Groups pitch arena management proposals to city

The pitches for managing the ice arenas at Brainerd Area Civic Center have been made. Now the decision on who should manage the arenas rests with the Brainerd City Council.

Two groups, the nonprofit Brainerd Amateur Hockey Association and a for-profit group headed by Brainerd resident and business owner Shelly Trimble, on Monday presented proposals to the Brainerd Personnel and Finance Committee, one of the council's two subcommittees, for managing the Brainerd Area Civic Center and Gold Medal Arena.

The city also has the option to reject both plans and continue managing the arenas.

However, the committee was not ready Monday to make a recommendation to the full Brainerd City Council. Committee Chairwoman Mary Koep noted committee member Kelly Bevans' absence and the need to involve everyone in all discussions related to the arenas. Committee member Anne Nelson Fisher agreed.

"When the final result happens, whatever it is, as long as every council person has had an opportunity to be involved in that decision it will be a better decision all the way around," Koep said.

Though the process was further along than it was a month ago, Koep said it will be a difficult decision for both the committee and the council.

"In the long run, how's this going to benefit the city the most? I think that's what this comes down to. And when I say that, that includes the children and all of the other users," Koep said.

Instead, the issue will be again discussed by the committee from 5-5:45 p.m. at its Monday meeting preceding the regular council meeting.

Trimble's proposal was for a three-year contract with a 60-day out clause for either party. The arenas would be managed by Jesse Anderson, a former semi-pro hockey player and current Brainerd business owner who spent 17 years in managing and maintaining arenas in Hopkins and Bloomington. Trimble, who owns two businesses in Brainerd, would be the financial/human resources professional, and Keri Larson, who co-owns a business with Trimble, would be director of marketing/public relations.

Trimble said one reason she formed a for-profit group to manage the arenas was because of the city's recent decision to opt for a for-profit bus service management company instead of a nonprofit one, though the nonprofit was the low bidder.

"We just want what's best for the arena and the city," Trimble said. "I believe in the community wholeheartedly."

Trimble said her group expects to make a profit of $16,794 in running the arenas. Her proposal included no city funds to be used in operation and maintenance of the arenas, only in the case of capital improvements more than $10,000. Her group also would like the city to assist with snow removal from the parking lot, a police officer at high school games, ice removal from the arenas and insurance with her group paying premiums.

Under Trimble's plan, groups using ice time - BAHA, Vacationland Figure Skating Club, Minnesota Hockey Camps and others - would pay $115 per hour for winter ice and $125 per hour for summer ice 2009-2010; $120 per hour for winter ice and $130 per hour for summer ice 2011-2012; and $125 per hour for winter ice and $135 per hour for summer ice in 2013.

The Brainerd School District would pay $40,000 for the 2009-2010 school year and $45,000 for the 2010-2011 school year; dry floor events would be $50 per hour starting in 2010 and $60 per hour starting in 2013; and non prime ice rates, from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday and after 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday would be $90 per hour.

"It's very important to us to create and pledge a cooperative relationship with all facility users," Trimble said.

BAHA, which currently owns the Gold Medal Arena, presented a proposal based on the idea that the group would turn over ownership of its arena to the city.

BAHA proposed a five-year agreement to manage both arenas that could be renewable to 10 years. BAHA is seeking no financial compensation from the city for management of the arenas but would want the city to pay for capital improvements proposed by the city. BAHA also seeks to have the city pay for capital improvements needed for certain equipment already in place in the arenas.

"We feel the arenas are an asset to the entire area and wish to manage the arenas to promote their use for all purposes," said Eric Fischer, BAHA vice president.

"Our proposal will save the city significant money while providing an affordable facility for users."

Though numbers were provided Monday, Fischer said BAHA would want rights to set ice rates and is committed to not reducing its own ice rate below current levels.

Both groups presented marketing plans to increase use of the arenas for ice and dry floor events.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.