on the formation of an ice rink in East Park. The City tried unsuccessfully to create an ice rink in the park in the mid-1980's. The soil conditions and old building foundations did not permit the water to pool and form the rink. A rink would require a warming hut and supervision. Mr. Martin reported that he has problems keeping the ice rink near the high school staffed for posted operational hours. He has had to use City employees who were on overtime to staff the rink in past years. A membrane could be used as a foundation for the rink in East Park. He feels that the downtown rink must be supervised due to the close proximity of Round Lake for safety reasons. He stated that it is common for parents to drop off the children and then come back and pick them up later. The rink sometimes used as a babysitting service. Temporary lighting would have to be installed in East Park to accommodate the rink and permit visibility along the waterfront. The estimated cost of placing a rink in East Park is $25,000. Mr. Martin stated that there are iceless surfaces that could be used, but he would have to do research on the cost. He would be unable to have the information on an iceless rink in time to create one this Winter.

Dan Barron asked if Bridge Park could be used for the rink. Bridge Park is on a raised surface and has railings around the park area. East Park is used for many different uses, Bridge Park might be a better venue. Mr. Martin stated that Bridge Park has a slope in the park for drainage and the large vent pipes are in the middle. Mr. Barron questioned if a rink could be placed between the vents (estimated 30' x 50' rink). Mr. Martin stated that staff would have to look at the impact of the weight of the ice and its effect of the building.

Kirby Dipert asked if the upper level of the park, the area where the Lions sell Christmas trees, could be used. The area is approximately 40' x 60' in size. Ace Hardware can sharpen skates and is willing to look at a skate rental program. John Martin stated that this area is not level.

Linda Mason stated that an ice rink would add to the downtown atmosphere. The placement of the rink near the street would be an asset. The placement of the rink in the park this year, would permit us to see if the facility should be included in the downtown park plan. She also asked for information on the liner size. Mr. Martin stated the liner would fit the area, it can be rolled to accommodate any size of rink; but it can be easily damaged and cut by skates. Ms. Mason stated that a downtown rink could be used by families. The rink could have designated times for hockey. They are looking at setting up a volunteer schedule to supervise the rink. Mr. Martin stated that the City estimates that the rink is manned between 300-400 hours. The City has posted hours, but also try to open on school snow days. Mr. Martin questioned if the use of volunteers would be effective. What would happen if someone failed to show up? Ms. Mason stated that they are willing to seek donations to help pay for rink operation costs.

Jacque Merta of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce and the Charlevoix Convention and Visitors Bureau would like the DDA to know that they support the placement of an ice rink in the downtown area.

Jeff Porter asked if a snow fence barrier could be placed between the rink and the lake. Mr. Martin stated that the fence would have to be placed on the park side of the sidewalk.

Mary Feindt asked if the costs include the placement of restrooms. Mr. Martin stated that the estimates did include the placement of restrooms.

Fred DiMartino and Dan Barron feel that the placement of the rink would be a good trial. If people used it, then we could incorporate a rink in the downtown park planning plan. The rink could be an enormous benefit to the downtown merchants.

Hugh Mason asked if the merchants would be willing to financially support the ice rink Both Linda Mason and Kirby Dipert felt that they could obtain financial support for the rink.

Hugh Mason stated that he was advised that the City Recreation Commission looked at different locations for ice rinks. He was advised that it was their findings that a rink should be placed in the area of the Middle School

Jeannine Wallace asked if Christmas trees could be placed around the rink. If lights were placed on the trees, it would create a nice atmosphere.

Motion made by Jeff Porter to donate $12,500 toward the project for 2001-2002 Winter.

Dan Barron stated that it is uncertain if the additional $12,500 funding could be obtained by Downtown Retail Merchant's Association.

Motion died due to lack of support.

Kirby Dipert stated that he felt it'd be possible to come up with $5,000 to fund an ice rink. He asked if the funds could be used to toward building a warming hut?

The Board asked if there were any City or recreation funds available for the project. John Martin stated that the City would construct the rink, but that there are costs involved with the rink's construction.

Kirby Dipert stated that if the rink fails, then perhaps we don't need an ice rink in the downtown park area.

Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by Dan Barron that the DDA appropriate $20,000 this season, with the provision that $5,000 is received by others as gifts or donations toward the ice rink. Motion adopted unanimously.

It was generally agreed to place snow fence and trees around the rink area as a wind break. The rink will be placed on the upper level (the area where the Lion's sell x-mas trees) terrace so the rink can be seen from the roadway.

2. Frey Foundation Challenge Grant

Gerry Harsch stated that the City was not prepared to receive the challenge grant from the Frey Foundation. The city has received a grant from the Charlevoix Community Foundation in the amount of $5,000. The City will continue seeking funds from the private sector to meet the Foundation's challenge.


3. Visitor & Convention Facility Feasibility Study

Gerry Harsch stated that the Committee has met and has established a criteria for the convention feasibility study. We have sent out five RFP's and to date have received two proposals.

H) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

I) ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Fred DiMartino and seconded by Jeannine Wallace to adjourn. Motion adopted.

Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.


Linda Weller
Recording Secretary