CLICK TO HEAR NEGAUNEE CITY ICE ARENA UPDATE
At the most recent Negaunee City Council meeting, City Manager Heffron addressed the concerns centered around the operations and future plans of the Negaunee Ice Arena.
User groups of the ice arena were in attendance to garner support to request the council make the necessary investment in the facility to keep it operational and offer support.
Over the past few years, the chilling unit that creates ice and maintains the proper temperature is malfunctioning and is well beyond its useful life. Council has invested over $91K in funds to keep the system afloat while funding has been sought to make the necessary repairs. Cost for the chiller unit alone is estimated to reach up to $500K.
Currently an engineering firm has been engaged to provide estimates, timelines, and other critical information to staff that will be presented at the next council meeting in November.
The overall proposed project at this time will include the following: the full replacement of the chilling unit, revamping of current facilities (restrooms, locker rooms, and other common spaces), construction and expansion of additional locker rooms, the insulation of the roof of the facility, and parking lot upgrades (expansion, lighting and repaving).
With the lack of a long-term dedicated funding mechanism for the ice arena since 1986, along with little to no investment made into the facility, its maintenance issues have now come to a head. Similar to many of the other infrastructure issues facing the city today, such as, roads, parks, water and sewer systems. Lack of investment leads to disaster or a disruption in services.
However, today’s council and city staff are up for the challenge to save this asset of the community.
The fact of the matter is, the ice arena does not make the city money most years. The ice arena falls under the general fund, the same fund that includes police, DPW, fire, library, and many other service-based departments.
Additionally, it is estimated that nearly $1.1M will be needed to make the aforementioned upgrades. The general fund, including other city funds, cannot bare such a cost without placing the city at major financial risk.
Numerous grants have been sought over the past few years, to no avail. Staff have even attempted to obtain what is known as pork barrel spending, but this too has failed.
Questions have risen on use of the current recreation millage. Unfortunately, this cannot be used. Voters passed this millage some years ago to help facilitate the operations of the parks and recreational facilities of the city. Capital improvements are not permitted (this means facility repairs or equipment purchases).
The only alternative is to collect a new millage. Staff is working to gather all proper information necessary to present at council and the community. Should council support this measure, it will be placed on the ballot for the voters of Negaunee to decide.
The city looks forward to working with a small group of representatives to finalize plans and stay connected to user groups concerning this issue. More information will be provided at the next regular council meeting in November.
Questions concerning this release may be directed to the attention of the Nate Heffron, City Manager, at (906) 475-7700 ext. 11.
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