Municipality of West Elgin

Minutes

West Elgin Community Centre Board of Management

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West Elgin Community Complex - Hybrid Meeting
160 Main St
West Lorne
Electronic Hybrid Meeting
Present:
  • Ken Loveland
  • Jim Hathaway
  • Terry Weed
  • Bill Denning
  • Ryan Statham
  • Terri Towstiuc
Staff Present:
  • M. Badura, Treasurer
  • Lee Gosnell, Manager of Operations and Community Services
  • Adam Ecker, Recreation Supervisor
  • Jenn Vanesse

Chair K. Loveland called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.

  • Moved:Bill Denning
    Seconded:Jim Hathaway

    That West Elgin Community Centre Board of Management hereby adopts the Agenda as presented.

    Carried

With the growth of Minor Hockey over the coming years they are going to require additional ice time. This year they will be tight with ice, but are trying to make it work. They have lost ice time to the Canucks which hinders younger kids getting on the ice at earlier times. Lee provided an explanation of how we have come to this point. Covid struck in 2020 towards the end of the season, 2020/2021 everything was in the air, so registration was down and not sure if the arena would be open. There was no travelling that season and only in house league skates. in 2021/2022 the numbers were still down and minor hockey didn't require as much time, so then that ice time became filled. in 2022/2023 minor hockey took back only the Thursday time slot the Canucks had. In 2023/2024 the Canucks were still on the Tuesday night and the draft schedule did not include the Tuesday from 5-6:30pm. The Canucks have now had that that spot for 2 seasons . All of the ice time spoken for from minor hockey is primetime ice, but not all the primetime ice has been scheduled. Currently minor hockey has Tuesdays booked from 6:30-9pm, so we are going to work together with them to see where we can get the time in that they need.

Right now staff cannot commit to anything with other users because the schedule isn't finalized, which may turn some users away to another facility that can guarantee time. The policy does not outline a time frame of when requests have to be in by. It was agreed that the policy needs updated for next season to include a deadline for requests as this will help staff for planning. The board will have discussions over the winter to change and adapt the policies to be current. In the past years groups have been adjusting with the requests and needs.

  • Moved:Jim Hathaway
    Seconded:Bill Denning

    That West Elgin Community Centre Board of Management Committee adopt the minutes of April 10, 2024 as circulated and printed.

    Carried

No business arising from the minutes.

Magda went over the financial statement in detail. For the revenues, the arena renaming donations were started in 2020 and have been put into a holding account. The event was planned for 2020 and delayed due to the pandemic. There is an expense account created for transparency of the arena renaming. The revenue and expenses for any donations will be on subsequent financials. There are some bad debts that need re-evaluated at the September meeting on whether they are written off. payment for the sign was received, so that will be adjusted for September financials. WLMH had a new treasurer in april, so Terry is reaching to make sure nothing was missed. For future financials, it was agreed that names will not be disclosed, and if so, it would be in a private session. Under expenses most of the building updates were for things like the overhead doors and the annual building inspection is included as well.

Jim asked about the Kraft Hockeyville money. Council approved last year for the $250,000 from Kraft and $150,000 to arena upgrades go to the reserves. $240,000 this year will go in for the dehumidification system. Magda asked for a timeline on when the renovations might begin, so they can make a decision on whether to invest for a longer period, or leave in the savings account that does generate interest.

  • Moved:Bill Denning
    Seconded:Ryan Statham

    That West Elgin Community Centre Board of Management Committee adopt the financials of August 16th, 2024 as circulated and printed.

    Carried

Registration is open and 2 families have worked off their volunteer money. The new President Robin Puspoky has asked for 3 things to be provided. The contract to date and confirm their ice time, confirmation of the start date, and to be a sponsor for the public skating.

All of the teams have been figured out. The ice contract and final schedule for the first 2 weeks of the season will be completed the end of this week, or beginning of next week. The registration numbers are the same as last year. They have lost some older kids like the U18, but have gained more younger kids. With the younger kids, this will increase their ice time for coming years.

The event is being held on Saturday from 11-4. Hockey Hall Of fame, interactive games, inflatables, face painting, food vendors, dunk tank, firefighters, skating club and minor hockey will be at the event. Bo will be signing autographs from 11-1 and the unveiling ceremony at 1pm. Sponsors will be recognized and prominent that day. The arena will not be open as everything will be held in Miller Park.

WLMH asked about banners being up before the ceremony, so they are going to work on a policy for the number of years or significance to be displayed as there isn't enough room in the arena to add more.

Will be starting September 3rd for ice. Minor Hockey is on the ice September 16th for conditioning skates that week and weekend. September 23rd, the skating club starts and most groups start that week, with some adult groups not starting until October. There are a few groups that are on hold waiting for ice time. some painting and touch ups have been made inside the building. A job posting is out till the end of the month for part time casual arena operator. They would be working mostly weekends and consist of building operation and ice maintenance. The boars will have an update on the architect for renovations at the September meeting.

  • Moved:Jim Hathaway
    Seconded:Bill Denning

    That the West Elgin Community Centre Board of Management hereby adjourn at 10:05 a.m. to meet again on September 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

    Carried