It's official: BAHA gets control of civic center

On Oct. 1, Brainerd Amateur Hockey Association will be handed the keys to the Brainerd Area Civic Center and Gold Medal Arena.

The Brainerd City Council Tuesday in a 6-1 vote approved the final contract with BAHA to have the nonprofit organization take over management of the ice arenas.

Voting against was council member Bob Olson. The council had no discussion on the final contract approval.

The contract with BAHA, which starts Oct. 1, is for five years and gives the organization control of the arenas finances, scheduling and management. BAHA will pay the city a $200 annual contract fee.

For several months, the city council has debated several issues concerning the management contract, including naming rights and a request from BAHA for funding for large capital projects. The contract approved by the city includes allowing BAHA to sell naming rights for the facility provided the word Brainerd is in the name. The contract also stipulates BAHA will be responsible for the $10,000 for all maintenance and repairs. The city will be responsible for all costs after BAHA has paid $10,000.

Several BAHA representatives attended Tuesday's meeting but did not address the council.

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