Full House Watches as St. Michael-Albertville Hockey Board Searches for an Answer

With a plan in place for a second sheet of ice, the St. Michael-Albertville Hockey Board now has some bigger questions – as in how to fund an expansion. Those took center stage in front of a full house at Albertville City Hall Monday evening as the hockey arena board met this week.

More than 50 hockey parents filled the room and listened to the board members share their thoughts and the thoughts of the council/boards they represent. The STMA Hockey Board conists of members of each city council, the St. Michael-Albertville School District and the STMA Hockey Association.

Larry Kruse, Albertville City Administrator started out by showing the presentation of the history and proposals that he had shown the Albertville council last week.  Albertville Council Member and arena board member Dan Wagner then opened up the mic to Scott Berning.

Berning shared with the group a letter he received from Doug Kephart, the director for District S Minnesota Hockey, stating that the STMA hockey program is the biggest youth hockey program in the district, and that the district would like to host more tournaments in this area, but can’t due to the arena issue.

All members of the board agree with Berning that there is a need, and that something needs to be done. But the discussion and disagreement lies in how to fund an expansion.

The current proposal asks that the school district, both cities and youth hockey financially support the venture.

Youth hockey has plans to have an ATV raffle, a golf tournament, a season kick-off banquest and also participate in Friendly City Days and St. Michael Daze to start raising the $500,000 proposed.

“We will work towards the $500,000, but an annual cost of $40,000 seems unreasonable,” Berning explained. “It would make hockey very expensive, and also change the focus to fundraising instead of youth development.”

The school district has already made it clear that they would like to assist but at this time they can’t financially.

“We already will be asking tax payers to vote on a levy next fall, which could give a tax implication.” Jeff Lindquist, STMA School Board member said. “We are dealing with some old debt issues because you came and we built.”

Another school board member Gayle Weber said, “We understand. This is a valuable asset and we want this to happen, but this is a tough time for us.”

An option thrown out by the board was that the school district could add another question to the ballot below the levy question to vote on an additional levy for the arena expansion. 

Albertville Council met and talked at length about the arena expansion at their last meeting, and while a vote has not taken place, there is a general agreement in principle.

“It’s a good thing to do, and personally I think it’s a good time. The interest rates are low and construction prices are good, too.” Larry Sorenson, Albertville City Council member said.

Wagner asked the youth hockey group to get a “push” going. “Any project needs a push to get us over the edge. It’s going to take a number and dollars to get to that push.”

St. Michael Council members Kevin Kasel and Nadine Schoen weren’t as enthusiastic about the project.

“The City of St. Michael has other bonding issues and infrastructure items to deal with right now. We realize the need, but we have to take care of the city budget first.” Kasel said. “We can’t give up our road maintenance or plowing so that we can expand the ice arena. Every small tax increment adds up for families.”

Schoen agreed, “This is a couple years out for us. We have to protect our taxpayers.”

Kasel and Schoen agreed that whatever is left at the end of the year due to variables in plowing etc, the city could save 10-20 percent of that towards a future hockey arena expansion. The plan is similar to what was done to fund a new city hall/library/senior center, which opened this year.

The St. Michael contingent's response did not sit well with some hockey parents.

Brent Bjorlin pointed out that “this is an investment for both cities. Families are going to move because we are discouraging hockey because we just don’t have the space.”

Bjorlin alone spent $175 out of pocket in addition to hockey costs for gas, taking his player to other arenas to practice.

“St. Michael’s lack of enthusiasm is disappointing. After a lot of research last year, I moved my family to this area in July 2010. Hockey is a big part of my family and before our move I asked and was told that STMA or Elk River is the best place for my daughters to play hockey,” Thayne Jensen told the board. “This is not a question of when; this is a question about how.”

Nan Smith asked the board to be specific. “What do we need to do? Let’s stop spinning our wheels and get somewhere.”

Kruse told youth hockey to start raising money. “Nothing speaks higher than having money in the bank.”

Kasel again reiterated that “the City of St. Michael is interested, and we do want to be involved. But we can’t go raise taxes without the support of the people. So go out there and talk to your neighbors and convince them that this is a need.”