October 26, 2017 Special City Council Minutes

APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH RAINY RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (RRCC) TO USE KERRY PARK ICE ARENA FOR PRACTICE AND HOCKEY GAMES FOR THE WOMEN’S HOCKEY PROGRAM.

Mayor Anderson opened the Special Meeting to consider approval for the Rainy River Community College (RRCC) to use Kerry Park Arena for hockey practice and games for the RRCC Women’s Hockey program. Mayor Anderson stated that the Recreation Commission had entertained a request from RRCC to use the Kerry Park Arena after learning that the local school district would be charging a fee to use Bronco Arena, whereas in the past there was no charge. Councilor Droba requested the Recreation Commission refer the matter to the City Council since Kerry Park is a City-owned facility. Mayor Anderson further explained that there has been a great relationship between the City, Public School District, and RRCC in shared use of facilities for the academic and athletic development of the young people in our community.

Mayor Anderson recognized Bill Mason. He explained that RRCC has allowed the Jr. High Volleyball and Basketball teams to play games at no cost at the RRCC gym when they cannot use the Backus gym due to conflicts. He said due to conflicts this season the Volleyball team will be playing at RRCC five (5) times and the Basketball team seven (7) times. He also said the RRCC men and women teams have actually adjusted their practice schedule to accommodate the Jr. High teams. The RRCC practice and game times would not interfere with scheduled youth hockey activities at Kerry Park Arena.

Mayor Anderson said the City has been asked to approve an agreement for the RRCC Women’s Hockey program to use Kerry Park Arena at no cost. Discussion followed on fees.

MOTION by Councilor Jaksa to direct the City Administrator to draft an Agreement between Rainy River Community College and the City of International Falls to allow the use of the Kerry Park Ice Arena for the Women’s Hockey program at no cost to RRCC, effective October 2017, and authorize signatures. Motion seconded by Councilor Droba. In discussion, Councilor Droba noted that he wanted to make sure the decision to use the facility was approved by the proper authority. In addition, he explained the extra expenses would be minimal since the Recreation Director is salaried and would be doing most of the work himself; therefore, he could support the use of Kerry Park Arena at no cost to RRCC. Joe Schwartz commented that the agreement should include a liability clause. Bill Mason will verify what coverage is needed with our insurance agent. Motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Robert W. Anderson adjourned the meeting at 12:14 P.M.