2024-09-09 STMA Arena Board Minutes
ST. MICHAEL-ALBERTVILLE ARENA BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES September 9, 2024-6pm
Council Chambers
Albertville City Hall
Present: Chairman Cocking, Members Gleason, Wettschreck, Dwinnell, Weber and Hayden.
Absent: Lewis.
Also Present: City Administrator Nafstad, Finance Clerk Moseng, STMA Arena Manager Fitch,
Adam Frost for STMA Youth Hockey & Jason Bichler & Rick Aulwes Buildings & Grounds for
STMA School District.
1. Call to Order
Chairman Cocking called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
Chairman Cocking welcomed Albertville City Council member to the STMA Arena Board, John
Hayden to the Board, replacing Council Member Bob Zagorski.
2. Adopt Agenda
MOTION made by Member Gleason, seconded by Member Weber to adopt the Agenda as
presented. Ayes: Gleason, Wettschreck, Dwinnell, Cocking, Weber and Hayden. Nays: None.
Absent: Lewis. The motion carried.
3. Approval of Minutes
MOTION made by Member Gleason, seconded by Member Dwinnell to approve the May 13,
2024 Board Meeting Minutes as presented. Ayes: Gleason, Wettschreck, Dwinnell, Cocking, and
Hayden. Nays: None. Absent: Lewis. Member Weber Abstained from the vote as he was not
present at the prior meeting. The motion carried.
5. Finance Reports
Mr. Nafstad noted that the August balance and Accounts Receivable are the most current report
and there are no red flags that he is aware of. Additionally, the year to date is trending in the
Arena Board’s favor, as the income to expense is better than expected for this time of year.
Requested by Chairman Cocking to approve May, June, July & August 2024 Finance Reports
and Payment of Claims as presented. Member Gleason made the MOTION, seconded by
Member Dwinnell. Ayes: Gleason, Wettschreck, Dwinnell, Cocking, Weber, and Hayden. Nays:
None. Absent: Lewis. The motion carried.
STMA Arena Board September 9, 2024 Minutes
Page 2
6. Arena Manager’s Report
Mr. Fitch reported that the August numbers increased due to goalie clinic and a few local clinics
which brought in more sales than projected. Fitch stated that this was one of the better August’s
since he has been here.
Operations: The SCR Blanket renewal is coming up for November 1, 2024. Fitch stated that
nothing has changed for the upcoming renewal. He is anticipating a 50/50 refund coming back
from SCR with the goal to renew for the same price and coverage. Chairman Cocking mentioned
that the blanket seems to be a good deal for the Arena, but was curious to why there was no price
increase when everything else seems to be going up in price. Mr. Fitch commented that there is a
good working relationship with SCR.
Member Dwinnell asked if previous years usage and refunds could be calculated from SCR. Mr.
Fitch commented that he could go back and get the information.
MOTION made by Member Wettschreck, seconded by Member Dwinnell to adopt the
maintenance agreement with SCR in the amount of $2,873.75 per month as presented. Ayes:
Gleason, Wettschreck, Dwinnell, Cocking, Weber and Hayden. Nays: None. Absent: Lewis. The
motion carried.
Matting: Mr. Fitch stated that they were looking to do some replacements in the Spring and
would bring back concrete-numbers when closer to replacement.
Power Outage: The Arena was out of power for about 3 hours on August 26th. SCR was out and
got us back online.
Staffing: Mr. Fitch stated that they were in the process of hiring part time drivers and concession
workers; lost approximately 6 high school students who graduated.
Member Lewis asked about the low-e ceiling and how it was going. Mr. Fitch stated that they
weren’t chipping bumps every day saving 30-40 minutes each day for staff. Mr. Nafstad
commented that the lack of dripping and condensation was much better than anticipated.
7. Old Business
Holiday Closures: Mr. Nafstad reported that he was giving the Board of heads-up on the two
future meeting items that the school district has requested be discussed and put to resolution at
future meetings. Member Gleason asked if there will be additional attendance from the School
District to discuss and Mr. Nafstad stated that he believed he would be receiving additional
information from the school for the discussion.
Chairman Cocking commented that there are multiple legal opinions going back and forth and its
seems the school is open for some statutory legal holidays and closed for others. Jason Bichler
reported that the seven holidays observed by the school as no school/no facility/no practice are:
New Years Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day,
and Christmas Day. There are also additional holidays with school and added instruction: Martin
Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Indigenous People’s Day, and Veterans Day. Chairman
STMA Arena Board September 9, 2024 Minutes
Page 3
Cocking referenced MN State Statue 645.44 sub. 5 which defines holidays vs. the seven that the
School District is recognizing. Nafstad stated historically if there is a demand for ice and staff
willing to work; the Arena has been open generating revenue.
Member Dwinnell commented that the Arena has come along way in the last 8 years with
generating revenue. Dwinnel asked if the 3 days in question: Christmas Day, New Years Day,
Juneteenth could be reported to how much revenue has been generated over the years. Mr. Fitch
commented that he could gather information. Nafstad stated that no action required at this time.
Arena Advertising: The School District has an advertising policy. It is viewed by some that this
facility and sport are being treated differently than other district sports for advertising. Mr.
Nafstad reported that the Arena Board has had an Advertising Agreement with STMA Youth
Hockey Association since the addition of the new arena. STMA Youth Hockey has been good at
paying the annual fee (September 1st – August 31st) to the Arena Board for generally exclusive
rights to advertise. The 2024-2025 season ($20,000)/year) has been paid, but the Arena Board
will need to know if the revenue can be budgeted for the 2025-2026 season. No action is required
at this time.
8. New Business
9. Youth Hockey Association
Adam Frost stated he had nothing to report at this time.
10. Announcements and/or Upcoming Meetings
October 14 STMA Arena Board, 6 pm
11. Adjournment
MOTION made by Member Wettschreck, seconded by Member Dwinnell to adjourn at 6:25
pm. Ayes: Gleason, Wettschreck, Dwinnell, Cocking, Weber and Hayden. Nays: None. Absent:
Lewis. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________________
Kristie Moseng, Finance Clerk