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• <br />MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 16, 1996 <br />( #15 - #2103 Orono Hockey Boosters - Continued) <br />Schroeder asked if the Boosters would be operating at a surplus and what would happen <br />to the surplus. Engebretson said the projections are for selling all ice in prime time at <br />$125/hour with $100,000 from net, $20,000 from skate sharpening, and $100,000 from <br />advertising for a $220,000 revenue per year. With a $150,000 operating cost and a <br />$100,000 surplus, the $60,000 - 70,000 would allow for building maintenance and be <br />reinvested into the program. The money would help to buy down the participation cost. <br />Engebretson said if there was true surplus, the Boosters would like to give the money <br />away. <br />Lindquist asked if there would be preferential treatment to Orono residents. Engebretson <br />said the cost would be the same to all participants. <br />Smith asked if the use would be on a first come -first served basis or by contract. <br />Engebretson said there would be an annual contract up front for prime time use. The time <br />would then be allocated between games and scrimmages. The two biggest buyers of ice <br />time would be the school and Orono hockey use. Smith also asked if there was projected <br />ice time allocated for other uses, such as handicap. Engebretson said there would be more <br />time available during prime time than the association itself needed. He added that it was <br />hard to predict the amount of time that would be needed by the girls' league. <br />Smith asked what would occur if it was found that the financial situation was not working, <br />whether it would revert to school or city ownership. Engebretson said he did not know <br />but could not imagine the project failing. He noted the number of ice hours used by the <br />different programs, the need now for additional time, and operating with a $100,000 <br />reserve as reasons for its predicted viability. <br />Engebretson was asked what effect the arena would have at the Pond and at the Delano <br />rink. Engebretson said it would allow other towns to have ice time available noting the <br />shortage as it is now. Engebretson also added that the arena would be operating without a <br />debt load beyond the operating cost, which would distinguish it from other rinks. <br />Hawn noted that the school was currently buying ice time at the pond at cost, which is $30 <br />less an hour. She asked why the school would be willing to pay premium rate when they <br />currently do not have to pay that price. Engebretson said there was a shortage of space at <br />the pond, no bus service to the pond, and with the need for girls' league expansion, the <br />school was willing and prepared to budget for the additional cost. <br />Engebretson was asked if there were any for -profit ice arenas. He said there were, and <br />they tended to be more grandiose. <br />24 <br />