The Dundas City Council approved a resolution of support that would solidify a partnership with the City of Northfield, the Northfield Area School District and the Northfield Hockey Association to build a new ice arena for the Northfield area.
Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen said all four parties have settled on one basic design option for the new arena.
“There are options, which I’m sure that you’ve heard about. What I could talk about is the middle option. It’s one sheet of ice and maybe some lesser amenities. And I think everybody in this little partnership has determined that that $20.9 million ice arena is where we’re all landing.”
The vote had been expected. Dundas Mayor Glenn Sweitzer had addressed the Northfield City Council at a meeting in May offering the city’s support, and saying he expected the Dundas Council to approve the resolution. Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig said the plan is for Dundas residents to pay the same proportionate costs as Northfield residents would.
Earlier in May, the Northfield School Board approved a letter to the City of Northfield, stating the school district would commit to a 20-year lease on the arena at up to $250,000 each year.
Currently the school district pays rent of $50,000 each year, so the $5 million commitment over 20 years is a substantial increase.
The Northfield Hockey Association has committed to raising $2 million in private funds to put toward the construction, and should they raise more than that, the additional funds would go toward enhancements in the design, such as pre-cast concrete bleachers and a dry-land facility.
What remains, then regarding the ice arena question, is for the Northfield City Council to approve the plan. However, there is no guarantee of that.
When the Northfield Council discussed the project earlier this month, as has been the case in previous discussions, several councilors were reluctant to offer full support. Councilor Davin Sokup has concerns about the property tax increases the arena would bring, and the impact that would have on housing. Councilor Jessica Peterson White, whose 4th Ward includes Downtown Northfield, expressed concern over the tax increase that would be levied upon the commercial property owners she represents. Councilor Kathleen Holmes questioned the allocation of extra funds from the Hockey Association, and asked why those dollars could not be put toward the original design and construction, thereby easing some of the tax concerns. Only Councilor Brad Ness has given the project his full-throated support.
Mayor Rhonda Pownell acknowledged the difficulties with building a new arena, but she also said this situation must be put to bed.
“It’s a difficult decision to make, but at some point, the community needs to move forward. This may be our last option. We either need to move this forward or get out of the ice business. It is so important for our community and that building is in such rough shape.”
The Council will once again discuss the matter during their regular meeting next Tuesday. It is possible they could make a decision at that time.
